Serendipity

So, I happened upon a blog yesterday and she had an idea that I absolutely LOVE. If you like the fancy schmancy candles that have the writing on them (and are expensive?), then I have the link for you! I started out with a plain blue candle, and this is what I ended up with. The candle was on sale at AC Moore (my second home), so it cost next to nothing to make. My next one will turn out a little more refined, but I don't think the first one is too bad, huh? Click here for instructions.

Then, I happened upon a new technique by "accident". Here, I was using a homemade paper "handle" to hold a black paper clip. I wanted to change the color of the clip, so I smooshed it into Versamark ink, then I embossed it with gold powder. However, I noticed the wonderful little nubblies that were created when the embossing powder stuck to the adhesive.

So, I ran some adhesive along another piece of paper, sprinkled embossing powder on it, shook the powder off, heated it, and voila- a rather cool technique for a border or just an enhanced look. I love it when that happens!

Thanks again for looking!

Fondly, Tami

It's a very snowy day here in the northeast. I used the snow blower once and shoveled the slush once, but now HubbyDoc is home, and he will continue with the fun. Actually, I really do like pushing the snow. And I LOVE snow days. It makes me want to hunker down with my SCAL and Cricut and a cup of hot chocolate and design away. So, here's another file to use for the upcoming Valentine's festivities for you all, whatever they may be. When my girls were little, I loved doing some kind of Valentine's craft every year. Making homemade marshmallows was always fun. I'm not sure what I'm going to do this year, but rest assured, it will involve CHOCOLATE!
I may be going to a Mardi Gras party this year. I've never been to one, and I thought it would be neat to design a mask on my SCAL, cut it out on grunge paper, and decorate it in the most gaudy way possible. I'm trying to convince my neighbors to go, and if they do, I think we need to have a Mardi Gras Mask Decorating Party before we go. What do you think? Anyway, the mask will be forthcoming. I can't wait to share it with all of my faithful followers. Fondly, Tami

*This file is no longer available for free. To purchase, go to www.diecutdesigner.com after April 23, 2011. Thanks. Tami

That time of life

So, y'all know how cold it's been in the Northeast lately, huh? Well, believe it or not, on the way to church on Sun., I put on my air conditioning in my car. Yup. I really did. I couldn't believe it. The temperature outside was in the single digits, and I had my air conditioning on. I was sweating. I mean, I was about ready to strip down, but since I was on my way to church, after all, I though it would be prudent to keep my clothes on and opt to put on my air conditioning in the middle of winter. How ridiculous is that? Yes, if you haven't gone through it yet, menopause is real...and it's NOT pretty. Ah, yes. There are those who have told me, "I didn't have any problem". Well, la dee freakin' da! I'd like to tell them that I'm happy for them, but I'm not. At all. Not the slightest bit. Anyway, that's the rant from this hot (and I don't mean sexy hot) middle-aged mortheastern female who's trying not to be too irritable. I hope my family survives in spite of me. Fondly, Tami