My Life...... Blessed

In the Lord I put My Trust

2012-01-26T18:53:00.000-06:00

I'm usually a pretty laid-back, calm person, but I can get riled on occasion. Afterwards I always look back and wonder why I got so bent out of shape. I find more often than not, one of my close family members has stepped in my "only child territory". This always gets my dander up. Also I have an only child, so we clash occasionally over who's in charge. We both want to be, because we are both pretty sure our way is best. Then there is my hubby who has no sacred territory, but is a bit of a bulldozer; pushing things around to go his way, when I want the very opposite. Goodness, but I want to push back. We are great at compromising - the secret to a long happy marriage.

If I could just learn to live every day with this simple Psalm in mind, I know I would never worry again, when I don't get my way.

Three Beautiful Girls

2012-01-14T14:08:00.000-06:00

Christmas was a wonderful time in 2011, with everyone healthy, happy, and blessed. We spent Christmas Eve with our daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters. I just wanted to share this photo of my beautiful girls.

Early Work

2012-01-09T08:45:00.000-06:00

This is another of the very first pieces I created. I love it still and often look at it and wish I had kept it. The front is a battered, metal, watch dial I purchased and the gear from an old wind-up clock I found. The D-rings were purchased to tie ribbons together on greeting cards. The reverse is an old cardboard milk bottle top, sent by a friend, also for use on a card. But, this was one of my best pieces. It's amazing what one can do when the creative process is hot and the hands just have to make something, anything!

Starting out the New Year Steampunk Style

2012-01-04T09:42:00.000-06:00

I had been a dedicated card maker for many years, but in March 2010 I stumbled on my first piece of chunky, industrial, found object, jewelry. It was love at first sight. I knew immediately that this was something I wanted to create. After all I had boxes of broken watches, old jewelry, beads, charms, and gemstones, etc. I soon made made my first piece out of an old earring, the chain from another necklace, a watch dial, a Tim Holtz game spinner, and a tiny silver charm. Since then I've made hundreds of pieces, but never lost interest in this great diversion.

Also I've learned this genre of jewelry is called STEAMPUNK. I love it not only because of the great, diverse elements that can be incorporated into each piece but because it's origins are in a "time that never was". Out of the works of such great minds as Orson Welles, Jules Verne, and Phillip Pullman come fantastical blimps, airships, weapons, and adornments. Each inspired by a "time" when electricity was unknown and steam power ran the world; when adventure was there for the taking - to soar and glide far above the limits of mind and time.

World War II Vintage Medal with Steampunk Accent Necklace

2012-01-03T10:09:00.000-06:00

This lovely old medal was so interesting I couldn't bear to cover up the front, so I placed my embellishments on the back. This way both sides have something of interest. It was a great design for me. Because of it I've a new customer that has been keeping me busy for a while. Thanks Jess.

I've Been Published - My Very First Time

2011-10-01T11:14:00.001-05:00


Sky Blue

My very favorite jewelry magazine is Stampington's Belle Armoire Jewelry. I am amazed at the wonderful pieces I see there every quarter. So, on a whim, I submitted four of my own creations, and was surprised when I received an email, about a week later, saying my work would be featured in an upcoming issue. That was March. The pieces came out in the Fall issue. I could hardly wait to see the results. Wonderful! They took my simple little watch works and made them look really special. What fun!

Caged Skull and Dove of Peace

2011-09-14T13:50:00.000-05:00

Although I generally create jewelry for the mainstream, I do love to dabble in pieces a bit more macabre. There is just something I like about the itty bitty skull beads. When I found this cage, I knew what I wanted to put into it - a skull.

This silly little creation has lovely colors, lots of texture, and a sense of balance. The skull in caged in a pewter colored box with a yellow brass ox hinged lid. The bottom has a vinyl insert to hold the skull in, but the four sides are open. Above the cage three stylized flowers in shades of purple, and blue/green hang from a link in the chain on the left and a dove of peace and a tiny brass heart hangs from the right. The gunmetal chain is almost 20 inches long, including the unique steel hand hammered clasp.
I leave it to your imagination to create the scenerio surrounding this little piece. Let me if you come up with a great story.

Fleur de lis adorned World War II Medal

2011-09-10T10:49:00.000-05:00

I love the old copper medals that were awarded in World War II to soldiers all over the world. This one is over 60 years old. I've used the dial of a pocket watch, a brass ox filigree, and a tiny brass French Fleur de lis to accent the front.

Here is a little about the fleur de lis. While it has appeared on countless European coats of arms and flags over the centuries, it is particularly associated with the French monarchy in a historical context, and continues to appear in the arms of the King of Spain and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, members of the House of Bourbon. It remains an enduring symbol of France that appears on French postage stamps, although it has never been adopted officially by any of the French republics. According to French historian Georges Duby, the three leaves represent the medieval social classes: those who worked, those who fought and those who prayed.

Wee Glastig from Ach-na-Creige Fairy Necklace

2011-09-08T18:59:00.000-05:00

After I finished a series of books about Scotland, I wanted to create something Scottish, different, fantastical, and fun. I found literature about this wonderful little creature and decided to go from there.

This wee Glastig is seldom seen except at the bank of a stream, and is oft engaged in washing. She is a shape shifting creature also known as the green maiden. Usually this illusive creature is described as a beautiful woman with dusky or gray skin and long blonde hair. Her lower half is almost always covered by a long, flowing green robe.

I have restored this vintage key somewhat, leaving just enough rust to give it character. Over the base of the key I have wire wrapped a charming silver fairie crescent face with lovely leafy hair. To keep this little maiden feeling at home I have given her a greenish peacock freshwater pearl, a leaf of her favorite watercress and lovely green bubbles of glass. She is held in place by swirly silver wire. The 14 inch silk & cord necklace is complimentary. This little lady would also look lovely on a silver chain of your choosing.

For Sale on my Etsy site.

World War II Vintage Medal Fighting Eagle - Symbol of Boldness and Courage- Steampunk Necklace

2011-05-25T17:02:00.000-05:00

When I found these old copper WWII Medals online, I fell in love with them. They have such great design, are hefty enough to last for centuries, and each represent the life of a soldier some mother loved. None of them are from the U.S., but are from China, India, Korea, Japan, and other locations around the world. Each piece must have a little story that we will never know. And probably the recipient has passed away, hence they are for sale. So, I'm giving each one a new life as a decorative piece of jewelry for someone here to cherish. This one has the emblem of a fierce looking eagle in blue on it. I have paired it with two oriental coin charms and a sturdy chain. What do you think it's new story could be?

Looks Like Spring when the Chives bloom

2011-05-09T09:01:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite herbs of the early spring is chives. They are such a fresh taste of oniony goodness. The new blossoms are especially pretty in salads and the blades of the plant give a baked potato just the right hint of spice.

Sugar, Penny, and Frassy

2011-05-06T23:07:00.003-05:00

Who would have believed a year ago that these three little bundles of fluff would still be part of our household? We only meant to keep them a little while and then find a good farm somewhere for them to live.

Tanna (above) called her little ball of fluff "Penny". She is a bantum New Hampshire Red. She comes running when Poppy goes to the back yard. She's always hungry.

Liberty named her chick Sassafras, but we all call her "Frassy". She is a Black Australorp, and the only full size hen in the coop. She has a sweet disposition and is a great egg layer.

Here is Poppy holding Frassy. He is such a pushover for any sweet little pet.

I called the last little chick Sugar, because she was just so sweet. She is the shy one, and will come running for food, but will only come really close for "baloney worms" - a treat we give them once in a while - baloney cut is 2-3" strips like worms.

Here she is, on the right, as she looks today, at one year old. Her colors are so rich and warm I just want to pet her, but she keeps her distance most of the time. I love to open the door to the hen house when she is on the nest. She always gives me a loud "aaaawwwwkkk". I think it means, "Can't a girl have a bit of privacy!!!"

Frassy is a lovely big hen at one year old, with very black feathers with an iridescent sheen.

And here below is the payoff for keeping these wonderful, fun-to-watch, interesting, beings in our back yard. They lay 4 to 5 eggs every day. Wish you were near; I'd share.

A Day in Spring

2011-04-26T09:52:00.000-05:00

I just wanted share a picture or two of my back yard before the last storm swept through. The old fashioned Irises are just lovely this year. They are my favorite flowers of the spring.

This one was taken just before the storm erupted, hence the very dark background. I expected every one of them to be prostrate on the ground after the wind, but most held up wonderfully.

Beginning the Annual Spring Cleanup

2011-03-28T14:18:00.001-06:00

I guess I am really a fair weather gardener. I love to spruce up the patio and surrounding flower beds in the Spring, I keep them nice in the Summer, begin to slack off in the Autumn, and go inside for the Winter. So, I began the Annual Spring Cleanup last week.

We have a sweet little covered breezeway between our kitchen eating area and the back garage. It is what sold the house to me some 32 years ago. I still love it. These old lawn chairs were given to me by an elderly friend soon after that; they were old then. The little Bakers Rack, came when my daughter didn't need it any longer.

This shelf holds a little granite ware coffee percolator and cup that belonged to my Grandfather. I found it at his old house over 40 years after he died. Found the flour shaker of Grandmothers at the same time. After they died, my uncle stayed in the falling down home place, but never, NEVER, changed a thing except to get a new TV. So after his death, going through the house was like touring a museum of the 40ies. Grandmother's dress still hung behind the door, there were nylons in the bedroom dresser, and Granddad's hat and suit coat hung on a nail in the bedroom, There was only one tiny closet.

I found the platter there, too, along with several others. Actually, I found so many wonderful old pieces. Even though I didn't have room, I carted them all home.

The hand-thrown chicken waterer, in the last photo, is one of my most treasured items from the past. It belonged to my husband's great grandmother. In my imagination I see a a tiny, little, old, country woman with a bun at the back of her head, calling the chickens.
So, one small part of Spring Clean Up finished. Now, I need another warm day to start on the rest. How is your Spring going?

And the walls were made of jasper

2011-03-19T11:01:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite semi-precious gemstones is jasper. I think because it always brings to mind this verse from the bible - Revelation 21:18. 'And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass'. Imagine that city - New Jerusalem. Don't you know God has reserved the very best for that city; jasper so beautiful our poor earthly eyes could not stand the site.

I also love jasper because of all the wonderful variations and the pictures I imagine I can see in it. Most of all, I love it because it cannot be re-created by man. Just look at this wonderful piece I found a few weeks ago. What do you see?

There are several more pictures at my Etsy Shop. They also have the name I have chose for this wonderful piece of jasper.

There you go. It's what's going on in my world of late. But enough about me...what's been keeping you busy?

Peach Pit Beads

2011-03-18T07:32:00.000-06:00

As if I didn't have enough beads, I saw these on eBay a week or so ago and thought they were wonderful. Now I am convinced - they are wonderful. Don't you love the deep convolutions, the lovely ruby color and the aurora borealis finish? Yep. Me too. I saw the heavy brass vintage bead caps on another pair of earrings on Etsy. Then I spent probably 6-7 hours searching the Internet for some like them. Were they worth that investment of time? Probably not, but I love them too. And the lady that sold them to me said they were the last she had. I think they were found in an old warehouse in NYC.

Time now to get into my work space and put together a few more. My house needs attention, and I could cook a meal, but "Nah", this will be more fun.

And, that's whats happening in my world. What's happening in yours?

Something New with something Old

2011-03-15T21:35:00.000-06:00

Since my Etsy Shop sales have been slow since Christmas, I decided to do some house cleaning, so to speak. A few days ago I looked at each listing to see if I still wanted to sell it. Sometimes, after a while, I don't like a piece of jewelry and I will take it apart and stash the components for later. I did that with 3 pieces - they looked tired and old to me.

Then I began with the fuzziest photographs and made new ones. As I worked my way through the 94 pieces I had listed, sales began to come it. I sold 9 pieces over the 4 days it took me to complete my task. Every piece that sold had a new picture. Can you see the difference at the left?

Long story short, good pictures sell merchandise.

Now I will begin to go back again and fine tune my process. I've already noticed a few picts that are just not "up to snuff".

Now, when will I have time to make "new" jewelry???

Once Upon A Time

2011-03-10T09:34:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited to introduce my newest line of jewelry called "Once upon a Time". I'm delving deep into my stash of treasured watch/clock faces and turning loose of a few to make these elegant pendants. Each is embellished with a vintage rhinestone piece and accented with crystals or pearls. The bezel is created by shaping and hammering wire to hold the watch dial in place, and also to compliment the over-all design. I just love the lyrical way the wire holds everything together.

Since this is my first piece, I hope to improve my technique over the weeks to come. There just isn't enough time in the day to bend wire! As soon as the hubby leaves for his exercise class at the Senior Citizens, I race to my ~~studio~~, back bedroom and begin the ~~work~~ fun. How is it that some days, I can complete 3-4 pieces, and other days I spend all day and have nothing new by night time?

Wired, Again.

2011-03-07T12:01:00.000-06:00

After a bit of success with the Rainforest Jasper, I was ~~wired~~ ready to try another piece. Since my inventory didn't include anything else quite that wonderful, I chose an oval chunk of adventurine. It is beautiful to me, but without the wonderful variations of color and design like the jasper. After wrapping and weaving and polishing the wire, it was still a bit plain. I added a few very tiny dragon veins agates at the bottom. They gave it just a pop of color.

If you are a jewelry maker, or would like to be, leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you. We could learn together.

Woo Hoo, I'm Wired!

2011-03-05T08:54:00.000-06:00

I spent a good part of yesterday wrestling with wire! Oh, but what fun it was. Here is my first attempt to wrap a stone.

I've been learning to shape jumprings, links, and closures for several weeks. Today I decided to see if I could weave and wrap some smaller wires around larger ones. I admit most of the work on this pendant was bending rather than weaving, but I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. I wanted to enhance the beauty of this wonderful Rhyolite Rainforest Jasper stone rather than cover it up. The little cubes at the bottom are new jade and the red bead is carnelian, one of my favorite gems. I used some shiny gunmetal headpins to wire them.

AND, several days later.....

2011-02-04T12:39:00.001-06:00

Well, the one day project was greatly sidelined when the flu took over my life for a few days. But I've finally finished and am ready to present the final version of "You Hold the Key to My Heart" Necklace. Although it isn't traditional Valentine red, pink, and white, it still would be a nice way to celebrate the day.

This lyrical link became my favorite piece of the necklace as soon as it was finished. It serves as a neat way to connect the pendant to the main body of the necklace.

Then the closure turned out pretty nice, too.

I love the combination of hand forged steel elements, the white agate beads, Czech glass fire polished rondelles, and Turquoise Jade Cylinder beads. Lots of elements to catch the attention.

Day Two on a One Day Process

2011-01-25T21:19:00.000-06:00

The stones on the left are freeform Amazonite. I just love the color and think it will go well with the turquoise jade I used yesterday with the hand formed links. Also in the foreground, wired and ready to go, are three lovely Czech glass crystals in a deeper shade of blue with a bit of green. The small white beads on the right are white crystal gemstones. Also today I finished the steel clasp. It was formed around an old brass bullet casing my friend gave me, since I don't have a pair of bailing pliers.

Here are three of the freeform Amazonite stones wired, the end of a string of white crystal beads, and a cross I may work into the design.

So I have worked about 4 hours already on this necklace.

Whew!

A New Day a New Benchblock....

2011-01-24T16:49:00.000-06:00

Who would have thought it could take 2-1/2 hours to pound out this tiny 6 inch length of necklace. I thought I could do it in 30 minutes.

For the S-links I started with a length of #22 dark annealed steel wire. It is first unwound from the spool, then it is straightened, cleaned, polished, cut, the ends were hammered, bent, hammered again, polished again, and maneuvered into the final shape. That is ten steps. Looks simpler doesn't it?

The wired beads are made much the same way. Unwind, straighten, clean, polish, cut, bend end loop, hammer, thread on bead, bend other end, hammer, wrap each end, polish. Whew!

Then each jump ring is made. Wind wire around the old crochet needle, cut, polish rough ends, polish sides, join beads and s-links, bend together. Done.

Love it!

HALF PRICE SALE ON SEVERAL ETSY ITEMS

2011-01-22T12:23:00.000-06:00

I fell in love with these stones when I found them on eBay. They are called dragon veins agate. Being a fan of Anne McCaffrey's dragon world Pern I couldn't wait to see them. They look just like I think a dragon egg would have looked before hatching.

And to celebrate the New Year (22 days into it) I'm putting a lot of my Etsy earrings on half price. Check it out!

Looking Back over a wonderful year and Looking Forward to another.

2011-01-08T16:50:00.025-06:00

Here's a great way to start off the new year. Stop by these two great blogs. Both of these ladies are so very creative and have been a great source of inspiraton for me.

Rebecca Sower: Life. By hand.

Deryn Mentock: Something Sublime

They each had a wonderful mosaic of their work over the past year. So, to be in good company, I decided to try my hand at a mosaic of my work. Here it is.

2010 Attempts at Creating Jewelry

I had so much fun in 2010 putting together jewelry. This year I want to learn about creating pieces from just basic supplies, and move beyond being an assembler to a maker. I know that's a big leap, but it's my goal for this year.

2010-11-22T18:24:00.000-06:00

I've had such fun today creating jewelry for "Lady Algermath", a steampunk matriarch from my imagination.

Here is a excerpt from her story:

From a time that never was comes a design that was created especially for "Lady Algermath". This was to adorn her cape as she accepted the scepter of leadership from her young general Torrence Ladore on the day she began her reign as queen of steampunk society after defeating Baron Dondragor at the epic Battle of Aragon. She remained queen until she peaceably flew away in her steam powered airship and was never seen again.

Created from the back plate of the precision timepiece worn by the defeated Baron Dondragor, this timeless work of art exhibits many meaningful archaic symbols. The face of time flanked by the wings of Persius, the sacred lotus blossom rendered in intricate brass filigree, and the 7 crystals of Loman who holds the seven secrets, are just a few.

Birthday!

2010-10-12T14:26:00.000-05:00

Sixty four short years ago, just 7 minutes into the new day, I came into this world. I was counted as a blessing to my parents who had been married 7 years and been "trying" for a child for a long time. My dad was 42 at the time and my mother was 27.

They were the blessings, to me. My dad was Sunday School superintendent, at the time, at North Ballard Baptist Church; a thriving country church of some 75-85 souls. The first Sunday after I was born, he stood before the church to tell them of his new daughter. My mother recounted on many occasions what he said: "I have a new daughter, her name is Brenda Kay, and as much as I love her, I would rather she had never been born, than to know she would not be born again".

What a legacy they left behind. They believed that God should be put first, family second and work third. They not only believed it, they lived it. We didn't work on Sunday, even if the hay was left in the field to the rain, or the yard needed mowing, all were left for another day. My dad would stop working in the field to take me to a ball game or fishing, if I wanted. He said there would always be work to do. I'm so glad he did. We spent so many wonderful hours fishing, hunting, picking blackberries, and camping on the lake. We crammed a lot into the 21 years I lived at home and he went home to be with the Lord when I was just 27. Mom never preached,(in a pulpit, that is), she preached everywhere else. She never went to do missions, but she was a missionary every where she went. When Mom died, at 88-1/2 years of age, she couldn't tell you her name or mine, but she could still sing Amazing Grace. I know she is singing it still!

All to say, what a blessed, Blessed, BLESSED life I have enjoyed. Thank You, Lord for all you have given me in these wonderful 64 years.

Winter Berry Earrings

2010-10-09T14:01:00.000-05:00

These winter berry earrings made it into a Treasury today. They are jade, Czech pressed glass, and two sweet antique brass bead caps.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackStoneFoundry

It's Still Summer and Still No Rain

2010-10-09T13:45:00.000-05:00

I've been rather lax about keeping water out for the birds this summer; although I water the plants every day, and most of them have big saucers underneath where water collects for several hours. I have often seen the birds drinking in those. Today I put a big pan under the old flowering cherry tree and filled it with two gallons of fresh water. The birds came in droves. At one time I counted nine all drinking together. They came all afternoon. So, I made a drip waterer for them on the patio, sat in the swing and waited to see what would happen. They loved it, maybe better, because they could splash around in it. I sat quietly for over an hour just watching them and enjoying the cool shade, the comfortable swing, and one of the last days of summer.

Someone on Etsy Liked My Little Raspberry Earrings

2010-10-08T19:31:00.000-05:00

Yea! It's always fun when someone thinks my silly little creations are good enough to be in an Etsy Treasury. These make it today:

Summer's End is in Sight

2010-10-06T09:34:00.000-05:00

The "frog belly" is in full bloom, and a beautiful Eastern Tiger Swallowtail has come to sip the sweet nectar. I wish I could sip too, and taste this wonderful end of summer banquet.

There have been dozens of beautiful butterflies on this one group of plants over the last few days. Wish I had taken more pictures.

As a matter of notice, there have been more butterflies this summer than I can remember in a long time. Could it be because it has been so very, very dry?

Vintage Santa Framed!

2009-11-07T08:33:00.000-06:00

I just love this vintage Santa, so I transferred his picture to cloth and framed him! This is such a simple card to make and I think it looks complicated. I just layered the card with black paper, designer paper, a strip of ribbon, a frame and the Sweet Santa backed with black. I popped him us one level and added the pearls. Voila! A card ready to send out in just a few days. Chrismas is only 48 days away.

Paper: Cloud9Design, Bazzill black
Diecuts: Spellbinders Frameabilities Classic Frame
Embellishments: Wal-Mart black velvet ribbon, Kaiser pearls, my own Santa on muslin.

Enjoy!
B

2009-11-05T10:11:00.000-06:00

Purchased this cute little girl with dog singing Jingle Bells last week from http://digitalpenciltoo.com/

This is my first card with digital image instead of a real, hold in my hand, rubber stamp. I was hesitant to try this but found it to work just great.

I printed the image on white cardstock and colored it with Prisma pencils and used Gamsol to blend the colors. I'm not really good at this but I've studied several tutorials on different blogs and decided to give it a try. Lots of fun! I'd like to figure out how to print on 110lb. cold pressed water color paper since that is my favorite for stamps to be colored by hand. It holds up well and can absorb a lot of water.

Hope you enjoy this little card. If you have questions just email me or leave a question in the comments. If you really love it, it's for sale at Jonesemporium.etsy.com Thanks for stopping by.

Brenda

Stamps: Mo's Digital Pencil
Paper: Cloud9Design - Stocking Stripe, Bazzill cardstock
Ink: Computer, Ranger Distress Ink
Accessories: Prisma Pencils, Wal-Mart Ribbon, Cuttlebug machine, Spellbinders diecuts

Mona Maybe??

2009-10-26T08:04:00.000-06:00

My newest Spellbinders Nestabilities Die is this one - Labels Four. I love the wonderful, lyrical curves. It works so perfectly with this very old rubber stamp I found in my stash. I pared this image in chocolate with some dark brown Bazzill cardstock to make these sweet tags. I called them "Mona Lisa Maybe" and put them up for sale on my Etsy Shop. What fun. I think I'll make lots of tags with this great die.

Thanks for checking in with me.
B

Stamp: Illuminata by Inkadinkado

Paper: Bazzill Chocolate Cream Smoothies, Twig

Ink: Sentiments Timber, Ranger Distress Ink Vintage Photo

Accessories: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Four Die, string

Simply Black and White, ah, with a little silver

2009-10-17T17:38:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I just want to create a card quickly with out laboring over it and get it in the mail. This was one of those times. I needed a "Get Well Soon" card for a very elegant friend, but I knew she wouldn't appreciate anything too girly or too fussy, so I let this beautiful scrapbook paper speak for itself. A bit of ribbon and a few computer generated words were all I needed to make it complete.

Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, black and silver from stash

Ribbon: Black grosgrain from Michaels

Size: 5 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches

Christmas Card with Lots of Purple

2009-10-16T15:45:00.000-05:00

Summer is gone and Fall didn't last very long, so I guess it's time to think Winter. And to me winter means Christmas.

So I made my first Christmas card today with Kazan's Sketch # 37 from 2sketches4you. They have a contest going on until midnight on October 17th. This is the first time I've entered a contest with a card. How fun! Hope someone likes it.

The inside is decorated also with a bit of the color scheme from the front and a little sign that says "Think Snow!"

The papers are "Artic Chill" by Fancy Pants Designs, and Bazill cardstock in a deep purple. Also used Cuttlebug die Ice Crystal, and Snow flake embossing Folder; Spellbinders Classic Rectangle Large, Classic Circle Large, and Classic Scalloped Circle Large.

Computer generated "Think Snow!"

Thanks for checking in with me.

The End of Summer

2009-09-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

Wow! The end of summer is here. School has started and everyone's gardens are winding down. When my friend, Abbie Finley, called to say he had plenty of tomatoes to share, I went into the preseving mode.

After just a few minutes in his garden I had a 5-gallon bucket loaded with really red, ripe tomatoes. I stopped by Wal-Mart on the way home for a few nectarines, two green bell peppers, and three Jalapeno peppers. Everything else I would need was waiting at home. I'm thinking red tomato relish! And, I have a wonderful new recipe to try.

Here are some of the beautiful ingredients.

My first task was to put on a pot of water to blanch the nectarines and tomatoes. Just a short time in the boiling water will loosen the skins so they slip right off. Actually the tomatoes worked wonderfully, but the nectarines were a bit more work.

After the boiling water they all go into an icewater bath to cool them down. This saves the fingers.

Look at all the wrinkly skins waiting to be shed.

Chop the Jalapenos. Carefully and with gloves on!

All the pretty peppers piled up.

Here is everything chopped and in the pot. I decided to use a tea bag for my pickling spices.

DIDN'T WORK!

Just a minute after putting the "make-do" bag in the pot, I broke it stirring. So, the next 5 minutes were spend picking out the little pieces of allspice, clove, cinnamon, etc., that escaped into the pot. Thank goodness, it was just a little rip in the bag.

So, then I went to the workshop, cut a proper muslin square and tied everything up with a cotton cord. Whew! Sometimes, shortcuts take a lot longer.

It was a long day. I picked, prepared, chopped, cooked and strirred, canned, and cleaned up from about 8:30am until 5:30pm. Long day, but I did lots of other things during the cooking and stirring session. The results were worth it.

Lots of wonderful sweet, tangy, spicy, ripe tomato relish.

Life is good.

2009-05-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

Just like the card from yesterday, this one is created from bits and pieces, but my favorite part is a copy of the old stamp from Laos. I won't spend a lot of time explaining how it was made since there isn't much new on it. The pieces are: three different scrapbook papers, lettering from QuicKutz font Sunshine, flourish from Autumn Leaves, stamps and postmarks from an old letter, buttons tied with string, typewriter key labels from stash, a ready made tag that says "favorite things", and a vellum stamp from stash.

Make a card for some you love and include on the front something they will remember. Maybe an old ticket stub, a photograph, a copy of a report card, a bit of fluff or flower from a bouquet, etc.

2009-05-08T08:12:00.000-05:00

I think one of the most fun ways to make cards is to incorporate into the making something from your past.

When I was about 10, I collected stamps. Money was in short supply, but my Mom occasionally let me have enough to send off for packets of "free" stamps. Back then, 52 years ago, free really meant free. So, I would get a 6 cent stamp, cut out the ad from a magazine, fill out my address, etc., and send it off in one of Mom's envelopes.

It was an exciting day when the mail carrier left me a big packet of free stamps. Now, I must admit, along with the free stamps were several packets that I could buy for just a small amount. And, occasionally, I had enough pennies saved to buy a packet or two. I probably spent less than a dollar at the most. One time I received a packet with four stamps from Laos. They were all of elephants, and were the most beautiful I had ever seen. I bought them for a few pennies and treasured them from that day to this.

For this card (5in x 7in), I made a photocopy of those stamps. You can see how I cut out one stamp (now I have a stamp border pair of sizzors, but not then), and mounted it on complimentary paper. The background paper is scrapbooking paper. The paper on right is torn and glued on top of that. A rub-on, letters, brads and ribbon completes this card. Make your own "Dare to Dream" card and send me a picture. I'll put in on this blog.

As always, hoping to hear from lots of you.

Happy Anniversary

2009-05-07T08:58:00.000-05:00

Here is a card I made using one of the free photographs I found on the Internet. It is very simple and takes very little time to make. Maybe I should say "it takes very little time, the second time around." Sometimes I spend hours getting a card together the first time, but can make a similar one in just minutes the next time.

Pick a cardstock and find some vintage looking papers for the background. Cut a piece 1/4 to 1/2 inch smaller than the card, center, and glue. This card was made before I had a Cricut so I used a template to cut out an oval from the photograph and then cut a bit larger one with deckle sizzors. I found the flower in an old box of wedding finery and cut the red leaves from an autumn leaf branch from Wal-Mart. I printed "Happy Anniversary" on the computer and cut it out, and highlighted the edges with a black marker. There is a little pen work around the edges of the vintage look paper. I used dots and dashes and a few xoxoxo sometimes.

Make one of these. You will have so much fun.

Drop by again. I'm always looking forward to hearing from you.

A Brother is a Blessing

2009-05-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Since cards using vintage photographs are among my very favorites, I thought you might enjoy this one created especially for a brother.

The cardstock is white and is A2 size. I cut a piece of my own "homemade" paper 1/4 of an inch smaller than the stock and adhered to the front. I squared off the photo and matted it on a piece of brown cardstock and adhered it at a bit of an angle. Then I rubber stamped several postmarks, added a few old stamps, used a simple flower rub-on and glued on buttons. I always use a heavy string or beadspread cotton to tie through the holes on buttons. After all, buttons should be secured with thread. Right? The comment was created on my computer with a free Internet font called 1942 report.

I found the old photo at a yard sale and had some prints made at the local "Quick Print" on their color copier. Actually, I positioned 9 pictures on a page with a little bit of double stick tape and made several copies, all for around a dollar each.

The background paper is made with old postcards, family letters, and wills, layered and laid at interesting angles. Almost any old documents will work. The more faded, stained, yellowed, and worn the better. Only a color copier will give you really good results. Experiment and send me a picture of your designer paper and I'll post it on my site for others to be inspired.

This could be a wonderful way to surprise a brother with a card. Find an old picture of him or perhaps one of some of your ancestors and go on from there. If you have questons, please email me.
B

Tommy Turtle

2009-05-05T09:11:00.000-05:00

This little guy is called Tommy Turtle. He comes from the same part of the country as the little red crab. As a matter of fact they are great friends. I made him by finding a simple picture in a children's coloring book and cutting him out. Then I traced around him on green paper and cut out the shape. Next I traced around just the shell on a green, blue and white paisley and hand drew in the shapes on his shell. I smudged each spot and a little around his head and feet, painted his toenails red (hey, maybe this turtle is Tomette) and glued the shell to the body. I gave him some eyes from the little pieces left over from using QuicKutz font Sunshine. I think his eyes are from the center of letter P. Also used that font for the word "Hi!" I hand drew a couple of flowers and cut out some grass free form. After a little pen work, glue all together, and adding a button the card was ready to send. Hope you enjoy Tom.

Last of the Laos Stamp Cards - Dream

2009-05-04T14:59:00.000-05:00

O.K. I promise this will be the last of the Laos Stamp Cards, although there is another one lurking around somewhere. This one was a lot of fun because of all the exotic oriental images I found to use on it.

On the Internet there is a site with pictures of bank notes from every country. Some of them are beautiful works of art. I copied and pasted this one, being careful to use only part of it and also made it a bit smaller than the real one would have been. I don't want to be a counterfeiter. Whew! Also, I covered the picture of a man at the center of the note with a postmark. I chose navy, hot pink, and gold for the color scheme. You can see I pulled it from the peacock stamp. The ginko and dragonfly were rubber stamped, colored and cut out before being added. The buttons are from my stash and the flower is a silk flower, pulled apart and glued on with a tiny gold brad in the center.

Look around and use what you have on hand. I believe it is Jenni Bowlin that says "re-use, and re-purpose". She is the queen of that.

Card from the Past

2009-05-04T11:23:00.000-05:00

Here is a simple little card I made a year or so ago and sold on eBay. It is so easy to make. You can find other ideas like it close at hand. First I found a coloring book with simple images, took it to a copier and reduced the image of the crab until I had it at the size I needed for this card. Next I cut it out and traced around the edges onto a colorful piece of paper; I used a bright red. I outlined each part of the crab with a black pen, like Pilot Varsity Extra Fine. Any smooth writing pen will do just fine. There is a minimum of shading done with brown chalk and a Q-Tip.

The background was done with six layers of cardstock. Three are sand and three are water. The top of each row of sand is smudged a bit with brown chalk and the waves are all cut free form and inked a bit with the black pen. To get uniform pieces for the eyes and eyebrows, I used little throw away pieces left after cutting out letters with QuicKutz Sunshine Font. Also used the font to say "Whassup ?". A few grains of sand penned in finished up this lil ole crab.

Hope you try one too. If you do let me know. I would love to hear from you.

Wheelbarrow

2009-04-09T08:52:00.000-05:00

I love to create cards using different techniques. Although ones with vintage photographs are among my favorites, I also love to water color and use my Prisma Pencils. The card I chose to share today begins with a deep red cardstock and is layered with yellow, navy blue, and a petite flowered print from my older papers. The image is from SU! and is colored in with Prisma Pencils. I used an odorless turpenoid to smooth out the color and make it more like a watercolored image. The pot of yellow flowers and the watering can are stamped a second time, cut out, colored and popped out on dimensional dots. A bit of red Stickles on the wheel barrow and water can gives a bit of sparkle.

Hope you enjoyed looking at this little creation. If you have any questions, just email me. I would love to hear from you.

~B

Another Sister Card

2009-04-07T18:00:00.000-05:00

I love to make "sister" cards! Maybe that is because I never had a sister. Well, I didn't have a brother either, but those cards aren't as much fun to create - no flowers, frills, no fuss.

This one is similar to yesterday's card in several ways - the photo is the same - just trimmed into a square instead of an oval, and I used another fabric swatch on the left. The sentiment is the same - "sisters are different flowers from the same garden". The background is again from the one-of-a-kind paper I made by copying old letters and documents. The embellishment is bits and pieces from here and there. I crocheted the light colored flower and pulled the two reddish blooms from a bouquet of silk flowers. I threw away all the little plastic pieces and anchored the three flowers together with a large French knot of crochet thread. The leaves are from a fall arrangement that I no longer use. The black photo corners turned up in a bin of sale goods at a local business supply store.

Even though there are literally thousands of beautiful embellishments on the market, I find a lot of pleasure in using items from around my home and craft room. I've been collecting little "treasures" for a very long time, so now it's great to use them to decorate my cards. I try to look at a piece and see what can be done with it other than the intended or expected purpose. Take a look around your home; you'll find lots of great little treasures just waiting to become a part of a very special card.

Day One

2009-04-06T14:21:00.000-05:00

This is my first day in the weblog world. I couldn't think of a great name for my blog so I called it "Just Me....B". That will work for now. If you've stumbled on this by some twist of the keyboard, please say "hello" and let me know you are out there.

Today I am sharing a card I designed last year, because it is one of my all time favorites. It features a copy of a 70+ year old photograph of my mother and her two younger sisters.

It is created on white cardstock that has been distressed around the edges with brown ink. The background paper was made by photocopying several very old letters and papers that belonged to my family. The colorful piece of fabric on the left is from a discontinued swatch book for upholstery fabrics, button from mom's button box, and flower from Prima. It's really amazing what you can do with what you find around your grandmother's attic.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to "see" you again.