tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41825378220279649472024-03-13T07:46:45.384-04:00Lazy Days and SundaysKnittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.comBlogger843125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-46050843903447651652014-07-02T10:57:00.002-04:002014-07-02T10:57:35.343-04:00I'm moving but still blogging....For reasons that aren't likely to be of interest to anyone but me, I won't be adding any new new posts here after today. I thought about closing it to anyone but me, but I realize that there are pins to some of my projects on Pinterest, so I'm leaving this open.<br />
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If you are a friend and follower and came here wondering where I am, please visit me at <a href="http://gigiscrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gigi's Crafts</a>.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by, and I hope to see you at my new place.</div>
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Knitwit1975/media/Knitty%20smilies/signature_22.gif.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo signature_22.gif" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/Knitwit1975/Knitty%20smilies/signature_22.gif" /></a>Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-62584023371156031732014-06-15T11:00:00.001-04:002014-06-15T11:00:54.538-04:00Dropping in with another cardI don't think I've seen a stamp made by Art Impressions that I didn't like, and thought I was familiar with most of them until I saw 5 sets on Pinterest that are exclusive to Michaels. Visits to two Michaels locations later, I now own 4 of the sets.<br />
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The first set I've used is Birthday Airplane Wishes. Friends of mine recently had an anniversary. He is a pilot and they have a Vizsla. If you aren't familiar with that breed, here is a photo of one of the Hungarian hunting dogs.<br />
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With that information, can you see why this stamp set was a good choice for making their card? Here is the front:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3bqaOkI1QQ/U52qvrWLgsI/AAAAAAAAMUk/eUInNsB9JqI/s1600/Joes+front+500+tall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3bqaOkI1QQ/U52qvrWLgsI/AAAAAAAAMUk/eUInNsB9JqI/s1600/Joes+front+500+tall.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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And here is the inside of the card. My hand written greeting went on the left, the back of the cover.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-KPiQIOq6M/U52qvpuZ4ZI/AAAAAAAAMUo/-D-xsE5Y8S0/s1600/Joes+inside+500+tall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-KPiQIOq6M/U52qvpuZ4ZI/AAAAAAAAMUo/-D-xsE5Y8S0/s1600/Joes+inside+500+tall.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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I used Tombow markers and water to create a sky background on Bristol paper. I stamped the images, then scanned them and slightly enlarged them for easier coloring with Copic markers. The images were fussy cut and glued to the sky background. The lettering was done in Word. The cover greeting used Stampin Up punches, the arced lettering of Happy Anniversary was done using Word's word art and the banner was cut free hand.<br />
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If you are wondering about these sets, here are ones that I have seen at Michaels:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WgtIvWxIuk/U52yPfmJE9I/AAAAAAAAMVQ/P5Vy-9XwvfQ/s1600/Airplane+Birthday+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WgtIvWxIuk/U52yPfmJE9I/AAAAAAAAMVQ/P5Vy-9XwvfQ/s1600/Airplane+Birthday+set.jpg" height="320" width="186" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9pr83mlOLc/U52yPY0BxcI/AAAAAAAAMVI/3jy38sarvXs/s1600/Camper+Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9pr83mlOLc/U52yPY0BxcI/AAAAAAAAMVI/3jy38sarvXs/s1600/Camper+Set.jpg" height="320" width="184" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qn8TdPNrnB0/U52yPZ0EEkI/AAAAAAAAMVM/X5ByRBkJZBI/s1600/Gardeners+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qn8TdPNrnB0/U52yPZ0EEkI/AAAAAAAAMVM/X5ByRBkJZBI/s1600/Gardeners+set.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7doNL1j5i8/U52yQ8hPM7I/AAAAAAAAMVk/6h1A38MYq5g/s1600/Girlfriends+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p7doNL1j5i8/U52yQ8hPM7I/AAAAAAAAMVk/6h1A38MYq5g/s1600/Girlfriends+set.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
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<br />Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-46646453127106594312014-06-11T10:55:00.000-04:002014-06-11T10:55:17.307-04:00Graduation CardsThe cost of two graduation cards at a Hallmark store could be $10. The cost of two handmade graduation cards could be $368.21. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dXiyNxNgRA/UDOcSJSleiI/AAAAAAAALAI/07VxLi4uV6w/s1600/shakinghead.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2dXiyNxNgRA/UDOcSJSleiI/AAAAAAAALAI/07VxLi4uV6w/s1600/shakinghead.gif" /></a><br />
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That was just a joke, but one we often repeat in this house. Just yesterday I went to the local scrapbook store for one, only ONE, sheet of paper and spent $27. I am good for the crafting economy.<br />
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My point is, I don't make cards to save money nor do I make gifts of any other manner to order to save cash. I certainly don't do any of this to save time. I make the things I do because they make me happy and hopefully the recipient is pleased that I took time and thought of them during the process. When they are happy about that, it sweetens my pleasure.<br />
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We have two high school graduation parties coming up. This first card is for a neighbor's son. I followed instructions given <a href="http://fairlycrafty.blogspot.com/2012/05/graduation-card.html" target="_blank">here</a> with the only change being and additional layer of card stock. The black was cut to the original dimensions, the white layers a 1/4" smaller on all sides.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffDOUI5Zab4/U5hlGBmkRRI/AAAAAAAAMTQ/2SxaFQ_-rv8/s1600/Marko+500+tall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ffDOUI5Zab4/U5hlGBmkRRI/AAAAAAAAMTQ/2SxaFQ_-rv8/s1600/Marko+500+tall.jpg" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
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The yellow paper shows where cash or a check will be inserted. The tassel was made from red and white embroidery floss. Today I will attempt to make an envelope for this, perhaps just a large square one. The card will be hand delivered, so I'm not terribly worried about creating an envelope.<br />
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The next card is for a girl I've known since her birth. I have enjoyed making "card in a box" greetings before and this time decided to try a rectangular rather than square card. The directions for the square card in a box (or pop up box card) are <a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/popupboxcard/" target="_blank">here</a> and examples of cards that I've made following that pattern are <a href="http://lazydayandsundays.blogspot.com/2014/01/birthday-card.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://lazydayandsundays.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-baby-sweater-and-another-pop-up-card.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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The directions for the rectangular version (<a href="http://lazydayandsundays.blogspot.com/2014/01/birthday-card.html" target="_blank">found here</a>) and while my card will fold flat, I didn't keep in mind the height of my add-ins. The idea of these box cards is that when folded flat, they look like a box and you don't see the photos and embellishments inside that pop out. Oh well. I think the graduate is going to like the card anyway.<br />
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A shot from above the card<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emuC_GceAqA/U5hpYnho5OI/AAAAAAAAMT4/kacGqqaIoLc/s1600/Megan+a+500+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-emuC_GceAqA/U5hpYnho5OI/AAAAAAAAMT4/kacGqqaIoLc/s1600/Megan+a+500+wide.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A photo at eye level<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mWpflwoBME/U5hpYtGRQII/AAAAAAAAMTk/NIrbaUcVt3c/s1600/Megan+b+500+tall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mWpflwoBME/U5hpYtGRQII/AAAAAAAAMTk/NIrbaUcVt3c/s1600/Megan+b+500+tall.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a></div>
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From the side you see a bit of what is going on inside. There are two strips of paper added in the middle of the box. The photos and twirly ribbons are glued to those strips, staggering their depth within the box.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmbH7BH-bMo/U5hpYp79PwI/AAAAAAAAMTg/EafcnYIbW_k/s1600/Megan+c+500+tall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmbH7BH-bMo/U5hpYp79PwI/AAAAAAAAMTg/EafcnYIbW_k/s1600/Megan+c+500+tall.jpg" height="320" width="166" /></a></div>
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And here is the back. I added another piece of red paper to the back with the half circle cut out at the top. That is glued on the sides and bottom only. There is a piece of white paper stuck inside to show where the cash or check will go. Guess I should have used yellow again since it blends in with the back of a photo. I will write our personal greetings to the grad and fold that paper over the cash or check before it goes into this pocket, maybe with a ribbon pull tie on the edge of the paper.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xclM6RVCPkA/U5hpZ1bsTFI/AAAAAAAAMTs/jAxae6IcGUM/s1600/Megan+d+500+wide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xclM6RVCPkA/U5hpZ1bsTFI/AAAAAAAAMTs/jAxae6IcGUM/s1600/Megan+d+500+wide.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
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The twirly ribbons are stickers on acetate. The stickers adhered to the acetate but neither glue, glue dots, nor double sided tape would stick to the clear acetate. I used my smallest stapler to add a square of paper to the bottom of each acetate strip, then glued that to the paper inside the box. I'm using acetate as a general term, I don't know if this is technically acetate. What I cut up for this was a sheet of clear plastic that came with cling stamps that are no longer stored in their original packages.Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-68556593373429344672014-05-15T16:16:00.000-04:002014-05-15T16:16:43.675-04:00More Cards!I've had a lot of fun the past two days making cards after watching online tutorials.<br />
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The first card is explained in detail <a href="http://youtu.be/GTeJUT4qyAE" target="_blank">here </a>by Stacey at Scrapbooking Simple. I used the same supplies Stacey used, ordered from her store. I haven't seen the stickers in stores near me, but liked them so much, I will be ordering more and looking for them locally.<br />
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I won't describe in the detail that Stacey does because she covers it so well in her YouTube demo and I don't want to step on any copyright toes, should that be a factor.<br />
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Materials used were<br />
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Sookwang tape<br />
Elizabeth Craft Designs peel off (vinyl) sticker #2559<br />
Elizabeth Craft Designs silk microfine glitter<br />
Zig Brushables markers<br />
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This was super easy and I think the result is stunning. The YouTube video is long, but please consider watching the part that explains how to accomplish this. She begins explaining how to use the products at the 7:30 mark, and gets into how to add glitter and then color at 12:00.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNoqA_u1N-Y/U3UVH8aVrjI/AAAAAAAAMR0/4Cn_CXZvAAQ/s1600/Glittery+400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNoqA_u1N-Y/U3UVH8aVrjI/AAAAAAAAMR0/4Cn_CXZvAAQ/s1600/Glittery+400.jpg" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
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I cut this oval free handed, than added it cardstock cut with Nestabililities Labels Four S4-190 Die. The green paper was a scrap, cut on the long sides with a Martha Stewart punch.<br />
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The photos don't do this justice. The colors and sparkle (without screaming GLITTER) are beautiful.<br />
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The next card is my first slider. I followed this <a href="http://youtu.be/NRUZk1JL56E" target="_blank">Slider card tutorial</a> . I think the only dimension that Julie doesn't give is for the strip of paper on the front that covers the slider opening. I cut mine (the print on white background at the bottom) roughly 1 3/4" x 6". The only change from her instructions is that I oriented my slider to go to the right instead of left.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zu8EaGJ1c0g/U3UchyY7VnI/AAAAAAAAMSE/kFbSUUTDBUY/s1600/Alli+A1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zu8EaGJ1c0g/U3UchyY7VnI/AAAAAAAAMSE/kFbSUUTDBUY/s1600/Alli+A1.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used the same paper to hide the working part of the slider on the inside. All I have left is to decide on an inside greeting.<br />
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This was a little bit of work but not difficult. I know the recipient will be happy with it which is all that matters. That and the fun I had making it.<br />
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I will definitely use both of these techniques again.Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-61304729900319571022014-05-10T21:39:00.001-04:002014-05-10T21:39:50.351-04:00Holy Crap! a birthday cardThe idea for the toilet paper came from Pinterest on a card that was a photo only, no link provided to credit the original card maker.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVbmjdRWgdk/U27QOH_JKfI/AAAAAAAAMRE/XFIE3-zvY7o/s1600/outside1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVbmjdRWgdk/U27QOH_JKfI/AAAAAAAAMRE/XFIE3-zvY7o/s1600/outside1.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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I cut a narrow strip of lightweight paper to make the core of the toilet paper roll. Next I cut a strip of actual toilet paper, adhered one end to the core and began rolling. I used small glue dots to hold the free hanging paper to the remainder of the roll and in two spots onto the card. There is a narrow strip of lightweight paper under the free hanging paper to provide body and have it holds its wave. The lines were done with a Copic multiliner.<br />
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The holder is a strip of black paper. I used pieces from a floral punch to cut the doodads for the brackets that would hold the dispenser to the wall. This is a better view of the holder.<br />
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The "Holy Crap!" punches are both from Stampin' Up. The "30" is Doodletype font, cut with a Cricut.<br />
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Use your imagination as to what else could be said rather than Holy Crap. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVZl1rsYGxo/U27UAPkhdMI/AAAAAAAAMRU/fS1nxGWyh9k/s1600/th_whistle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVZl1rsYGxo/U27UAPkhdMI/AAAAAAAAMRU/fS1nxGWyh9k/s1600/th_whistle.gif" /></a><br />
I will make this again. The only drawback is that it isn't a card to be mailed. I didn't even attempt an envelope for this.<br />
<br />Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-14742346601135325292014-05-09T13:00:00.002-04:002014-05-09T13:00:35.769-04:00Too stupid or too smart?Have you watched a TV show, gone to a movie, seen a play or read a book that has won awards or received much critical acclaim and nominations, only to wonder what others saw that you didn't?<br />
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It would be dull if everyone liked the same things, so that isn't the issue. You couldn't pay me to watch Duck Dynasty, but leave me alone if I'm watching an episode of The Big Bang Theory that I haven't seen before.<br />
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I recently read <i>The Devil in the White City</i> by Erik Larson, ( <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Devil-White-City-Madness/dp/0375725601" target="_blank">Click here for Amazon description</a> ) but not because it had accumulated a list of honors. A friend asked me to read it so we could discuss it. I didn't dislike it, but I can't really recommend it either. For me, it seemed the author couldn't decide if this should a non-fiction history of the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, or a fictional murder mystery based on fact. It was too heavy on detail for the former and lacked closure on the latter, but that is only my opinion. I did learn a few interesting facts along the way.<br />
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The bigger the award, the more hype a novel or play will receive, understandably so. Last night I saw the play <i>August: Osage County</i>. I had not seen the movie, read a synopsis or any reviews. A friend picked this for our evening out.<br />
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I won't give any details that could spoil viewing the play or movie. All I will say is that it was 3.5 hours that felt like a mere 7 or 8. I can take black comedy. I can take swearing. I can take a sad drama. What I can't take is not caring about any character. Not one, not at all. There wasn't a redeeming quality to any of them. Did I mention this lasted 3.5 hours? The swearing was profuse, mostly the F-bomb and its variations, but even the C word was used. That one made me cringe. I hate that word. I don't know what other dramas were in the running in 2008 when this won a Pulitzer, but I do wonder what the panel saw that I did not.<br />
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I've read that an author, editor or publishing house can buy their way onto prestigious best seller's lists. A restaurant can claim they were voted as having <b><i>The Best Burgers!!!</i></b> without revealing that the voting panel was made of friends and relatives who have invested in the business. I know I am sounding cynical but truly, prizes and claims of excellence might lead me to try something because it caught my attention, but I'm not falling for anything. I like what I like and expect you feel the same way.<br />
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How do you feel when something with critical acclaim gets a so-so or failing mark on your personal grading system? I once thought that my friends and I were too <i>stupid </i>to see what the critics were raving about, but now I think maybe we are too <i>smart</i> to swallow the hype.<br />
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<br />Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-52776187614181269652014-04-30T11:13:00.000-04:002014-04-30T11:13:18.228-04:00Snarky and colorful nature I can't believe today is the last day of April. I think part of my denial is that expectation would have the weather much nicer than it has been. The forecasters continue to try to pinpoint when precipitation will hit and how much. My prediction is much more accurate: The forecasters will be wrong!<br />
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I think Mother Nature is snarky, don't you? I'm not picking on her, I identify with her. Sometimes I do things just to prove someone wrong, usually when they are smug sure of themselves. I have an acquaintance who is becoming increasingly annoying with finishing other people's sentences. Since this takes place in a setting where I don't feel like confronting her, I usually overlook it but every once in a while I change what I was about to say when she interrupts. This is a hypothetical example of what I do when she gets to be too much:</div>
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Me: I bought a new pink dress to wear to the event and did my hair</div>
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Her: (interrupting) held back with the silvery clips you like so much</div>
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Me: No, I dyed my hair with grape Kool Aid and looked fabulous</div>
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Mother Nature, when feeling snarky, hears the forecast and sends the opposite, just to prove expense equipment is no match for her power. Speaking of Mother Nature and her need to be right, who is old enough to remember the Chiffon margarine commercials?</div>
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The ads ran through most of the '70s, Chiffon was discontinued in the early 80's. </div>
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I'm not fooling Mother Nature, but I am having fun depicting nature. I had another pair of classes last Saturday, one featuring Copic markers and a new technique, the other class was a combination of markers and Prismacolor pencils. Here is a tree top:</div>
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Same technique, same colors on a different tree top. The trunk was die cut, using Memory Box's "Grand Willow Tree"</div>
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The second class featured stamps from Penny Black's "Garden Friends" collection. They were scanned and enlarged before printing them to color. I didn't like the mouth on the bunny on the left so I didn't repeat that on the right. The only other difference between the two samples is that I didn't add a drop shadow to the images on the right.</div>
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I'm a sucker for ladybugs. Red ladybugs, not the invasive orange ones that aren't true ladybugs and are a problem in some areas.<br />
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Colorfully yours (and wishing for warmer, drier weather),</div>
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Knitwit1975/media/Knitty%20smilies/signature_12_zpsae09ea52.gif.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo signature_12_zpsae09ea52.gif" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/Knitwit1975/Knitty%20smilies/signature_12_zpsae09ea52.gif" /></a>Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-70237327061060235922014-04-18T21:30:00.003-04:002014-04-18T21:33:24.566-04:00Anniversary card Good friends of ours are celebrating their 45th anniversary. Isn't it nice to hear of couples being together that long?<br />
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They have a good sense of humor so making them a card with these characters from Art Impressions won't be insulting. I had the idea of having Edna (stamp #1241) outside and Oscar (#1239) indoors for a number of reasons, one being that our friends have just returned to Michigan from Florida. Our "Edna" is happy to be outside in our current weather, but "Oscar" is likely to be huddling inside near a space heater, waiting for the temps to hit at least the upper 70s. I used the stamp called Curtain Window (#4234) to make the window for them to see each other while being apart.<br />
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I stamped the characters and window images onto plain paper, scanned them, enlarged them slightly and printed them on paper that was suitable for coloring with Copic Markers. The paper I used was Bella's Best Paper by Stamping Bella.<br />
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I cut white cardstock in 8.5 x 5.25 pieces, scored them halfway, and glued them together to make 4 white pages. I cut a sheet of yellow cardstock to make the outside cover for the card.<br />
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I used a variety of Copic colors on the images, then fussy cut them and glued them in place. I played around with placement to figure out where the window would go so that his head could be seen while the pages with Edna were being viewed, and hers would be seen while looking at Oscar. I used a variety of adhesives, Xyron, a tape runner, and Sookwang tape, guessing at what would work best for each application.<br />
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The words were done by computer and cut with Stampin' Up punches. The scalloped oval punch is also from Stampin' Up. The flowers were doodled, colored, cut and glued into place when I decided that blank spot needed something.<br />
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I wanted the front of the card to be simple. Before gluing the yellow cover in place, I used an edge punch to make the scalloped edge. The Happy Anniversary greeting was done on the computer and printed on a yellow and white background that doesn't show up well here. I used Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Four (#S4-190) on a Sizzix Big Shot to create the medallion. After deciding the first view needed something, I outlined each layer with a fine tipped black liner pen. See the hiccup? It was too late to start all over. Darn it. Oh well. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsVBmWXguhk/U1HKUdeANVI/AAAAAAAAMOE/sOiM-fPJLJA/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsVBmWXguhk/U1HKUdeANVI/AAAAAAAAMOE/sOiM-fPJLJA/s1600/a1.jpg" height="200" width="163" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVti-w9gBmM/U1HKnEOfxAI/AAAAAAAAMPE/2P9gCNW140c/s1600/1+revised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eVti-w9gBmM/U1HKnEOfxAI/AAAAAAAAMPE/2P9gCNW140c/s1600/1+revised.jpg" height="200" width="155" /></a></div>
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I haven't heard from the anniversary couple yet, but I'm pretty sure they are going to enjoy the card. I had a lot of fun making it.Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-17730285350403647052014-04-14T10:53:00.000-04:002014-04-14T10:53:25.127-04:00Mother Nature, happy birthdays and Minions!There is no 800 number to call Mother Nature and complain about the weather she delivers. Doesn't matter. If there was a compliant hot line it would be down due to overload anyway. The midwest already has snow on the ground and we're expecting an inch overnight. Is it coincidence that unwanted snow is due to appear on April 15th, the day so many hate because of the IRS?<br />
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Birthday happiness continued this weekend for my relatives. The young man who received the bottle of cash (see previous post) was thrilled with his gifts from everyone, including clothing. Not many boys at the age of 9 are happy with clothes, but this young man was. He was also happy to get a small yard (leaf) blower. Not a toy, a real one. And the gift that almost brought tears to his eyes was a Kindle Fire. After opening all of his guests, he proclaimed this year as his "Golden Birthday" because it was the best ever. Wasn't that sweet and also wonderful?</div>
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Lastly for today, do you know who Minions are? You do if you are a fan of Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2. I love the Minions. Make that I <b>LOVE</b> the Minions! Here they are as seen in the movies:</div>
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There are lots of them with many different personalities, all with one or two eyes behind some form of goggles. If you are a fan of them and follow Pinterest, you will have seen edible versions made of Twinkies and cookies, clay and paper renditions, and appropriate for this time of year, Minions made from eggs. Some use dyed hard boiled eggs, others use plastic eggs, which is what I did.</div>
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Many sites suggesting using black electrical tape for the goggle band. Cutting a piece thin but even wasn't easy so I used a Sharpie marker. I had a silver Sharpie that I used before the googly eyes were glued on with glue dots. I experimented on a green egg first to make sure the marker wouldn't smear. The purple egg was also an experiment. In Despicable Me 2, most of the Minions are turned into hairy purple beasts for a brief spell. A smooth purple egg just didn't work for this. That's ok. He can be a Minion with a skin condition. </div>
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I goofed on the guy with the three eyes too. He isn't an official Minion. He is a Minion wannabee. Now if they would only work for me the way the movie Minions work for Gru, I'd be ecstatic. I'm pretty happy anyway because when my grandson saw them, this conversation followed:</div>
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Colton: "Hey! Where did you get these guys?"</div>
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Me: "I made them."</div>
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Colton: "You <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">made</u> them? Wow!" </div>
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Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-64934169200639021002014-04-11T11:43:00.002-04:002014-04-11T11:46:37.965-04:00Birthday giftsIt has been a birthday-filled week in my extended family, and here is what has had me busy:<br />
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My sister-in-law loves alpacas and llamas. After making a giraffe fence sitter for her daughter last year <a href="http://lazydayandsundays.blogspot.com/2013/07/here-looking-at-you.html" target="_blank">(see that here)</a> and then a giraffe and a lion for our grandson <a href="http://lazydayandsundays.blogspot.com/2013/08/giraffe-2-and-lion.html" target="_blank">(here)</a>, my sis-in-law teasingly asked for an alpaca for her fence. As far as I know, there aren't any patterns for an alpaca fence sitter, so hubby and I made our own.<br />
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Unless you have a strong fondness for alpacas and llamas, you probably only have a vague image in your mind when someone mentions these animals. To make a caricature of an animal, you need a feature to focus on such as the giraffe's neck or the lion's mane. Figuring out how to create an alpaca on flat pieces of wood was a challenge.<br />
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Llamas and alpacas have teeth that grow continuously and need to be filed. I wasn't about to include them. They have shaggy or woolly coats that I could only hope to indicate by dabbing paint onto a white background with scrunched up plastic wrap. </div>
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There wasn't much color in this project so I decided Al (he was known as Al Paca while here) needed to chew on a flower. I bought this stem of artificial whatever (gardening isn't my strong suit) and hubby dug out (routered?) a channel on the back side of the snout before it was glued and nailed in place. The hooves aren't anatomically correct but we'll claim artistic license on this. Hubby wanted to be certain they would hold on the wooden fence so we used the pattern piece from the previous animals.<br />
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My sis-in-law and I are members of a knitting group that meet at a yarn store. We sit at a table, but beyond the table and behind a row of shelves is a seating area with leather furniture. I placed Al and a birthday card on one of the chairs for her to discover as we wandered around, looking at new yarn. Here is her reaction:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMp5rwaOo6c/U0gGY1i75LI/AAAAAAAAMLc/g8evIJB7yQQ/s1600/Beth+and+Al+Paca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMp5rwaOo6c/U0gGY1i75LI/AAAAAAAAMLc/g8evIJB7yQQ/s1600/Beth+and+Al+Paca.jpg" height="205" width="400" /></a></div>
She is happy. Al is now in a loving home. Hubby and I are happy for both of them. <br />
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Tonight our clan will be together for a birthday dinner for one of my great-nephew's, a grandson of the llama lover. The birthday boy will be getting cash from us, but I didn't want to just stick money in a card. Why not stick it in a bottle instead?<br />
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Based on something I saw on Pinterest, this is how I created his gift:<br />
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Remove the label from a bottle. Save it for a template or just take a quick measure for the new label you will make. There is likely to be some label and glue that won't come off easily. Don't worry about it. Wash a plastic bottle and set it upside down to dry. I did mine after cutting the flap in it but that shouldn't matter. Crumple money that will go inside.<br />
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Here is the flap that I cut in the side of the bottle. I used a craft knife. I started with a kitchen knife but a craft knife is much easier. Whatever you use, be careful!<br />
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I knew I was only going to put money in this, but if you plan to put something larger inside, cut the flap to accommodate the largest thing you plan to put in the bottle but keep the cut within the label area so that you can cover it up. In other words, I would have made the <b>U</b> shape cut with taller uprights on the U going around the bottle if I was going to put a model car inside.<br />
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Here is the bottle with 5 one-dollar bills crumpled inside.<br />
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Sometimes thinking artsy-fartsy-let's-use-up supplies-on-hand gets me in a bit of trouble. A 12x12 sheet of scrapbook paper does not fit around a 2 liter bottle. I cut the strip 5" wide and taped an extension on. The pattern didn't line up. Oh well. Once I glued the letters on, I decided they didn't stand out enough so I outlined them with a pen. The paper is textured so that didn't go as smoothly as planned.<br />
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Here are views of the finished bottle with 25 singles inside<br />
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I taped the birthday label on using a tape that is new to me, called Sookwang. It is double sided, super sticky and permanent. I mean PERMANENT! There is no chance of repositioning it. Of course the label ends didn't match up perfectly. It was less noticeable at the top for some reason, probably due to the pattern. I stuck a green tag on the bottom with our names on it.<br />
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If you like this but worry that you aren't crafty, make it easy on yourself and use wrapping paper for the bottle label. Regular tape should be fine for holding the label in place. I taped the flap before adding the label cut it probably wasn't necessary.<br />
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If you don't have enough items to fill the bottle, use some shredded paper as filler. I am pretty sure the birthday boy is going to be amazed and wonder how I got the money inside the bottle. It would be more amazing if I had an item in there that couldn't possibly collapse to fit through the neck of the bottle. I'm thinking that the next adult birthday that requires a fun or amusing gift might get a bottle full of bottles: airplane size liquor bottles, Tums, aspirin, etc.<br />
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I hope you have fun with this idea!<br />
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<br />Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-22181926392666239242014-04-08T10:23:00.000-04:002014-04-08T10:23:11.302-04:00Having fun!After my last two posts, one might think I'm avoiding the news for peace of mind, but sometimes news can't be avoided. Crime has hit twice close to home. Short of unplugging completely and not talking to neighbors or fellow citizens of our community, there is no way to avoid these tragedies. This is not to say they should be ignored, but the constant dwelling on bad things is what concerns me. Someone close to me is worrying me with their near obsession of all things bad. I try to remind them that there is much good in the world that goes ignored, sometimes because it is simply nice and normal. Nice and normal doesn't make newscasts.<br />
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Until I am granted super powers that would enable me to disarm evil forces, fight for truth and justice, all while wearing a real cool outfit, I remain Super Gigi with the power to love fiercely and craft endlessly.<br />
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Super Papa didn't want his picture here so he was cropped out. Cropping is another power I currently possess.<br />
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A few things I've been working on need to remain under wraps until they are presented to their intended recipients. I can share one card that was made for a fellow knitter who is owned by two poodles. Yes, I said that right. They own her, not the other way around. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1aOS12PfWiE/UGCTm7N9SRI/AAAAAAAALBs/t1IOV2uvZ00/s1600/th_wink05.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1aOS12PfWiE/UGCTm7N9SRI/AAAAAAAALBs/t1IOV2uvZ00/s1600/th_wink05.gif" /></a><br />
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Self striping yarn is something knitters often use to make socks that look like we've really worked hard when actually the way the yarn is dyed does the impressive part. Here is an example of what one brand of yarn looks like in the skein and how the socks work up. Both photos are from the Red Heart website.<br />
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My poodle loving knitting buddy doesn't knit socks. Her feet are never cold. This makes no sense to me but since I'm being non-judgmental, I overlook this. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgiu9HxfX9Y/UKEivOoubBI/AAAAAAAALCk/i1FVdiBsaOs/s1600/th_whistle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgiu9HxfX9Y/UKEivOoubBI/AAAAAAAALCk/i1FVdiBsaOs/s1600/th_whistle.gif" /></a> She has used self striping yarn though.<br />
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My card to her depicts a poodle made of self striping yarn, worked in sections as a real pattern might do if you were to knit a poodle.<br />
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With two knitting projects going, working on a birthday gift and making cards for few more upcoming events, the mojo that was lost is now humming a happy tune.<br />
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<br />Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-82490370796734558342014-04-04T10:48:00.000-04:002014-04-04T10:48:32.668-04:00Pondering my wandering mind...All is well in my part of the world so why have I felt vaguely unsettled for so long?<br />
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I was not sure what "finding your mojo" meant, but I think that is what I needed to do. I say this based on one definition that finding your mojo means finding (or rediscovering) the magic in what you do.<br />
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I was raised to be polite. Nothing wrong with that. Like many women my age, I struggled saying no to things that I didn't really want to do and felt that I need to explain myself if I did say no. Somewhere in my 40's I realized that men don't offer elaborate explanations. Heck, they don't explain the No at all unless asked by someone they think deserves an explanation.<br />
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Life perked along more easily for a decade or so with this new freedom. People close to you, the people that matter, won't judge you and those that will are likely to find fault with your performance when you say Yes anyway.<br />
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Yes, life was perking along happily and then blogging and Facebook happened to me. Most blogging and most of Facebook is fun for me. Like everything else in life, it is what YOU make of it. Unfortunately, I took some things to heart that were not directed specifically at me but they bothered me anyway.<br />
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It is fine with me if someone votes, worships, reads, paints...you name it...differently than me. What I don't like is when someone makes flat statements that my choices, beliefs, etc are wrong. Not just wrong in polite words but wrong as in morally corrupt, utterly stupid, or in a few cases, vulgarly worded epitaphs of what people who feel as I do should do to themselves. You get the picture.<br />
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Being raised to be polite and taught to be careful of what I put in print, I rarely (<i>very rarely</i>) responded to things that offend me online. I know how to SOB (scroll on by) from years on message forums. Why was this different? Because some of these people are close to me. Sometimes their remarks hurt. Sometimes I am embarrassed and fearful for them. It made me sad and agitated. I spent way too much time in mental conversations that would never take place for a variety of reasons, but gave me a chance to have my say. Did that make me feel any better? No.<br />
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I stepped away from a few blogs, hid a few people on Facebook and unfriended a few who were really toxic, and I watch less network news. There are some people who send me emails that I can't completely block, but I don't need to read the 15th forward of something that supposedly supports their stance yet a simple Snopes or similar check proves that there isn't a shred of truth in their "facts".<br />
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I can't say that I'm never agitated by people at times in my daily offline life, but it is easier to let things go that don't affect me personally now that I've let go of the online turmoil I was carrying around. You know the Southern phrase "bless your heart" and its meaning? Michigan isn't in the south, but I do live in <i><b>south</b>east</i> Michigan so I quietly think that phrase and move on.<br />
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More crafts, less crabbiness = a happy Knitty. Long live a peaceful, happy mojo!Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-36550550030575056612014-03-31T12:08:00.000-04:002014-03-31T12:08:31.970-04:00JudgementsJudgement: The evaluation process to make a decision.<br />
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Should you buy or lease a new car? Evaluate, then decide. Should I buy more craft supplies? Probably not but I probably will. No one is hurt.<br />
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Judging others: Oh boy..... lots of hurt in that.<br />
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Recent stories in the news in my part of the world have me thinking about those who judge others, often with derision or outright condemnation.<br />
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<li>Gwyneth Paltrow decided her life as a working mom is more difficult than a mom with an office job : <span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">"It’s much harder for me," Paltrow said in an E! News interview</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">. "</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5em;">I think it’s different when you have an office job, because it’s routine and you can do all the stuff in the morning and then you come home in the evening. When you’re shooting a movie, they’re like, ‘We need you to go to Wisconsin for two weeks,’ and then you work 14 hours a day and that part of it is very difficult." </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">"I think to have a regular job and be a mom is not as, of course there are challenges, but it’s not like being on set."</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">Tory Johnson is a weekly contributing reporter on Good Morning America and author of <i>The Shift</i>, a book about her weight loss. Her weight loss decision, in her own words, "</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 1.2em;">happened 18 months ago when a woman named Barbara Fedida told me my clothes didn’t do me justice and that she wanted to send me to a stylist." "</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 1.2em;">Barbara is the highest-ranking woman executive at ABC News and I am an on-air contributor for </span><em style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Good Morning America</em><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 1.2em;">. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 1.2em;">She never used the words “fat, diet or obesity” but her message was clear: I needed to lose weight. Let’s face it: on TV looks matter."</span></li>
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<li><span style="border: 0px; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Locally, a party store owner was killed by armed robbers. He was of Arabic dissent, the robbers were black. The comments made by some at online news sites is horrific. I feel outrage regarding this death, but it is the violence, not someone's ethnicity that is abhorrent. <span style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br style="line-height: 1.2em; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">In the last example, I am guessing that many who spew hatred online behind anonymous names would not utter all of those feelings in general public, but obviously the judging and hatred is there. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">Why should a person's weight be a factor in any job if they can do their job? I watch Good Morning America often enough to know that Tory Johnson's work hasn't improved because she lost weight. I am not implying that she needed to improve in any manner. I am happy if she feels better about herself, but that isn't the point. You don't have to watch much TV to realize what is expected regarding physical appearances, especially for women. Living in the north as I do, I often roll my eyes when local female news anchors complain about the bitter cold weather while wearing sleeveless dresses. I guess showing off toned arms is more important than being comfortably warm. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">I've never been a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow so I will be careful what I say lest I sound judgmental myself. </span></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9BLy4fCdRU/T3myoGcVkRI/AAAAAAAALCc/eZQO3bCGiQ4/s1600/th_winking0071.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x9BLy4fCdRU/T3myoGcVkRI/AAAAAAAALCc/eZQO3bCGiQ4/s1600/th_winking0071.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">I have no idea what it is like to be an actor. B</span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">ased on her bio, </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">I don't think it is an unfair assumption to think she never had to struggle financially, worry about rent or how to stretch the grocery budget. Even without that assumption, she has never been a working mom in a 9-5 office job so she certainly should not be making comments on how someone else has it easier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.333333015441895px; line-height: 20px;">When will people stop putting others down in an attempt to feel better about themselves? </span></span></div>
Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-6793261440478067552014-03-24T12:00:00.000-04:002014-03-24T12:00:44.705-04:00Thank you card, O'Keeffe inspiredA cold, gray <strike>wintry</strike> spring day here in Michigan was brightened by a surprise in the mail. A friend from sunny California sent me a book of Georgia O'Keeffe postcards.<br />
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I grabbed my Tombow markers, a few Prismacolor pencils, and a water brush (think of a fountain pen with a brush tip and water in the barrel) and created a poppy after looking at one of O'Keeffe's wonderful renditions.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6bWLtEW-9o/UzBVdaRaj1I/AAAAAAAAMJg/vtGIvi8fc3M/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U6bWLtEW-9o/UzBVdaRaj1I/AAAAAAAAMJg/vtGIvi8fc3M/s1600/cover.jpg" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Just before starting this card, something on Pinterest caught my eye, kirigami flowers as shown here on </span><a href="http://www.curbly.com/users/TerryLuv2Hack/posts/3910-beautiful-diy-kiragami-card" target="_blank">Curbly</a>. Here is the <a href="http://www.moddidaypeople.com/easy_cut_pop_up/EasyCutPopup-Patterns.html" target="_blank">link to the free download</a>. Scroll down for the free tulip pattern that I used on the card's interior.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCNn_b7o944/UzBTzvSF2CI/AAAAAAAAMJY/-Za45kKtSQY/s1600/inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YCNn_b7o944/UzBTzvSF2CI/AAAAAAAAMJY/-Za45kKtSQY/s1600/inside.jpg" height="335" width="400" /></a></div>
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I will add a sentiment along the lower edges of the white paper and get this in today's mail. </div>
<br />Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-36256595350322393422014-03-22T11:52:00.000-04:002014-03-22T11:53:24.162-04:00Sizzix Chair Die Birthday CardsGood morning from Michigan where spring is trying to force winter into submission. Please cheer for her.<br />
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I bought a new Sizzix die last month, not realizing I needed the Horizontal A2 Card Die (# 657802) for this insert die to work. I have a Movers & Shakers Die that I thought would work. Wrong. My wallet's loss is Sizzix's gain as I really, really wanted to use my new purchase, Sizzix Pop 'n Cuts Magnetic Insert Die, # 658370 3-D Chair.<br />
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I've made two birthday cards so far with this die. I'm envisioning all sorts of embellishments that will make this chair perfect for various people in my life.<br />
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First, a card for a woman who is exactly 6 months younger than I am. We've declared ourselves twins. Wouldn't that have been a horrible delivery for one mother?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMYiAcP0IWU/Uy2qsHf5O1I/AAAAAAAAMIE/CuWHBJcTeG4/s1600/B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMYiAcP0IWU/Uy2qsHf5O1I/AAAAAAAAMIE/CuWHBJcTeG4/s1600/B1.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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I kept the face of the card simple. On the inside, I used striped paper to make wallpaper. The framed photos on the wall are her dear grandson and the two of us at a birthday celebration years ago. Resizing and adding the frames were done with a free online graphics program, <a href="http://www.online-image-editor.com/" target="_blank">Online-image-editor.com</a> .</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRMi0_0iE-E/Uy2qtngElCI/AAAAAAAAMIQ/53SQB9y7qHs/s1600/B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sRMi0_0iE-E/Uy2qtngElCI/AAAAAAAAMIQ/53SQB9y7qHs/s1600/B2.jpg" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>
The book on the chair and the margarita were both printed from online images. I considered adding some depth (thickness) the book but was afraid the chair wouldn't fold properly as the card closed. The margarita is attached to a clear piece of plastic that folds down as the card closes. I added a handwritten sentiment after taking pictures of the card.<br />
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Next was the same basic card, this time for my sewing buddy.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpB1meM0AGA/Uy2tdaKolRI/AAAAAAAAMIk/iMsGOP_2nig/s1600/J1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kpB1meM0AGA/Uy2tdaKolRI/AAAAAAAAMIk/iMsGOP_2nig/s1600/J1.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
I didn't have photos to frame for the interior so I added the Happy Birthday (a Martha Stewart punch) to the inside of the card. The bow on the front was made from Sizzix die # 658541 with a piece of actual ribbon for the knot.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRoT0uyRDq4/Uy2td6z57gI/AAAAAAAAMIw/EYU1_WZnT_A/s1600/J2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bRoT0uyRDq4/Uy2td6z57gI/AAAAAAAAMIw/EYU1_WZnT_A/s1600/J2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
My sewing buddy is also a reader, so she got a book too. A Viking sewing machine may have been more appropriate for her, but a sewing basket looked cuter sitting on the floor. She got a cup of tea on the arm of her chair.<br />
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This view is a little more of an overhead shot. The basket and teacup are in place with small piece of folded card stock holding them upright but easy to fold down as the card folds to fit within an envelope.<br />
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Both cards made it through the mail without extra postage. For a card that I hand deliver I will probably add more items that personalize the interior for the recipient.Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-24811271003559385782014-03-10T11:41:00.000-04:002014-03-10T11:41:28.052-04:00Three days of birthday celebrationsThree days of birthday celebrations can age a person! The Prince of Sweetness (more commonly known as my grandson) turned 4 last Thursday. Daddy's birthday was the following day (he is almost my age now!) and Saturday was the Super Hero party that Mommy and Daddy hosted for the Prince's relatives and friends.<br />
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On his actual birthday, Papa and Gigi tagged along as his parents took him to Chuck E. Cheese's for lunch. Going there mid-day on a school day was wonderful. I think there were only three other families there. The Prince had fun and we left with our hearing intact.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtKJKFZqvSk/Ux3NIJ7zpFI/AAAAAAAAMF0/JTwVoYcmfvM/s1600/100_5740-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtKJKFZqvSk/Ux3NIJ7zpFI/AAAAAAAAMF0/JTwVoYcmfvM/s1600/100_5740-002.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKugbD2Rrsk/Ux3NIGFbhoI/AAAAAAAAMFs/JYzp2K3xWu0/s1600/100_5741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AKugbD2Rrsk/Ux3NIGFbhoI/AAAAAAAAMFs/JYzp2K3xWu0/s1600/100_5741.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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The simple joys of being four...getting prize tickets is as much fun as playing the game!</div>
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Daddy's birthday was much more subdued, partly because Mommy and Daddy were so busy prepping for the party. Daddy did get a handmade card with his gift from us that day. I was itching to use my newest Sizzix die which is officially called Picture Wheel, but known by many as the View Master die.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVg9j0CeGpA/Ux3QWDuf1mI/AAAAAAAAMGQ/GNBZkXVXGf0/s1600/Chuck+card+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVg9j0CeGpA/Ux3QWDuf1mI/AAAAAAAAMGQ/GNBZkXVXGf0/s1600/Chuck+card+1.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></div>
I used an image found online of a View Master sleeve, added a birthday greeting, printed it and glued it to sleeve (jacket? pocket?) that I made. The picture wheel held 12 photos. I chose photos from my son's early years, with his buddies, his wedding and with his son. In case anyone is interested, I sized the photos and printed them from a Word document. Some printing quality is lost, but I don't expect this to be used as a printed photo would. After cropping photos to get faces as focal points, I sized the photos to be .6 inches wide. <br />
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Saturday was the party, a huge success due to my son and daughter-in-law's planning and hosting abilities.<br />
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I love the cardboard cupcake tower. Perfect backdrop for Super Heroes, especially Batman (on the cake) but I think this would look good at Halloween too, maybe with some spidery webbing going on.<br />
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Captain America with his mask on top of his head. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4g3i1YQmno/Ux3TQO2rA0I/AAAAAAAAMG4/b56-YHNiAKs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4g3i1YQmno/Ux3TQO2rA0I/AAAAAAAAMG4/b56-YHNiAKs/s1600/4.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't care what your hair stylist says, you simply cannot get this color out of a bottle. Meet my daughter-in-law, Wonder Woman. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bWuniNZedg/Ux3VH_DRsUI/AAAAAAAAMHI/8kfb-KkLfKg/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bWuniNZedg/Ux3VH_DRsUI/AAAAAAAAMHI/8kfb-KkLfKg/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
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I don't have photos of Papa and Gigi in our Super attire yet, much to Papa's relief. I made these as over-sized bibs that button behind the neck. The felt is heavy weight craft felt, leftover from the <a href="http://lazydayandsundays.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-finished-play-house.html" target="_blank">play house project</a>. We have two couches in our house, the one in the living room being "Papa's couch" according to our grandson. Same thing with the remote out there. If he comes over and I'm on that couch, he asks me why I am sitting on Papa's couch. That is how I determined the logo(s) for Super Papa. Super Gigi got a ball of yarn and some bling, because one can never have too much sparkle. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6E7hdzmYvUo/Ux3XUn_JdYI/AAAAAAAAMHc/b9EQ9f-Wbnc/s1600/sg1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6E7hdzmYvUo/Ux3XUn_JdYI/AAAAAAAAMHc/b9EQ9f-Wbnc/s1600/sg1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Super Gigi Pucker Pickle Puss with a $1 tiara from a craft store and eyeglass adornment made from sparkly craft paper, held on with thin ribbon and a bit of two-way tape.<br />
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No offense HRH Queen Elizabeth, but I really rule!</div>
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Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-57309475919293197372014-03-03T10:15:00.000-05:002014-03-03T15:48:17.817-05:00A baby sweater and another pop up box cardKnitting baby or toddler items is such fun. They are cute and quick to complete. A friend is expecting her first granddaughter soon. I sent her daughter (already a mommy to two adorable boys) this sweater in a color that is similar to the deep pink they chose to use with white in the baby's room. I am sorry that the only photo I have is the one they took when they first opened it in their car on the way home from the post office. I <i>know</i> I took photos before I sent the sweater, but I can't locate them this morning. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdLK6dS-GdA/UxSTVq9C-7I/AAAAAAAAME4/RPDglRGlOaM/s1600/sophie+sweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdLK6dS-GdA/UxSTVq9C-7I/AAAAAAAAME4/RPDglRGlOaM/s1600/sophie+sweater.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are photos from the pattern magazine, the Spring 2014 issue of Creative Knitting:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hy63TvQxIU/UxSWC8bXiDI/AAAAAAAAMFI/m-UAWknNAqs/s1600/Babysweater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TfmP50Kif8/UxSWCg5I4nI/AAAAAAAAMFE/IOEF3TCFmZo/s1600/76e2d2321ad0fd54afcbd49c26319672.jpg" height="200" width="167" /> <img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hy63TvQxIU/UxSWC8bXiDI/AAAAAAAAMFI/m-UAWknNAqs/s1600/Babysweater.jpg" height="200" width="133" /> </a></div>
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I used Sirdar Baby Bamboo, a yarn that is 80% bamboo, 20% wool. The only thing I did differently was using a single button at the neck. The button I used had a daisy like flower in nearly the exact shade as the yarn. <br />
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I'm still having fun making gift box cards. This is the card that accompanied the sweater.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-TQbpy6YkA/UxSSMvIU0UI/AAAAAAAAMEk/OlYvekyfNws/s1600/Card1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-TQbpy6YkA/UxSSMvIU0UI/AAAAAAAAMEk/OlYvekyfNws/s1600/Card1.jpg" height="320" width="264" /></a></div>
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A few of the stickers, such as the stork, were a bit heavy for a thin strip of cardstock to support them and have them stand up straight. I sandwiched an unused twist tie between two strips of paper and that worked beautifully! This is a fun way to use up odd stickers and embellishments. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDrMjrzS0gk/UxSSMoQFMkI/AAAAAAAAMEo/SA-ofcXypcg/s1600/card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDrMjrzS0gk/UxSSMoQFMkI/AAAAAAAAMEo/SA-ofcXypcg/s1600/card2.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first card that I made in this fashion is <a href="http://lazydayandsundays.blogspot.com/2014/01/birthday-card.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The instructions and cutting dimensions from Split Coast Stampers are <a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/popupboxcard/" target="_blank">here</a>. There are other variations online with slightly different dimensions. Search for Pop Up Card Boxes or similar phrases.<br />
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I may be late to the party among those who enjoy Sizzix brand <i>Susan's Garden</i> floral dies, but I think I'm going to be hooked. I bought one die set recently, unaware that a specific tool kit is a good idea for shaping the petals after they've been cut. Undaunted, I cut out petals from yellow card stock, used a stylus-like tool with a blunt end and a chop stick to shape them and this was my first attempt at a rose:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ml1nz0X_pQs/UxSbn6RUzKI/AAAAAAAAMFc/HvHL6aS19IE/s1600/paper+rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ml1nz0X_pQs/UxSbn6RUzKI/AAAAAAAAMFc/HvHL6aS19IE/s1600/paper+rose.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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More petals could have/should have been used, but perhaps this is the last rose of summer....in March! With all the snow, ice and bitter temps (a wind chill of -22 degrees this morning!) <i>any rose</i> is a pleasure to see.<br />
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Stay warm. Stay happy. Keep crafting! <br />
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<br />Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-77516456470254321512014-02-25T10:48:00.001-05:002014-02-25T10:48:19.938-05:00HubertThink you're having a bad day? I bet is isn't as bad as Hubert's.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Co1T1b9VQJM" width="560"></iframe><br />Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-45798907146669392062014-02-07T14:21:00.000-05:002014-02-07T14:21:35.712-05:00All because of a can of soup....In December my washer quit. The matching dryer was miffed because it had attempted to quit 3 or 4 times without being allowed to retire, thanks to my husband being handy. The repairs for the washer would have been costly, probably too costly for an 11 year old appliance. My parents would shake their heads at this if they were alive today. Eleven was mid-life for most of their appliances back in the day. <br />
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The cost of the new washer and dryer made us gasp a bit but I'm happy with our selection. We don't have a separate laundry room or a basement. The washer and dryer are at the back end of my kitchen. Sounds odd to many I suppose, but it works for us. The cabinets over the washer and dryer match those in the main part of the kitchen and contain boxed and canned foods along with baking supplies. <br />
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The new appliances are a little deeper (back to front measure) and taller than the old pair. That makes reaching into the cabinets on that wall a little more difficult. Two weeks ago I was reaching for a can of soup on the second shelf over the dryer. A can fell out. Luckily it didn't dent the dryer top, but while replacing that can, another one jumped off and landed on the washer. You probably wouldn't notice the small dent but I know it is there.<br />
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That led to two projects. One was rearranging the three pair of cabinets so that the heaviest items, canned goods, were moved to shelves over the laundry tub. The tub is in a cabinet the depth of the old appliances which means I can still reach most things without using a step stool. The second project was making a cover, sort of place mat, for the washer and dryer. <br />
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I bought reversible quilted fabric, bound the raw edges with quilt binding and turned over one long edge to make a pocket to fit over the control panels. The panels slope into the tops of the washer and dryer making me doubt a flat mat of the side I wanted would stay put. Here is the result of a few minutes of sewing:<br />
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We have a former bi-fold door that is used on top of the washer and dryer when we have parties. It is covered with something festive, such as a holiday themed tablecloth, and it becomes the bar area or part of a buffet setting. An old sheet was always used between the appliances and door but now this will be in place. <br />
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I have more of this fabric which will become place mats and possible a cover for my stand mixer. Blue and yellow are the dominant colors in most of my house. Having the same fabric on the table will tie all this together. <br />
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I'd be happier if a dent hadn't occurred, but I am pleased to have turned this into a positive. Onward and upward!Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-63834245908787068522014-02-06T09:29:00.001-05:002014-02-06T09:29:35.171-05:00Snow Shovel Shoes!Fear not, fellow residents of snowy cities! Look what I found on the internet today!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMnO-Kt9Qy0/UvObQb2D7pI/AAAAAAAAMD8/pRVyj4HNdMA/s1600/snowshovelshoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMnO-Kt9Qy0/UvObQb2D7pI/AAAAAAAAMD8/pRVyj4HNdMA/s1600/snowshovelshoes.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Worried that gray won't go with your favorite parka? Pick another color as you make these for yourself with <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Snow-Shovel-Shoes/?utm_source=Cup+of+Zup&utm_campaign=bb171218b8-2014_02062_4_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4e97be4de4-bb171218b8-39804333" target="_blank">these directions</a> .</div>
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Stay warm. Stay sane. I'm not sure I'm either right now. <br />
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Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-86257565888241072022014-02-05T11:44:00.000-05:002014-02-05T11:54:50.817-05:00Still scrappin' and snowin'SS, DD. That could be the common acronym for Same "stuff", Different Day or it could be Still Scrappin', Don't Disturb. <br />
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Nothing for show and tell here since everything I've been working on is family stuff and in the world of scrapbooking, not very creative. No offense to those who place one or two photos per page with wonderful graphic design, but that isn't me at this point. I love the look that many scrapbook stores and blogs share, but I have too many photos that I want to use per album so mine are more old school with a few flourishes and some captions below photos rather than much journaling. <br />
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I've put that aside to work on some sewing today. Before I get to that I thought I'd check in to Blogland and add this photo comment (snatched from Facebook) about life here in the mitten state:<br />
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Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-32045469260440195962014-02-01T14:15:00.001-05:002014-02-01T14:15:13.331-05:00Cold, crazy and coupons Rabbit! Rabbit! (said for good luck on the first of the month)<br />
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If the rabbits are white though, they won't be visible here in SE Michigan as we have snow. Again. Still. Whatever. Pardon the language but this bluebird sums up what many northerners are feeling.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl_yClYpZ_Y/Uu0-su5LgCI/AAAAAAAAMC8/qRm1NZWhDjk/s1600/Bluebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl_yClYpZ_Y/Uu0-su5LgCI/AAAAAAAAMC8/qRm1NZWhDjk/s1600/Bluebird.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
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I'm not quite that crabby. At least the temps are now positive numbers in double digits. Being cold does make me a little crazy and so do coupons. Impending frigid weather or deep snow does have me planning trips to the grocery and craft stores differently than when driving conditions aren't an issue. Grocery shopping can be frustrating enough anytime but trying to get a full cart to your car through slush, over frozen ruts and around piles of plowed snow making the lots smaller makes hibernating sound like a great idea. Eat a lot to tide you over and sleep for a few months! </div>
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Do you clip or scan coupons for grocery shopping? When the boys were little I had a box that went to the store with me that was full of organized coupons. Now that it is just the two of us at home, I seldom remember to take the few coupons with me that might get used. We don't get a newspaper now and magazines don't have many coupons in them now. I know there are online sources for coupons but we don't tend use most of the products they're offering. </div>
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Coupons for Joann's is another story. I went yesterday with a coupon good for 60% off one cut of regularly priced fabric. Everything I looked at was 40% so the coupon was no good to me. A woman my age was muttering out loud and looked up sheepishly when she realized I was behind her. She was complaining about the coupons too. We are old enough to remember when Joann's and Michael's would calculate the coupon discount off of the regular full price which was better than the store's mark down. The product specific coupons seem to just be a way to lure you in. As if I'm not there often enough as is.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rXOsHOkJcRE/UeX1me5oqkI/AAAAAAAALUk/29orfSR3US0/s1600/th_whistle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rXOsHOkJcRE/UeX1me5oqkI/AAAAAAAALUk/29orfSR3US0/s1600/th_whistle.gif" /></a></div>
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I got the supplies that I needed and am ready to be stay inside the next few days if the weather forecast is correct. I'm still working on family photo albums/scrapbooks so there isn't much to share here. As I wrap this up, February might be the month to get a bunch of sewing projects done. </div>
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Wish me luck and send warmth!</div>
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Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-1959635916744647942014-01-29T12:14:00.000-05:002014-01-29T12:14:13.132-05:00Two easy main dish mealsI don't make resolutions for New Year's but I am trying to finish off long neglected projects this year, and also to do better about planning meals. I've been in a meal slump for ages. I've been married 38 years. That is a lot of dinners. What is the latest health concern, not ours but according to the media? Are we eating eggs but not butter or no dairy at all? Is wheat making me fat or is it diet Coke?<br />
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I'm not diminishing anyone's concerns with these matters but I was using the media's concern of the week as an excuse not to fix a meal that we liked. Realistically, I think we all know that moderation is the key, right? <br />
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The first recipe is from Publix. We don't have Publix stores in Michigan but I am familiar with them from visits to Florida. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Confetti Chicken</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9sbyMPV1sxY/UukoloZpLXI/AAAAAAAAMCU/XsC6DQSXmQY/s1600/confetti+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9sbyMPV1sxY/UukoloZpLXI/AAAAAAAAMCU/XsC6DQSXmQY/s1600/confetti+chicken.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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The link to Publix is <a href="http://www.publix.com/aprons/meals/AllRecipes/SimpleMeal.do?mealId=3668&mealGroupId=1000" target="_blank">here.</a> My paraphrased directions follow:<br />
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<li>2 T unsalted butter</li>
<li>8 oz spaghetti, broken into 2" pieces</li>
<li>10 oz cooked, diced chicken (about 2.5 cups)</li>
<li>4 oz jar of pimentos, drained</li>
<li>8 oz trinity mix (I used a few stalks of celery and onions)</li>
<li>10.5 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup</li>
<li>1/4 tsp kosher salt</li>
<li>1/8 tsp pepper</li>
<li>14.5 oz can low sodium chicken broth</li>
<li>1.25 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese</li>
<li>1 cup panko bread crumbs</li>
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Preheat oven to 425* Bring water to boil for pasta. Cut butter in small places and place in bowl to soften.<br />
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<li>Boil the broken pasts for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until partially tender. Drain.</li>
<li>Combine chicken, pimentos, trinity mix, soup, salt, pepper and broth. Cover and microwave on high 2-3 minutes until hot and veggies begin to soften. (I did this in a skillet on stove top)</li>
<li>Add drained pasta to chicken mixture. Transfer to 2 qt baking dish. Stir cheese and bread crumbs into softened butter. Mix with fingers until mix is crumbly. Spread evenly over casserole. Make 15-20 minutes or until bubbly around edges. </li>
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My husband isn't a huge fan of chicken casseroles but he really liked this, especially the topping. He asked that I try it with cream of chicken soup next time. <br />
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Next is a slow cooker recipe from America's Test Kitchen. The link is <a href="http://americastestkitchen.tumblr.com/post/3363014744/slow-cooker-week-bachelor-beef-stew" target="_blank">here</a> with my paraphrased directions below.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Bachelor Beef Stew</span></div>
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<li>2 c frozen chopped onions (or 2 onions, minced)</li>
<li>3 T tomato paste</li>
<li>2 T vegetable oil</li>
<li>1.5 tsp garlic powder (or 6 garlic cloves, minced)</li>
<li>2 tsp minced fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried</li>
<li>1 c low sodium chicken broth</li>
<li>1 c beef broth</li>
<li>8 oz baby carrots</li>
<li>1/4 c soy sauce</li>
<li>2 T Minute tapioca</li>
<li>2 bay leaves</li>
<li>3 lbs beef steak tips</li>
<li>salt and pepper</li>
<li>1 lb frozen roasted potatoes, steak fries or French fries. </li>
<li>1 c frozen peas</li>
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Cooking time is 9-11 hours on low or 5-7 on high.<br />
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<li>Microwave onion, tomato sauce, 1 T of oil (the other will be used later), garlic powder and thyme in bowl, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until onions are tender. Place in slow cooker.</li>
<li>Stir both broths, carrots, soy sauce, tapioca and bay leaves into slow cooker. Season beef with salt and pepper and add. Cover and cook until beef is tender, 9-11 hours on low or 5-7 hours on high.</li>
<li>Remove beef, allow to cool slightly on cutting board, then shred with two forks. Skim fat from stew with large spoon and remove bay leaves.</li>
<li>Microwave potatoes with remaining T oil, stirring occasionally until thawed and warm, 5-7 minutes. Stir warm potatoes, shredded beef and peas into stew and heat through. Adjust seasonings and add more hot broth as necessary.</li>
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This was a huge hit in my house. The idea behind Bachelor Stew is that the recipe is easy and all items are likely to be in the freezer or pantry. I cut the meat before adding it rather than shredding it and left out the peas per hubby's preference. The Test Kitchen often uses frozen onions and now I do too. Less waste and no tears!<br />
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My crafting this month has been scrapbook/photo albums that don't merit showing here but I am very happy to have them done. Each son now has his life from birth through high school graduation chronicled and in THEIR homes (see that? I'm decluttering here!) and I have a Disney album from our two trips to the House of Mouse in '85 and '95. See what I mean about long neglected projects? Another bonus is that doing these albums means most of our photos are now sorted and organized. Despite the bitter cold and starting the year with a head cold, January has turned out to be a productive, happy month. <br />
Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-7306457795116394432014-01-14T11:09:00.000-05:002014-01-14T11:09:04.515-05:00I'm getting wimpierShortly after we were married, my husband and I saw the original <em>Rocky</em> movie at the show. My parents virtually never went to the movies but we thought this story of the underdog overcoming the odds might be enjoyable to them, so we went a second time and took them with us. The story was overshadowed by language for them. There really isn't much swearing in <em>Rocky</em>, but to 60 year old people who were accustomed to 3 network TV channels that didn't allow "damn", whatever curse words were in the movie were a shock to them. It isn't that they never swore, they simply weren't used to hearing it in movies.<br />
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Now I am 61 and unfortunately, you can hear a lot more than "damn" at any hour on cable TV, even on the old network stations of ABC, CBS and NBC. I could say more about this but language isn't what is on my mind this morning. Violence is.<br />
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The series <em>The Following</em> began last year and had many viewers hooked before the first episode was over. I was one of them. The key word in that sentence is "was". I am not a movie or TV critic, and I'm not campaigning to have any shows removed. I only speak for myself. The violence of that show got to me. I watched it through the first season because I wanted to know what happened to the key characters, but I listened more than I watched. Hearing torture, even though I know it was acting and not real, was almost as bad as watching it. That series resumes soon, maybe even this week. My husband will probably watch it but I won't.<br />
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A newer series has joined that category for me. The series is <em>The Blacklist</em>. I think it is well written and I really like James Spader. I'd been having doubts that I could continue watching this but last night confirmed that I cannot. I was wide awake in the middle of the night and thought I would catch up on recorded TV. Silly me, I chose <em>The Blacklist. </em>I was awake for another 90 minutes after watching that even though I had my eyes covered when the bad guys reached for their tools of torture. I know that these shows still hold back from what some movies show, but the implication and dialog is clear enough to upset me. <br />
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I suspect 20 and 30 year olds take these shows in stride. I don't want to guess what will bother them when they reach 60 since swearing and violence are norms in the world of entertainment now. In my philosophical moments, I wonder if all of this isn't desensitizing society as a whole and partly explains man's treatment of fellow man. I try not to think about this too much though. It makes me want to write blog posts and ask the unanswerable question: What the hell is going on? And then I have to silently apologize to Mom and Dad. They weren't used to seeing swearing in print either.<br />
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Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4182537822027964947.post-41829463995850585382014-01-11T14:06:00.000-05:002014-01-11T14:06:54.261-05:00Birthday CardMy younger son has a birthday on Monday. He will be 34. If that isn't bad enough, his brother will be 36 in two months. Good thing I'm not concerned with lying about my age. I mean I might if I could pull it off, and more importantly, if I could remember what age I claim as my own. I know someone on Facebook who took 10 years off her age. Does she really think family and long time friends don't know how old she is? It's just a number, and as the saying goes, the more birthdays you have, the longer you live. Profound, right? That's me. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elcrhO_nX0g/T2drk3LPjsI/AAAAAAAAL3E/1lSNrnLFU7M/s1600/th_cheshire.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elcrhO_nX0g/T2drk3LPjsI/AAAAAAAAL3E/1lSNrnLFU7M/s1600/th_cheshire.gif" /></a><br />
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I need a lot more birthdays to get through all the crafts that I have pinned on Pinterest. One pin led to this card. It measures 5.5" wide and 6.5" tall. Flat, it is mail-able but I think it would require extra postage. I didn't make an envelope for this, it will just be handed to my son. Without further ado, here it is, first flat:<br />
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And here it is standing, table high view:<br />
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Looking at from above:<br />
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And from directly overhead:<br />
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A paper cutter and scoring device are handy but not absolute necessities. Chances are, if you make cards or play much with paper, you already have these tools. <br />
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The directions and a video guide to making this are available at <a href="http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/popupboxcard/" target="_blank">Splitcoaststampers</a> I don't recall if you have to be a member to see this or not, but there is no cost involved and I do not get unwanted emails, etc from them. They are safe. <br />
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The two photos that are at odd angles to the left and right on the opened card are glued to narrow strips of acetate. I recently organized all of my cling style rubber stamps, most of which came packaged with small sheets of clear acetate. As I put the stamps in their new home, I couldn't toss all that acetate that might be useful. For once, I was right!<br />
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The back panel of this card should have had the black paper on the back side and striped paper (the lining of the box) visible from the front. Oops. That panel and a plain one on the back are cut longer to keep the rear flap of the box upright. In this card, the back panel is solid black and I wrote our son's birthday greetings in metallic ink. <br />
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I will definitely make this card again. Knittyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194307677813885580noreply@blogger.com2