Birthday - Belated

I made this card for my niece who celebrated her birthday in September. I am way behind but I had a nice low key weekend and have found renewed energy. 

I chose a deep warm green card.  I added a layer of this versatile designer paper leaving a small border.

I cut the greeting from heavy white card stock with the Memory Box Jumbled Happy Birthday thinlit.  I colored it with gold paint.  When it was dry I adhered it to the card front toward the bottom edge. 

I made holes above the greeting and inserted red seaming binding in a innie outie bow.  I added 2 gold star brads in the holes beside the ribbon. 

Card Exchange

I created these cards with supplies from a Card Club kits.

I created the background layer with the 4 quadrant graphic, the circle and star element and the greeting with black and Blushing Bride.  I printed it on a white card which leaves a small border.  It was adhered to the front of a black card.

I adhered the lily circle elements in the three open spaces on the grid.  I added black fiber in the center of the card below the grid filling the space between the graphic and the greeting.

I glued the 4 inch square offset from the center onto the landscape blue card. I punched holes on either side into which I threaded a salmon colored satin ribbon and made a bow on the right hand side.

I added the greeting onto blue scallop oval cut with Spellbinder Nestabilities.  The oval element was then adhered to the card front with 3D foam tape.

These are off to my exchange card partners.

Happy Thanksgiving

One Thousand Gifts - Session 5 - Empty to Fill

I am leading this bible study tonight - One Thousand Gifts Bible Study - A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp.
Seven of us met tonight to share and learn.
I look forward to a time of slowing down, being intentional, checking my attitude and increasing my gratitude.

Session 5 - Empty to Fill

Ann relates an experience where she is asked to return to a place where her panic attacks occurred years ago.  Has she grown enough to go to this place open handed to give what she has learned through Eucharisteo?  She agrees to accompany the youth group to the downtown mission for a night of servicing others in need.  There she meets a man who is at the mission.  He has had a tough life but he recites Paul's lament of doing what he does not want to and cannot do what he wants.  A short while later, he asks "Did I get it right?"  He wants to be a blessing.


We are given gifts not to hoard them and keep them to ourselves but to share them, pass them on, and keep the flow of grace moving.

Let us use the opportunities available to us to share with others, to encourage others, and to stretch ourselves to give freely of the gifts we have received.

I gave each participant one of these photos to place on the fridge, bathroom mirror or some place else they will see regularly.

A little thank you and reminder of the bible study

Cards as Gifts Class

I decided to make my all occasion card stack class this fall a "Make Cards as Gifts" class. This allows people to give the handmade cards as gifts for Christmas, Teacher Appreciation, or Birthdays.

I thought it would be helpful to have a "wrapper" for the cards as part of the class so the participants would walk away with gifts ready to give. That is always nice for busy people.  The package would hold 4 or 6 cards depending on how they split their card kit.

I designed this clear pouch which would hold the cards.  It is made with half of a page protector.  I cut the top edge with a Tim Holtz die to create the wavy edge.  Punch two holes for the ribbon.  That worked great! 






Some people would be inclined now to put that in a gift bag so to make it Ready 2 Give I added a Christmas wrap liner to cover the cards until the recipient opened the package.  I chose premium foil gift wrap in red and gold. 

The package needed a gift tag so I made some of those as well to coordinate with the liner.

One Thousand Gift - Between Session

There is Between Session work in the One Thousand Gift bible study.

It prompted us to continue our Gift List with a few more gifts. 

• A phone call from my aunt for an outing to see inspirational art.
• A day spent in the country with my camera.
• A flexible exercise program now that it too dark and cold to walk outside in the morning.
• Visits with friends this week and next.
• Completion of the kitchen project for 2017.
• A new fridge full of food.
• A phone call offering me an opportunity to teach a class.

Trust Moment
Grace to cool my hurt and anger when I was layed off 2.5 years ago.

God showed me opportunities which I could not pursue while I was working.

Several friends with deep faith to support and encouragement.

Romans 8:32 - He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Photo Cards - Thank Yous

I made and will deliver some thank you cards to the those who provided excellent customer service during the process of buying, delivering and installing my new appliances.  I appreciated the sales person working with my criteria and providing choices within those parameters. When it came time for delivery I was always told who would be coming to my home and the work the person would be performing. The coordinator on delivery day was great as the door swing was facing the wrong way, a small scratch was made on the fridge and my front door was damaged during the process.  The delivery guys had to remove my door to get the new fridge in which was extra work. The plumber who came to install the dishwasher was top notch! The young man who came to fix the front door did an excellent job.  They were both professional, organized, and considerate of my home.  I am so grateful and hopeful that the young people entering the trades are so well trained.

I selected a few of the photos I took this summer.  I printed them 3.5x5 and trimmed to 4.75 inches and adhered to heavy white card.

Kitchen Reno - Reveal

I have been working on an update to my kitchen since I purchased these 2 cabinets in April 2017.  I love IKEA and these are IVAR cabinets.  This was a challenge and provided many learning curves.

There have been several challenges:

• I added IKEA EKET under frame which includes a frame and legs in clear lacquered birch.
• The freezer needs space above for ventilation so I have decided not to install a counter.  The cabinets also have tops so it is not necessary.
• Since the cabinets are not standard kitchen cabinets I needed a spacer behind to bring them forward to the edge of the wall on the right.  Two by fours with brackets then topped with pretty knotty pine boards did the trick. I had to cut some of the 2x4 with a hand saw but I did my carpenter Dad proud.  Thank goodness for an electric drill he gave me years ago. 
• I added identical wooden shelves on either side for open shelving for dishes.  
• I installed the large metal sunflower my niece gave me for Christmas as the art in the center above the freezer.  I love it!
• Finding trays for the inside to store what used to be in there led to a journey with several options.  

New appliances rose to the top of the priority list when I was headed to Mom and Dad`s in August when I discovered that a bracket that supported the bottom of the freezer was broken.  I supported the base as best I could had headed out.  When I returned I headed out shopping for new ones.  A refrigerator, a dishwasher, a stove and a microwave were on the list.  The ones I was replacing were over 30 years old.  This is the first time I bought kitchen appliances in my life. I did my research and visited a couple of showrooms.
The new appliances were delivered September 11th. This photo shows the new appliances. I bought very basic appliances in white as the kitchen is not a place where I spend a lot of time.  The next day the dishwasher was hooked up. I have not had a working dishwasher for about 5 years so it is taking a bit to get used to how I do things. The counters are staying tidy. It took till September 28th to get all the issues addressed but I finally have the fridge door opening the right way, the fridge is no longer freezer my food and the damage on the front door repaired.

The photo above also shows the painting of the cupboards. I posted in summer that I had put paper in the centers of the doors to see how much of an effect it would make to the room.  It was dramatic and brighten up the room a lot considering there is no windows.  I lived with paper until this week.  I will post later the process.  I am very happy with the change.

I bought a new rug at the sink in white and navy.  I don`t think it is the final solution but it will do for now.  Easily washed and good colors.

The tea cupboard is still in it`s place.  I moved the pot holders to the range hood since that is where I need them.  Navy sunflowers are there pattern.  One of the reasons I bought these appliances because of the handles. I like to hang towels on the stove and fridge.

I found a small glass lemon to compliment the other two in my blue cut glass bowl.  A day with my aunts on Tuesday found us visiting a high end second hand store.  I have been looking for a while. There it was and the price was great.

The bowl lives on top of the microwave sitting on a yellow crocheted doily.  I added a microwave splatter cover.  The microwave has a rotating glass plate.  The old one did not which tells you how old it was.  It has been sent to the eco station.

Super happy with this presentation. 

I recently found a silver tin which is exactly the same as the blue ones I have been using in the tea cupboard.  The price was $2 so it came home with me.  I have been looking for 2 years for a matching tin.

I printed some labels for each of them. Earl Grey, Herbal, Chamomile and Green tea.

I recently found a blue spray bottle for the mixture water and bleach that I use all the time in the kitchen.  Works great on stained teapots and tea cups.

I have chosen to store my dishes on wooden open shelves.

On the right, I have my yellow and true blue set of dishes. A few white plates are also on this side.  The yellow and the stainless steel teapots live on the top shelf.  I have managed to find a sugar and creamer and a covered condiment dish to match my stainless steel teapot.

On the left, I store my blue nd white dishes. The Blue Nordic dishware received a boost the other day.  I now have four White Regency teacups and saucers and 6 Blue Nordic.  I have the clear glass plates, red plates, and the Cobalt blue glass plates.  The top shelf holds the IKEA Cobalt Blue teapot and the Blue Nordic coffee set as well as the large white porcelain teapot.

You will see that sunflowers are the flower of choice in my kitchen.  On the left is a painting from Italy, a very large metal sunflower art in the center, on the right a framed tile from Mexico, and a watercolor print.

I love the plate stand, another recent purchase, as it will hold any of my plates which allows me to customize it to the dishware I am using on my table. My brother in law is working on supports for a black wire rack which will hold my plates vertically instead of horizontally on shelves. 

Further updates:
The original plan was to place some open shelving higher up on the wall.  After some discussion with a friend I am holding off for a while.  I have stored my Tupperware elsewhere for now.

The wood shelves, the spacer boards need to be oiled but I will wait till the plate rack is ready and do it all at once. 

I want to make fabric runners to be placed under the shelves on both sides. 

Sharing with
Jann at Daily Cup with Mrs. Olson Share Your Cup #267
Maggie at Normandy Life who hosts Mosaic Monday 55
Mersad who hosts Through my Lens 114

Christmas Card Challenge - Oct - Banner Turquoise

My blog`s Christmas Card challenge for October is Banner and Turquoise.  I`m sorry this is late.

I chose a warm turquoise card and found some Christmas designer paper from Best Creation Inc. It features a warm snowflake background with purple glittered snowflakes.  It was cut to leave a small border.

I created a banner with the Stampin Up Banner Triple punch.  The blue banner is cut to 2 inches wide then the white is 1.5 inches wide.  I stamped the greeting with a stamp from Stampin Up - Four the Holidays stamp set.  I used the Baja Breeze stamp pad.  The two banners were layered and then trimmed to 5 inches long.  I adhered it to the card front. 

I adhered a 1 inch circle punchie in deep purple to the left of the greeting.  I then added a white metal dove brad by making a hole with a push pin for the prongs. 

One Thousand Gifts - Session 4 - Trust: Bridge to Joy

I am leading this bible study tonight - One Thousand Gifts Bible Study - A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp.
Seven of us met tonight to share and learn.
I look forward to a time of slowing down, being intentional, checking my attitude and increasing my gratitude.

Session 4 - Trust: Bridge to Joy

Ann recounts an incident where she crosses a bridge and has the epiphany that every time she comes to a bridge she trusts the bridge builder to ensure safe passage across. We need to trust God who sent the bridge between Him and us. 

In this session Ann presents the concept of being "practical atheists".

• When we live our lives not trusting the God we believe in.  

• When we choose stress, it is an act of disbelief. 

 "When we can't see His Hand, we can trust His Heart"

One Thousand Gifts - Between Sessions

We are encouraged to continue looking for the gifts.

I am grateful for being able to teach classes.  With bible study and card club I enjoy the process regularly.

I am grateful for connections on line with bloggers and photographers.

I am grateful for a call from my aunt to get together this week.

We are asked to look deep in the mess and dirt of our lives to find a treasure a gift that is hidden there.

I have been dealing with problems with new appliances, deliveries and customer service.  I've had to be deliberate and intentional to follow up on these issues.  I am grateful for the time and attention to detail have have been blessed with.

Card Club - Fall 2017 - Incentive

I always prepare a bit of a gift for those ladies who paid for all the fall classes in full.  Saves me having to chase fees.

This is my Thank You card.  A photo card with a 3.5x4.75 inch photo of rocks near my house adhered to the card front.  It was nice to have a bit of greenery on the bottom right hand corner.

Below are the set of Nifty Note cards I made which are color printed on white card stock.

Card Club - Sept - Copper Leaves

My card is my nod to fall arriving and thanksgiving. It is a trio of copper leaves.  The leaves were cut with the Tim Holtz Tattered Leaves die.  It cuts these 3 leaves at one time.

I chose some copper metallic handmade paper I purchased a few years ago from a local business which has since closed.  I embossed the most solid one wit the Tim Holtz Cracked embossing folder to provide some texture to the card front.

The background designer paper is by BasicGrey - Pyrus - Oblate.  I loved that it had the copper tone and some wonderful green ones too. 

I added a green raffia bow held in place with a large copper brad. 

I chose not to include a greeting as the leaves fill the card front quite nicely.

Card Club - Sept - Tea Pot

I won this stamp and die set from Paper Sweeties this summer.

I stamped the teapot onto designer card stock by Carta Bella - True Friends - Forever Friends in black ink then cut it out with the die.

I printed the French script background in grey onto the pink card itself.  It's from The Graphics Fairy.

I ripped a piece of white card stock to create my table space then embossed it with the Cuttlebug Diamond in the Rough embossing folder.  I adhered across the bottom of the card in the landscape orientation.

I adhered the teapot onto the card front then placed the small handmade paper flower and flower sequin in the bottom right hand corner of the teapot and held these in place with a tiny white brad.

Card Club - Sept - 4 inch Square

This is based on a design I used this summer.

I cut a 4 inch square of designer paper.  I ripped it in approximately half. Then I ripped the edge with the white showing again to remove the white and leave a bit of space in between.  I then adhered these offset from each in the top left and bottom right hand corners of the turquoise card.

The greeting is color printed on white cardstock and then punched with the 2" oval punch.  I cut the oval scalloped layer with one of the Spellbinder Nestabilities.  These are adhered together then this layer is adhered to the card front overlapping the layers of designer paper.

I am offering greetings for several occasions in this design as well as several colors.

Card Club - Sept - Lily Trio

It's time for Card Club again.  This is a card made from kits from a couple of years back.

I started with the lily stickers then punched a trio of circles in the same color as the large greeting.  The three were layered then adhered above the greeting which was printed on white card stock.

It was trimmed to leave a small border of the black card showing.  These are all birthday greetings.

Coffee Loving Cardmakers - Fall Blog Hop

I made this card for the last day of the Coffee Loving Cardmakers Fall Blog Hop.

I won a gift certificate from Paper Sweeties in the Summer Blog Hop.  I decided on the Tea for Two stamp and die set. 

I have stamped the tea pot onto double sided designer paper from a 12x12 pad from KC Company.  I chose the polka dot side for teapot and the floral on the back side for the background. 

I embossed my table top from white card stock with a Sizzix Textured Impressions Plus - Field of Diamonds Embossing Folder.  I ripped the top edge and made it the same width of the designer paper.

I chose the mauve color from the DP and used it in the card base.   I stamped the teapot in black and die cut it.  I added several silk flowers in the bottom right hand side of the tea pot. 

I added a greeting stamped in a warm green on a Stampin Up Modern Label punch.  It was adhered to card front with 3D foam tape.

Submitting to the challenge for the hop which is to make a tea, coffee or cocoa related card.

Fruit, Harvest, and Thrifting

I spent a day and a half at my sister's processing the apples we had picked from Mom's trees on the weekend. 

Food processors are wonderful inventions and my sister had recently acquired a good machine for a song. 

We managed 13 four cups bags in just over an hour with prep and clean up.  We washed, quartered, cored, sliced and bagged. She will use hers for pie and crisp and I will use mine for fruit crisps.

We picked chokecherries on Tuesday night in quite cold temperatures.  I had gloves on except when picking.

The berries were plentiful and ripe so picking went very well.  We came home with 2 full ice cream pails and bit. After clearning, that yielded several bags of frozen berries.

I will eat them unthawed during the winter as a snack.  They can be made into jelly or syrup anything during the winter.  Mom will get a couple of bags as well as my sister. 

We also processed the high bush cranberries (pembina in french) which she picked on Friday.  Again, the picking went well and she froze them until I could come to help with the making of pancake syrup. 

We ended up with thicker syrup than the last couple of years and it may be due to starting with frozen rather than fresh berries.  We processed mostly 1.5 cups jars which makes the process quicker than dealing with tiny jars.  We did make a few small jars for giving away. 





We learn a few lessons every year. 

I am grateful that she has all the tools to make the process work well.  I provide the support help.

It will taste absolutely wonderful on pancakes during the winter months.  Like a bit of summer.





I got a tip from my aunt that there was a thrift store near my sister`s house that had some Blue Nordic dishes in the window.  I should check it out next time I am visiting.  I called ahead and indicated I was on my way and should be there in 1.5 hours.  The weather did not cooperate so I arrive 10 minutes before the store closed.  I quickly checked the pieces over and made my purchase.  I unpacked the boxes today.  I have brought my total teacups to 10 with saucers so that was a good score.  The coffee pot, cream and sugar set was another great addition.  Adding 6 bowls brings my total to 10 as well.   Very good.

I look forward to having tea with friends and family in wonderful dishes that I love.  I believe there will be sufficient space is the kitchen for all of it.

Sharing with 
Share Your Cup #265 hosted by Jan at Daily Cup with Mrs. Olson

Tuesday Cuppa Tea hosted by Ruth at Antiques and Tea Cups

Tea in the Garden hosted by Bernideen at Tea Time

Pink Saturday hosted by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound

One Thousand Gifts - Session 3 - All is Grace

I am leading this bible study tonight - One Thousand Gifts Bible Study - A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp.
Seven of us met tonight to share and learn.
I look forward to a time of slowing down, being intentional, checking my attitude and increasing my gratitude.

Session 3 - All is Grace


Ann recounts an incident where practicing Eucharisteo made a difference.  Where how she behaved changed the results of a conflict between her sons and her. 

The toast incident was between two of her sons  and involves chucking toast. Her initial reaction is anger.  The one boy is humiliated and the other is indignant.  How can I practice "Giving Thanks" in this ugly situation?

She chooses to give thanks for the sons rather than react in anger.  She speaks aloud what she loves about this son. She calms and so does the son which results in a tender moment between her and one son because she behaved differently in the situation. 

It redeemed the moment and the experience for mother and son.



She talks of the ugly beautiful. Is it possible that all we experience can be grace if we focus deep enough to see God's influence to transform all of it?