tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46229507559721794372024-03-23T05:14:33.778-05:00Left Field StudioA collection of the fruits of my creative endeavors.Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.comBlogger311125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-79611925444465676922020-05-27T21:39:00.013-05:002020-05-27T21:49:32.417-05:00Shutting the Door...but opening a windowHidy Ho, crafty peeps!<br />
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I am here to say that I'm shutting off the lights and closing the door on the Left Field Studio blog. But fear not...I'm opening the window to let in some fresh air by the way of a new blog under the umbrella of Left Field Studio.<br />
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I sure hope you come visit me on my new blog...the look/feel is similar, but shinier!<br />
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<font size="4">My new blog is titled<b> The Creative Magpie...</b></font><span style="font-size: large;"><font size="4">just click on the image below to be whisked away to the new blog!</font><br /><b></b></span></div>
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Thank you so much for your friendship and support over the years. I really, truly do appreciate all the love.<br />
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I hope to see you soon, and often, over at The Creative Magpie!Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-54139899808611642632020-05-15T22:32:00.002-05:002020-05-15T23:13:29.596-05:00Mary Mary Quite ContraryHidy Ho, crafty peeps!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Welcome to</span> </span></b></div>
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It's been a strange year thus far (like I need to tell y'all that). Even among all this negativity swirling around us, there can still be found...good.<br />
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One positive thing that's happened this year is that Jonathan, mom, and I all planted a garden.<br />
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We've been planning this for years. It's been a case of "someday" for a very long time. But with this whole Covid-19 quarantine thing upon us, we collectively decided that now is the time to cultivate our dream (as it were). Now, it is to be understood that we are NOT experienced gardeners.<br />
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Like, at all.<br />
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Seriously.<br />
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We scoured Pinterest, YouTube, and the net for all our "education". So basically, we went into this with a ton of theoretical knowledge, and ZERO actual experience.<br />
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It has been an extremely laborious affair, built with plenty of "sweat equity".<br />
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We decided that we needed an elevated garden being that none of us have knees that can actually kneel anymore. Raised beds were initially considered, but discarded once we realized that our backs are also not so bendy anymore. So elevated beds it was.<br />
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Jonathan designed them and (on his younger knees) prepared the foundation by digging up grass and leveling the ground...all by hand.<br />
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Sweat equity.<br />
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We then ordered a ton (literally) of supplies: cinder blocks, decking lumber, hardware cloth, garden cloth, bags of mulch, sand, PVC pipes, organic fertilizer, wooden garden stakes, little white garden fencing, planting bags, seeds, and seedlings. I'm sure I've missed a few things.<br />
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Jonathan spent days breaking up a giant pile of dirt we had in our side yard, by hand, with a pick axe. Then he sifted out all the grubs and rocks.<br />
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Sweat equity.<br />
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After the ground was level, it was time for the cinder block foundation. Jonathan laid all the cinder blocks out in neat little rows, by himself, over a few days.<br />
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Then it was time to build the planting boxes.<br />
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Together, he and I built the planting boxes. They each measure 4ft by 4ft by 12 inches deep. We used decking lumber so, in essence, we actually built two 4 x 4 ft decks. They are very solid...and very heavy.<br />
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We added hardware cloth (which isn't really cloth...it's tiny-holed chicken wire) to the bottom of each box before we affixed the floor boards. Then, we lined the box with 2 overlapping layers of garden cloth. I used a staple gun for this whole process. I developed a love/despise relationship with said staple gun. So many wasted/bent staples. So. Many.<br />
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Before permanently seating the finished boxes on their foundations, we decided that the cinder blocks needed added support (as some columns were starting to lean out of alignment). So...back to the hardware store to buy materials to support them. Rebar was too expensive. Ridiculously expensive. So PVC pipe it was. $30 vs $200. Easy choice.<br />
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Jonathan cut all the pipe then, together (but mostly him), we pounded those suckers a foot deep into the ground next to each column with a sledge hammer.<br />
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Sweat equity.<br />
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After that, Jonathan and I lifted those 2-ton boxes into position on the foundation.<br />
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(I've worked muscles I didn't even know I had).<br />
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Next...it was time for the dirt. Shovel after shovel, wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow. All done by Jonathan while I was asleep one morning. Love that man.<br />
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Next...it was time to install Jonathan's ingenious watering system. This is comprised of empty V-8 juice bottles with little holes drilled at the bottom. Each bottle is wrapped in garden cloth and sunk into the dirt. The bottles will be connected to a water reservoir via tubing that attaches to a fitting in each bottle cap. We'll fill the reservoir, open the valve, and the water will fill each bottle...effectively watering our entire garden, from the roots. The reservoir (a 5 gallon water bottle that I painted black, then white to block out the UV) will sit up on that black platform behind the boxes. Pretty ingenious, huh?<br />
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Next, we amended the soil and laid down a good 3 inches of mulch...EVERYWHERE. 20 bags of mulch.<br />
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Finally...planting day arrived.<br />
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We gridded out the garden and I printed off a "map" to show what to plant where. We used a wonderful online garden planning site to determine what plants are companionable, how close to plant them, and how big they'll get. <br />
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The site is <a href="https://www.smartgardener.com/">https://www.smartgardener.com/</a> <br />
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It really is a great tool for gardeners of any level!<br />
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"What did y'all plant", you ask? Well. We planted 3 varieties of peppers (green bell, orange lunchbox snacking, spicy Cajun bells), purple cauliflower, strawberries...and carrots, beets, radishes, and onions coming. We also interspersed marigolds everywhere...they help keep pests away!<br />
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In addition to our elevated boxes, we also planted in 4 other areas around the house.<br />
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We planted cucumbers next to the elevated boxes. We reused a trellis that Jonathan built several years ago out of chicken wire and PVC pipe. It's still holding strong! We will also plant potatoes in this area.<br />
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On the back porch we planted our favorite variety of tomato--Sun Gold. They're a cherry tomato. They have THE BEST flavor and produce all season long. And boy do they produce. Last time we planted them, we had 2 plants and they yielded over 600 tomatoes combined for the season. This year, we have 3 plants. Is it possible to have tomatoes literally coming out of one's ears?<br />
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We'll see.<br />
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We also have 4 blackberry bushes that will live in containers on the back porch as well. We still need to re-pot them. They already have blackberries forming!<br />
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On the other side of the house, Jonathan planted about 20 okra plants. These are the burgundy variety and will yield burgundy-colored okra. Fun! Behind the okra is mint. We're gonna have okra coming out of our ears as well.<br />
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Lastly, all along the entire wall of the house (the east side) we planted zucchini and yellow squash--4 of each. We're gonna have squash coming out of our ears too. We plan on training our squash to grow vertically (thus the tall wooden stakes). According to YouTube, it can be done with relative ease.<br />
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We'll see.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hqs8KOgQnpUAbmIVkfvBQOs_pumeM9-S0toT7YQu9gidfR0nzrkdNDzNTGQAUY9wi1XngZSso5BKnnboJJpu-5WjUrNlMeHhomcGG9JCSBlQOTxynhoFX2PMJQ7AtXa-_60_89Gs9FVK/s1600/wall+o+squash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hqs8KOgQnpUAbmIVkfvBQOs_pumeM9-S0toT7YQu9gidfR0nzrkdNDzNTGQAUY9wi1XngZSso5BKnnboJJpu-5WjUrNlMeHhomcGG9JCSBlQOTxynhoFX2PMJQ7AtXa-_60_89Gs9FVK/s640/wall+o+squash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And, any surplus produce we have, we'll be sharing it with our neighbors and friends!! Don't you wish you lived near us?<br />
<br />
All in all the benefits of putting in this garden were immeasurable. We got tons of exercise and fresh air, but most importantly, we got to spend quality time together doing something so very productive.<br />
<br />
So worth it!<br />
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Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-1711216456202580702019-12-14T11:22:00.005-06:002019-12-14T11:22:54.953-06:00North Pole Revisted<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Hidy Ho, crafty peeps!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;">It's
Christmas time, once again. I decided I need to re-post my North Pole
adventure every few years, to remind us what the true
meaning of this season is about--celebrating love, kindness, and peace...by giving the greatest gift we can give...the gift of love to those around us. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;">So,
pull up a cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee and snuggle in for a
warm-your-heart cup of cheer from me to you. Though it's been going on 20 years since I went on this adventure, I've realized this is a
timeless story. Merry Christmas, everyone!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> </span><b><br />
</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Next Stop, North Pole</b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">by Torrey</span></span> <span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Here it is the holidays, again. Most
people are well caught-up in the hustle-bustle of the season; braving
the malls and running around trying to get all their shopping done in
time. I HATE Christmas shopping. Going to a mall this time of year makes
me want to commit a murderous act—which, let’s face it, isn’t really
what the season is all about and would most assuredly guarantee there
would be nothing but coal in my stocking come Christmas morning. At any
rate, instead of being all warm and fuzzy and filled with tidings of
great joy, at some point in November--fed up with the commercialism and
greed of what "should be" a joyous time of year... I turned cold and
prickly—sort of a cross between the Grinch and a cactus. </span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Christmas, BAH!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">But today—today changed me. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">It changed me, forever. I just have to
tell you what I did today. It was, hands-down, the most special thing
I've done in my life (thus far).</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
Today, I went to the North Pole to see Santa. Honest. So, is it that you
don’t believe me? Or is it that you don’t believe in Santa? Keep
reading.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">A doctor I work with (Neal) and I (a nurse
from the inpatient pediatric unit at the hospital) were charged with
this very special task. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">We were granted guardian angel status—for one day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">It was a very simple assignment. We were
asked to escort a very special group of people to the North Pole--to
see Santa. Sounded like fun to me! So, Neal and I gathered up a bunch
of our patients, then headed off to other hospitals around the city to
collect even more.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">All tallied, there were about 100
children that went with us to visit that jolly old elf. All of those
kids who hail from all over the Denver-metro area are chronically or
terminally ill. We loaded the kids on big buses and went,
caravan-style, out to DIA (Denver International Airport). From there
we flew to the North Pole, with a little help from a WHOLE BUNCH of
"Santa's helpers" and a HUGE jet courtesy of United Airlines.</span> <br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
The Starlight Foundation (a nationwide philanthropic organization that
helps sick and dying children...kind of like Make-a-Wish), in
conjunction with the generous folks at United Airlines, sponsored this
wonderful adventure. There were about 40 volunteers, all decked out in
Santa hats, from the two organizations. The volunteers (Santa's helpers)
accompanied all of these kids, and us, every step of the way. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">With all 100 kids plus the Santa’s
helpers, we went (en masse) through airport security....got on the
shuttle train, and went to concourse B. Gate B42--where the marquis
read "Flight 2004, destination, North Pole". </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">There we boarded the kids on the plane—a
huge 747 superjet. We buckled them all in and readied ourselves for
take off. The flight crew informed me we weren't really taking off; we
were just revving the engines and taxi-ing all over the airport to a
hangar way on the edge of the airport. It was then that I was hit with a
brilliant idea. I knew these kids all thought we were really gonna fly
to see Santa, they were all so very excited, and I wanted to preserve
their illusion as long as possible. So, I asked the flight attendant to
make an announcement over the intercom. Instead, the flight attendant
handed me the microphone and, being the shy wallflower I am, I grabbed
it and made the following announcement:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 15pt;">
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">"Hi kids! This is nurse Torrey. Are
you’all as excited as I am to go see Santa?? (the whole plane started
cheering and screaming YES!!!) Well, I just spoke with Santa, and he
has asked that we all pull the shades down COMPLETELY on our windows.
He doesn't want ANYBODY to know where his workshop is. He says it's in a
'SECRET LOCATION', so all of you have to pull those window shades
closed, and DON'T PEEK--'cuz if you do, you'll automatically get put on
the 'NAUGHTY' list--for real."</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
Well, those kids shut those shades soooo fast--and, just as I hoped,
they all thought we really flew. I swear, sometimes I'm hit with divine
inspiration. I'm so glad God nudged me to have them shut the shades.
Heck, it felt so real I thought we flew too. Who knows, maybe we really
DID fly to the North Pole.</span> <br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
We were treated to an in-flight Christmas movie and Happy-meal lunches
from McDonalds. We disembarked about 40 minutes later (after all, it
was a magic jet), inside this huge hangar that they had decorated to
look like the North Pole, complete with fake snow, Christmas trees,
decorations, animated figures and everything. We were treated to a magic
show (that was actually pretty cool—I still want to know how that
magician got the rolled up dollar bill into that lemon). We played games
and got our faces painted. There was a clown making balloon animals
and there were cookies, candy and cocoa to fill our tummies—and, last
but not least, a trip to see Santa, himself, sit on his lap and whisper
to him our Christmas wish list. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">One by one, the kids reluctantly
approached Santa--climbed onto his knee and had a “chat” with old St.
Nick. Each child excitedly whispered his/her deepest Christmas wishes
into the jolly man’s ear. Santa looked at each child and told them how
wonderful and special they were, how good they had been all year, and
how very proud he was of each of them! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">I even sat on his lap and whispered in
his ear-- thanking him for the very best Christmas present I've ever
had--THIS gift--getting to be with all these kids. I kissed him on the
cheek, gave him a hug and exited his lap (I'm sure his tired knees were
grateful to be rid of this GIANT kid). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Just then, a flurry of Santa’s helper
elves appeared from nowhere and handed each child a 30-gallon trash bag
stuffed to the brim with wrapped presents just for him/her (the
foundation had gotten wish lists from all the kids in advance. And
miracle of miracles, they fulfilled every last wish. It was nothing
short of amazing. And yes, they even included the batteries.</span> <br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
After the kids got their loot, we were escorted into this HUGE room
where the kids were all turned loose to open their gifts and…PLAY. It
was an amazing sight; 100 sick kids, all with this incredible sparkle in
their eyes—giggling and laughing. Pure joy oozing from every pore. I
cried more than once, as my Grinchy heart melted. These poor
children--some didn't have hair because of chemo therapy, some were
attached to oxygen tubing, some were so frail and weak they had to be
carried, some were in wheelchairs. But, in that room, for that little
blink of time, they were healthy, happy children. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Christmas miracles do exist.</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
On the bus ride home, I got so many kisses and hugs from the kids that
I've got my quota for a lifetime. We sang Christmas Carols (Rudolph at
least 5 times). One little boy named Johnathon, who had been silent and
hiding behind me the whole trip (even at Santa), got up, came over,
climbed up in my lap, looked at me and said, "Torrey, do you know the
song about Jesus loving the children”? Well, I choked up and told him
"Yes I do, sweetie, want to sing it with me?" He just smiled his crooked
little smile at me. He couldn't get both corners of his mouth up into a
smile because he has scleroderma--a degenerative autoimmune disease
where your skin (and other tissues) literally hardens and becomes
inflexible. We leaned in close, our foreheads touching, and sang "Jesus
Loves The Little Children" very softly, just to each other. When we
got to the end of the song, he grabbed my hand, held it tightly and
asked if we could sing it again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Jesus loves the little children,</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>all the children of the world.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Red and yellow, black and white...</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>all are precious in His sight.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Jesus loves the little children of the world. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Everyone on the bus went silent, and all
you could hear was that little angelic voice (and me) singing. He held
my hand for the rest of the trip home. It was magical.</span> <br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
Ok, so I have been a horrible Scrooge so far this season--all hum-buggy
and whatnot, but not anymore. I am so filled with the spirit of the
season after this night, I am just bursting with a sense of peace and
love. And, like that old Grinch, my heart grew, not 3, but about 10
sizes today. My prickles have disappeared and been replaced with a soft,
warm glow. I'm all shiny and sparkly now--like tinsel on a tree, or
snowflakes in the moonlight. </span> <br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
Originally, I thought that a doctor and a nurse from each hospital in
the metro area went. Later, I found out the doctor I work with (Neal)
and I were the ONLY medical people who went, and we were specifically
chosen (for whatever reason) to go. We were it, just us 2, WOW. It makes
me choke up just thinking about it. I feel so honored to have been
chosen. This was undoubtedly the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received.
God sure does give the very BEST presents.</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">Anyway, that's what happened that
day, back in 2004. I hope y'all have a joyous holiday season--whatever
you call it--Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, Ramadan. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Peace. Love. Light.<br />
<br />
Thank you, God.</span></div>
Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-24294575053648626512018-12-22T13:11:00.001-06:002020-05-15T23:14:45.539-05:00Triple B...Boston Brown BreadHidy ho, crafty peeps!<br />
<br />
I've given up dusting off this place. I have been gone so long from my
blog that the dust bunnies in here all moved to the country. I guess they decided that Left Field was not the type of "field" they were looking for.<br />
<br />
So, I have put the redesign of my blog on hold. It's taking longer than I had planned. Turns out, I have TOO MANY ideas for what the new look will be. I keep vacillating between 3 ideas. We'll see which one finally wins out. But, for now, the "old" design will remain.<br />
<br />
Now, for the matter at hand, BOSTON BROWN BREAD.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/370713210337-0-1/s-l1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Related image" border="0" class="irc_mi" height="320" src="https://i.ebayimg.com/images/i/370713210337-0-1/s-l1000.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="184" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How many of you know what this is?</div>
<br />
I grew up on this stuff. It was always a treat around this time of year to see the cans of this delicacy show up on the grocery store shelves again.<br />
<br />
Brown bread is a New England tradition. It's an early-American classic that dates back to Colonial times. It's a moist, dense, dark brown quick bread that is steamed in cylindrical cans. Though, you can find recipes that call for baking it in the oven in a loaf pan. It MIGHT taste similar, but I guarantee the texture (and experience) wouldn't be the same.<br />
<br />
Historically, it's served with baked beans. And maybe hot dogs. <br />
<br />
Being that it's a steamed bread, its texture is...well...rubbery. It's SO unique. I've decided it must be akin to the steamed puddings they serve in the U.K. (like Figgy pudding). It's VERY moist. The flavor is like rich dark caramel, almost smoky, and not that sweet. It's flavor comes from all that molasses and raisins. It's very low fat (if you use fat-free buttermilk), high in fiber, has no refined sugar, and is packed full of B vitamins and minerals (thanks to the molasses). <br />
<br />
My mom told me how much she'd love to have some, so I made it my mission to find it. I started out at the local big grocery stores. None to be found. I even asked the managers if they could order it.<br />
<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
So then I traveled to the gourmet grocery stores.<br />
<br />
Nada.<br />
<br />
I finally found it online...but GEEZ...it's like $6- $10 a can (plush S&H).<br />
<br />
That's when I decided I'd teach myself how to make it.<br />
<br />
How hard can it be?<br />
<br />
Turns out...not hard at all. In fact, it's super easy. <br />
<br />
The only difficult thing was finding fine-ground cornmeal and rye flour. But, I finally did at our local gourmet grocery store.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh! and for the cans I used, I just saved some empty veggie/chili cans, washed 'em out, removed their labels. BUT...I did use a special "smooth edge" can opener to completely cut off the tops of the can. I think I found mine on Amazon. Here is a link to the one I have<br />
<i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Opener-GoodCook-11834-Rust-Resistant/dp/B000AX13US?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1">smooth edge can opener</a> </b></span></u></i></div>
<br />
it looks like this<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGXvkcCetGAXWiAETYrKwke5bquDtcVyCZjFQbca8mw4KzLvtfx6HeKEcuGuoCbbShyphenhyphenZ7wIzxKCQ_mpp6GjKSfb0doUrLoxEO9tD0WEDALL6V_eJwfdNwrhmme2c_UBrgeCeFcNZJJo6V/s1600/side+can+opener.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="288" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGXvkcCetGAXWiAETYrKwke5bquDtcVyCZjFQbca8mw4KzLvtfx6HeKEcuGuoCbbShyphenhyphenZ7wIzxKCQ_mpp6GjKSfb0doUrLoxEO9tD0WEDALL6V_eJwfdNwrhmme2c_UBrgeCeFcNZJJo6V/s200/side+can+opener.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
So...here is my recipe! I compiled it (Frankensteined it) from several recipes. I took what made sense from several and came up with my own version. And, truth be told, my homemade brown bread tastes BETTER than the commercial canned variety.<br />
<br />
WAY BETTER.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Torrey's Better Boston Brown Bread</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients: <span style="font-size: small;">for 4 "loaves"</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgNEoPj0Q3eXGiH9O5170g4NQe9EmWQnyaobLAFLOLcOVhkSnhGXCYQn-hPPxyG9K-nh_Y6hOhnkm1r8A3docnO7jOW5AW0Sw2wKiuW9rmJVL6urdNHSwH6YrrDD8LQHl9RNwoNBI95i3/s1600/BB+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRgNEoPj0Q3eXGiH9O5170g4NQe9EmWQnyaobLAFLOLcOVhkSnhGXCYQn-hPPxyG9K-nh_Y6hOhnkm1r8A3docnO7jOW5AW0Sw2wKiuW9rmJVL6urdNHSwH6YrrDD8LQHl9RNwoNBI95i3/s320/BB+ingredients.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 cup molasses</span><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3/4 teaspoon salt</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 1/2 cup buttermilk </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3/4 cup (rounded) fine-ground cornmeal/corn flour- do NOT use regular cornmeal.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3/4 cup (rounded) rye flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3/4 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cup (rounded)
whole wheat flour</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 teaspoon baking soda</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2/3 cup raisins
(optional)</span><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> You will also need:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Softened butter for greasing cans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(14 oz) cans (I use empty veggie cans)</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">parchment paper</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">aluminum foil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">rubber bands (or kitchen string)</span></li>
</ul>
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<![endif]--></span> </b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grease four 14-ounce cans, WELL, with
butter and place a round piece of parchment paper in the bottom of each
can. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whisk all ingredients dry
ingredients in a large bowl.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Add wet ingredients and mix until
smooth.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Add raisins (if desired). Stir
them in well.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Divide batter between the cans.
Batter will NOT fill cans completely. Leave about 1-1/2 inches head space to allow bread to rise.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Place a piece of foil tightly over the top of each can and secure with a string or
rubber band. Set cans in a pot on a steamer rack (I just use my big pasta
pot with lift out strainer liner inside)… and fill with hot water to
halfway up sides of cans. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-UcMjut8Jv8PRUX8Ux1smnsPBupOu-xnZHbLzCJfWLZ1Y_XdBa90IQ_ZSbnPzTujqMv45HsApFCtUzgGSOAw9iQWmbJ04ZerCjW3Oay6AUNW-kvRNFAOJ5kz3gB_WLE9HkCCHSLvM8MW/s1600/steaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-UcMjut8Jv8PRUX8Ux1smnsPBupOu-xnZHbLzCJfWLZ1Y_XdBa90IQ_ZSbnPzTujqMv45HsApFCtUzgGSOAw9iQWmbJ04ZerCjW3Oay6AUNW-kvRNFAOJ5kz3gB_WLE9HkCCHSLvM8MW/s320/steaming.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Set lid on pot and bring to simmer
over medium high heat. Reduce heat to low and gently simmer until breads
are set and gently pulling away from sides of can, about 1 hour. A skewer
inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remove cans from pot, set cans on
cooling rack, and remove foil. Let bread cool in can for 1 hour. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe2H3gvWWSVp3b4KMc6_GjYdImer7AJt2Qd8zkocdxPbkyU_z6KYDQJhy7qFH2ygB1QAcdmuJr6Ue67uR_Hvn15CFgJZQlEg8zCTawKQ_D7dQpNOBYSmOgdvlTR82JlL3fBcWaGs9Y04n/s1600/cooling+in+can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe2H3gvWWSVp3b4KMc6_GjYdImer7AJt2Qd8zkocdxPbkyU_z6KYDQJhy7qFH2ygB1QAcdmuJr6Ue67uR_Hvn15CFgJZQlEg8zCTawKQ_D7dQpNOBYSmOgdvlTR82JlL3fBcWaGs9Y04n/s320/cooling+in+can.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If
necessary, run knife along inside of can to loosen (mine just come right
out on their own)… then remove bread by turning can upside down and
knocking it gently onto work surface. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DLSLk0XU0LHB-PlyE-mOMRGlj90sFjc1kVfrlwWdexNrx6rRRfzpU5roy6ZVNKIb977jW1iQ_FAAiwJFEg-ty68YCzyJJ9hkiOVy32ZORRbg9VuIBRBqzd4_jr6qP0B0_gvX6-Lw4C2G/s1600/cooling+on+rack+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DLSLk0XU0LHB-PlyE-mOMRGlj90sFjc1kVfrlwWdexNrx6rRRfzpU5roy6ZVNKIb977jW1iQ_FAAiwJFEg-ty68YCzyJJ9hkiOVy32ZORRbg9VuIBRBqzd4_jr6qP0B0_gvX6-Lw4C2G/s320/cooling+on+rack+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Serve with cream cheese, or sliced
into ½ inch slices and browned in skillet with butter (the way I like it). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4zmCfpkzI4-s8Cqry1bU1FjfbpyB9VquxcYcesLWpMy2Eu-PfdvKa4_EskQDOrkaz2qocOllseqssNttAxiqpklHT0h0q4qPyAQwHLD04BVHhA2AXupMIo4icxSUMJu8CuNDxrmNzJaw/s1600/sauteeing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4zmCfpkzI4-s8Cqry1bU1FjfbpyB9VquxcYcesLWpMy2Eu-PfdvKa4_EskQDOrkaz2qocOllseqssNttAxiqpklHT0h0q4qPyAQwHLD04BVHhA2AXupMIo4icxSUMJu8CuNDxrmNzJaw/s320/sauteeing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wrap tightly with plastic wrap (ok
if it’s still a bit warm), and store in refrigerator.</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6zfnzKHCJ84fLdFQ5ZJpUaqWRg9-EzVR71VEWW2V0Pe5ap-kya2YfI5UmB9WaH4Kf-yGw8wxdXtK-nVMHUVmWUsNerjZtaM4EPMj2ofD76CK8OMvEEtGocY9tVtISbtwMrnkL9agfqqz/s1600/cooking-boho.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="530" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6zfnzKHCJ84fLdFQ5ZJpUaqWRg9-EzVR71VEWW2V0Pe5ap-kya2YfI5UmB9WaH4Kf-yGw8wxdXtK-nVMHUVmWUsNerjZtaM4EPMj2ofD76CK8OMvEEtGocY9tVtISbtwMrnkL9agfqqz/s320/cooking-boho.gif" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-12072342713860374032017-09-08T15:57:00.001-05:002017-09-08T17:46:07.536-05:00Birthday-O-Rama!Hidy ho, crafty peeps!<br />
<br />
Firstly, YES...my blog is still "officially" closed for remodeling. So I guess that makes this an "unofficial" post.<br />
<br />
My birthday was yesterday. It came and went, unceremoniously, save the HORRIBLE singing bestowed upon me by my family (that's you--Mom, Richard, Jonathan, Eric and Autumn). In all honesty and fairness, my mother and father-in-law sang beautifully in full harmony, my sister sang a light and bright version of Happy Birthday, Jodi sang a snappy version, and my dad sang Happy Birthday to me in Klingon (yes, you read that right. He sang to me in Klingon)...so I guess that sort of counts as "ceremonius".<br />
<br />
I got a wonderful new die from Lawn Fawn from my hubby (I dropped HUGE hints). It's their new shadowbox die. I can't wait to use it! I did make a card for my sister's birthday (hers is 3 days before mine). I used another Lawn Fawn set I have that I love--"Upon a Star".<br />
<br />
I tried the "galaxy background" technique that is so popular these days. It was my first attempt at a galaxy. They're really fun! Half way through the process, however, it looked like a HOT MESS. I had my doubts that it would turn out...but whatayaknow. It TOTALLY turned out. There are many different media one can use to create a galaxy background. I used Distress Inks and a dauber for my galaxy. Next time I make one, I think I'll try watercolors. I got a little heavy-handed with the shimmer spray...so it looks almost golden. Next time, I'm gonna leave it off altogether.<br />
<br />
So, here is my sister's birthday card. The photo does not do that galaxy justice. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhVh0v8WdbxGwR-7UTN6pXWu6juA8jS6o8S07ig9oEsd2-zl1PaYl8t8gH3Mcb7fBbFBJhDn8VB5dosmsNSWPdH1M3-ys23TMFgBAltl91DV3W3yrJT6hW3vV03t8Ybd8uKVOT06nPRyz/s1600/Heidi+bday+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1410" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhVh0v8WdbxGwR-7UTN6pXWu6juA8jS6o8S07ig9oEsd2-zl1PaYl8t8gH3Mcb7fBbFBJhDn8VB5dosmsNSWPdH1M3-ys23TMFgBAltl91DV3W3yrJT6hW3vV03t8Ybd8uKVOT06nPRyz/s640/Heidi+bday+2017.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
<br />
Wanna know the BEST part about this card? It glows in the dark....I know what you're thinking...."SHUT UP!!!" Yep, it totally does. Anyone who knows me, knows about my fascination/obsession with glow-in-the-dark stuff.<br />
<br />
Although the sentiment on the outside does NOT glow...the one on the inside does. To make it glow, I used a combo of glow-in-the-dark embossing powder (yeah, there really is such a thing) and glow-in-the-dark paint.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLElrXw1NJOB0Mmcbb5_iemzwgxfuFpkzZ2lMqe0S8xniUNM8S_DvyjELXE7oNZfpFPKnFFvn59GFaZqZ8mXtE8cq_xAAYXWEH20CJ7A279FRqH9pLKmzcpIZsitiw8aXRgAr6oepYPqq/s1600/Heidi+bday+2017+glow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1192" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLElrXw1NJOB0Mmcbb5_iemzwgxfuFpkzZ2lMqe0S8xniUNM8S_DvyjELXE7oNZfpFPKnFFvn59GFaZqZ8mXtE8cq_xAAYXWEH20CJ7A279FRqH9pLKmzcpIZsitiw8aXRgAr6oepYPqq/s640/Heidi+bday+2017+glow.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
<br />
I also decided to forego my usual "Angel Food cake with pink frosting" as a birthday cake (you're shocked, aren't you?). Instead, I made my own birthday cake. I didn't want someone to get me a store-bought cake.<br />
<br />
Yuck.<br />
<br />
I used a new-to-me recipe (which I totally tweaked out). Let me tell you right now, it was DELICIOUS. The cake is super moist and has such a nice fine crumb. It's velvety smooth. And, my addition of toasted pecans to the frosting was inspired. I snagged the original recipe from my Aunt Susie's FB page (thank you for posting it Susie!)<br />
<br />
It looked so yummy, I knew I had to try it. I know my version is better than the original...because...it's MY version. And anyone who has tasted my cooking knows that my version is ALWAYS better (unless it's a recipe from my bestee, Jodi).<br />
<br />
(and I'm modest)<br />
<br />
Anywho, here is my cake! And yes, the recipe follows. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Pumpkin Dream Cake a la Torrey</b></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YJVd5dol9uYNsMB1GdLe7O4WAgrgQJc03afY8z8lNlUvzGqXqW4O9HKqTPGkM4zZYeDq3YGc8CfRMdO36ywqcIhdJAGotu6mwB8_naxij4zti1lFhyphenhyphen_kjKQvrhbnMXheriLug4bQcj3R/s1600/T+birthday+cake+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YJVd5dol9uYNsMB1GdLe7O4WAgrgQJc03afY8z8lNlUvzGqXqW4O9HKqTPGkM4zZYeDq3YGc8CfRMdO36ywqcIhdJAGotu6mwB8_naxij4zti1lFhyphenhyphen_kjKQvrhbnMXheriLug4bQcj3R/s640/T+birthday+cake+2017.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cake: </span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 teaspoon cinnamon</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¼<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teaspoon ground ginger</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">¼<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teaspoon ground black pepper</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 1/2 cups granulated sugar</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3 large eggs</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 teaspoons vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 (15 oz) can solid-pack pumpkin</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 cup vegetable oil</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 cup milk</span></li>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Frosting:</span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">12 oz (1 1/2 packages) cream cheese, softened</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks), softened</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 teaspoons maple syrup</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 teaspoons cinnamon</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 cups powdered sugar</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 cup toasted pecan pieces </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Directions:</span></b></span></div>
<ol start="1" type="1"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Preheat oven to 300°F. Grease 3, 8-inch (or 9-inch) round cake pans and place parchment paper in bottom of each (optional). Set aside.</span></li>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In a medium bowl, mix flour, dry spices, baking soda and salt. Set aside.</span></li>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, pumpkin, and vegetable oil. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk.</span></li>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.</span></li>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and completely cool on rack.</span></li>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To toast pecans: Spread on cookie sheet and place under broiler in oven (only takes a minute or less). Toast until fragrant and browned. Watch them like a hawk, they burn easily. </span></li>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For the frosting: In a large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Add powdered sugar (1 cup at a time) and beat on low speed until combined, then on high until frosting is smooth. Mix in nuts.</span></li>
<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: medium; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Assemble the 3 layers with a thick layer of frosting in between each layer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Frost the outside and top with remaining frosting. Store in the fridge.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
Thanks for stopping by Left Field! I promise I'll have the redesign finished someday. LOL. Until then,<br />
<br />
Stay creative, y'all!Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-52697286197055528032017-07-30T23:02:00.001-05:002017-07-30T23:02:37.500-05:00Temporarily Closed for RemodelingDue to recent changes in policy at the company that hosts photos for my blog, I am TEMPORARILY closing my Left Field Studio blog for upgrades and redesigning. I will host a grand reopening in the near(ish) future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpu5ADHq9yQZowKaGO03b5Idr27KVmbGoHUzO-70BbmJJ7k2fgbmTpgQw-CgKPOFN-kr-Axgi4tcNZnDsDwYWqxofNJHjXgA2vNnVmInTZty2uncpD9jJvPcCFWuZZLxpSr_PYa_7y1yH/s1600/minions+closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1600" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpu5ADHq9yQZowKaGO03b5Idr27KVmbGoHUzO-70BbmJJ7k2fgbmTpgQw-CgKPOFN-kr-Axgi4tcNZnDsDwYWqxofNJHjXgA2vNnVmInTZty2uncpD9jJvPcCFWuZZLxpSr_PYa_7y1yH/s640/minions+closed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-55665259549487767532017-05-14T20:07:00.000-05:002017-05-16T19:08:08.879-05:00Lemony Snicketty YellowiesGreetings!<br />
<br />
You may be asking, "Gee, Torrey, what HAVE you been up to?"<br />
<br />
My reply: "Stuff".<br />
<br />
Nothing really exciting. Just...stuff. Oh, and something happened with my mom, but that is another post (she's fine, btw).<br />
<br />
Today, I'm here to share the recipe I just discovered and made for my mom for Mother's Day.<br />
<br />
It's...well, if sunshine and a brownie fell in love and had an albino baby, it would taste like this recipe.<br />
<br />
This confection is called Lemon Brownies.<br />
<br />
I know, I know...it sounds like an oxymoron...as there is NO chocolate in these babies, and they aren't even REMOTELY brown. Even without chocolate, they have earned status as one of my all-time favorite desserts. Ever.<br />
<br />
Yep, they're that good.<br />
<br />
But, I was seriously not happy with their name...like when someone is named "Gertrude" and they actually look like someone who should be named "Periwinkle".<br />
<br />
So, I renamed them to YELLOWIES. I suppose, technically, I could call them Lemon Blondies...but Yellowies is so much more...fun. <br />
<br />
Their texture is like velvet--dense, moist, with a VERY fine crumb. They're VERY reminiscent of pound cake, only moister. They are soooooooo smooth. Barry White has nothing on these gems.<br />
<br />
So, here is my version of the recipe I found (yeah, I tweaked it...sue me...even though mine is better).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Torrey's Lemony Snicketty Yellowies</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUeYaTeRDGkeb5jKRXDguvvbublGqt_5K7m6WEsxYQT-NnBod4HpJxiP49RGRbl-BTjJr7D07yMMQmjlH-GU2gkxn-TAC46RcwfteKnjuaTTBevNY76eSHvZWJfJ4YzmJz2O9SLillq5z/s1600/lemon+brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUeYaTeRDGkeb5jKRXDguvvbublGqt_5K7m6WEsxYQT-NnBod4HpJxiP49RGRbl-BTjJr7D07yMMQmjlH-GU2gkxn-TAC46RcwfteKnjuaTTBevNY76eSHvZWJfJ4YzmJz2O9SLillq5z/s640/lemon+brownies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 1/2 cups sugar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 1/2 cups flour</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 eggs</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2-3 TBS lemon zest</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 cup lemon juice </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 tsp salt </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 tsp vanilla </span></span></li>
</ul>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Glaze:</span></span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup powdered sugar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2-4 TBS lemon juice (maybe a bit more)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1-2 TBS lemon zest </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Directions: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. In mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter ...for 3-5 minutes. Beat, beat, beat.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Add eggs (one at a time) and stir until incorporated, then add vanilla.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Using hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat until light and sort of fluffy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">4. Add lemon juice and zest. Stir well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. In separate bowl, mix flour and salt together.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix until thoroughly blended.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">7. Prepare 2qt baking dish (8x8 or 7x11)--buttered and floured.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">8. Pour batter into prepared baking dish. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. This will be VERY pale when done. Only the VERY outside of the edges will be golden brown (see photo above)...the rest will be pale yellow. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Do NOT overbake this</b></span>...it will turn out dry if you do. Yuck.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">9. <b>For GLAZE</b>: combine powdered sugar and lemon zest in a bowl...Add lemon juice one tsp at a time until consistency is a little runny...but not TOO runny. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">10. Let cool COMPLETELY before spreading glaze on.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">11. Spread glaze over top of brownies, and let sit in room air UNCOVERED to allow glaze to solidify. After glaze is set, cut into pieces.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">12. Store in airtight container at room temperature...if they last that long. Just sayin'.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HIGH ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS: <span style="font-size: small;">Click on the following link for instructions on high altitude baking: <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/learn/high-altitude-baking.html">High Altitude Baking </a></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>VARIATIONS:</b></span> You could switch out the lemon juice/zest for any other citrus...orange, lime, grapefruit. Though, if you use orange, you may want to cut back on the sugar a bit. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Thanks for swinging by!</span><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-21804886046171444392017-02-25T13:46:00.000-06:002017-02-26T00:39:56.815-06:00Bircher MuesliHidy ho, crafty peeps!<br />
<br />
I bet y'all thought I had fallen off the face of the earth.<br />
<br />
I did.<br />
<br />
I'm fighting a serious case of the "uncreative blahs". A veritable Sahara desert, without a drop of creativity in sight. <br />
<br />
SERIOUS CASE.<br />
<br />
I basically have stepped away from creating. I stepped down from all my design teams, and have pretty much turned my beautiful studio into a storage room. I'm trying to get my mojo back. Actually, I'm going to go visit my mojo in a couple of weeks...perhaps Jodi will be able to recharge my creative batteries. She always does.<br />
<br />
My in-laws are visiting this week. They eat SO MUCH more healthfully than my husband and I do...so I'm striving to fix healthier things (though what I REALLY want is chocolate and junk food).<br />
<br />
For breakfast today I fixed Bircher Muesli.<br />
<br />
What is Bircher Muesli, you ask?<br />
<br />
Well...let me put on my Alton Brown hat and tell ya.<br />
<br />
Bircher Muesli (aka the original "Overnight Oats") was developed around 1900 by a Swiss physician named...you guessed it...Dr. Bircher-Brenner. He developed it for his patients. It's still very popular in Europe especially Germany and Switzerland...but is found all over Europe really.<br />
<br />
My mom and I had some on our trip last summer down the Rhine River in Europe. I ate it every morning on the boat...not because I had to...but because it was so darn yummy.<br />
<br />
So I thought I might try my hand at it since it's A) delicious, and B) good for you...like insanely good for you. It's low-cal, low-glycemic, low-fat, gluten-free, high-protein, high-fiber, lots of antioxidants, loaded with heart healthy omega fats, the list goes on and on.<br />
<br />
Here is the recipe I came up with. The measurements are mostly suggestions, as y'all know I don't measure stuff. The important thing is that you completely cover your oats with whatever liquid you choose. I use a mix of rolled oats and steel cut--because the steel cut oats are nice and chewy. The rest is to taste. So have at it!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Torrey's Bircher Muesli</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpqHgVY7fyCQpr-JpQj6dElDv34BbMS_hbl9PwYpEmzTga0CpuNvrFX5Fi1NzImknDh22Er6v8o_JE-Tnce-kN08jrw8Y00X6EYt9R5pPh8Vihm4wJvonfSuizI_NNlvTY_Ql4FY8qbL8/s1600/Bircher+Muesli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpqHgVY7fyCQpr-JpQj6dElDv34BbMS_hbl9PwYpEmzTga0CpuNvrFX5Fi1NzImknDh22Er6v8o_JE-Tnce-kN08jrw8Y00X6EYt9R5pPh8Vihm4wJvonfSuizI_NNlvTY_Ql4FY8qbL8/s640/Bircher+Muesli.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
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Yield: 5-6 servings<br />
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<b>BASE:</b><br />
• 2 cups dry Old Fashioned Rolled Oats<br />
• 1 cup dry steel cut oats (can omit these and just use regular rolled oats)<br />
• ~3-5 cups milk (or almond/rice/soy milk)…enough to cover oats in bowl. If you want it more liquidy...add more milk.<br />
• 1 TBS cinnamon<br />
• ½ tsp salt<br />
• 1 apple (whatever type you like)<br />
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (I use vanilla, but plain would be ok)<br />
• 2 TBS honey or agave nectar<br />
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<b>MIX-INS/TOPPINGS:</b> All are OPTIONAL...do whatever sounds good to you. <br />
• Berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries…whatever you like)<br />
• Fresh fruit (bananas, peaches, grapes, kiwi, plums, figs…whatever you like)<br />
• Dried fruit- cut into small pieces (apricots, peaches, cherries, raisins, pineapple, figs, dates…whatever you like)<br />
• ½ cup nut pieces (almonds, pecans, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts)- <b>TOASTED</b><br />
• ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes - <b>TOASTED</b><br />
• ¼ cup seeds (flax, chia, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame…whatever you like) – <b>TOASTED</b><br />
• Additional cinnamon, lecithin, wheat germ, oat bran<br />
• 1 TBS nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower…whatever you like)<br />
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<b>DIRECTIONS: </b><br />
1. In large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, salt and mix well. <br />
2. Pour milk over oat mixture to cover. Stir once to combine. The more milk you add, the more liquidy it will be.<br />
3. Cover bowl and place in refrigerator overnight (at least 8 hours).<br />
4. In morning, grate/chop up 1 apple and stir into oat mixture<br />
5. Stir in yogurt and honey.<br />
6. <b>TO TOAST NUTS/COCONUT/SEEDS:</b> place in single layer on a cookie sheet under broiler until toasted. NOTE: they toast <b><i>FAST</i></b> and can burn even FASTER. So watch them like a hawk.<br />
7. Serve buffet style...put mix-ins/toppings in individual serving bowls on counter or table.<br />
8. Serve muesli <b>COLD</b> in bowls and add whatever mix-ins/toppings you like.<br />
9. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon, lecithin, wheat germ, oat bran…if desired<br />
10. Muesli base will keep in refrigerator for several days. Store in covered container.<br />
11. Can even make up individual portions in Mason jars and store them in your fridge for quick, grab-and-go breakfasts!Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-82460111163224101852016-07-18T06:00:00.000-05:002016-07-18T06:00:18.420-05:00Have Your Cake...Hidy Ho, crafty peeps!<br />
<br />
I know I've been sort of MIA as of late. My summer (like so many of yours) has gotten crazy busy! And, for me, it's only getting BUSIER with no sign of slowing down until like October. So much to do...so little time. I feel like the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.<br />
<br />
Oy.<br />
<br />
I will post about what I'm up to toward the end of August. Or maybe the first part of September. <br />
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But now, it's time for a new challenge over at <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>House Mouse and Friends</b></span></span></a></div>
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The current challenge theme is </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #783f04;">"Chocolate and Cream Colors" </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">I don't know about you...but that totally makes me hungry.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Remember...you can ALWAYS enter an "ANYTHING GOES" theme too...as long as you use a House Mouse, Happy Hoppers, or Gruffies stamp. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyK2u9apVDqxvLh3eKAgVF44lUCqtsm7WvbI8-Kw3mPwfGAhiNqeihLhp9rv47960xI4LBtWPonQ51w9Tvnk5pfz6L1fe2oQ0m8TU4kfiUqjsShORtlo9FcOYD4s5olc18KgEyFx9Xpga/s1600/have+your+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEyK2u9apVDqxvLh3eKAgVF44lUCqtsm7WvbI8-Kw3mPwfGAhiNqeihLhp9rv47960xI4LBtWPonQ51w9Tvnk5pfz6L1fe2oQ0m8TU4kfiUqjsShORtlo9FcOYD4s5olc18KgEyFx9Xpga/s640/have+your+cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">For my project, I used the super cute "Eat Your Cake and Nap Too" stamp. It's an old stamp, and I'm not sure if it's still available. I colored up the image with my Prismacolor pencils. And now I want to go make a cake.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">And eat it. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">We have 2 fabulous sponsors this time around.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are thrilled to be welcoming back our AWESOME sponsor,<br />
the Official Mousey Family, <b><a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;">House-Mouse Designs(R)</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b> </b><span id="goog_1999058157"></span><span id="goog_1999058164"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEivoFMMBvrEXqpPtTfg3NBGDi_22VNQhq87dnqk3tZnKy2K8I7aNaEnHqNN5B3XxiB5xVVLDTA6oFU3UNPf6SsHIdXRFpVgYIXUTLbSfaZUgYvlO6VlcgXPP7fPyIxJ-OM-R_qOTFWEHt6Bh7_esavhTTg=" style="border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.098); padding: 5px;" /></a><span id="goog_1999058165"></span><span id="goog_1999058158"></span> </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 24.64px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;">HMD</a> is offering a Lucky player a $20 Gift Certificate to go shopping at the official <a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;">House-Mouse Designs(R) site</a>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u><b>Our Second <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">S</span>ponsor is</b></u></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://stampendous.com/category/677564/House-Mouse_Designs%C2%AE" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;"><b>STAMPENDOUS!</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.stampendous.com/" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: normal; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYJN8ZeoWj8SWvf7BB4G6o_tyus2GtyiNDUJdf4Dh4OnklB3MJ6O5qCCmY3eboNZFt_E9ulrqmVDJcHp1cSlyl1PIgVFm4_KfKbbdXrfISbb22pUcTXE_Uw271a3CqA7WK5mJtbCKDpCj/s1600/Stampendous-logo-new.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.098); padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 24.64px;">Winner will receive a Fabulous $20 Value Reward Card</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">So, hurry on over to House Mouse and Friends to enter for your chance at winning one of these FaBuLoUs prizes!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="color: #783f04;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-designerspotlight-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-designerspotlight-header.png" height="117" width="400" /></a></div>
Well, today marks my last day as the Spotlight Designer for Simon Says Stamps.<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
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I've really had a good time playing with the SSS DT! Thank you very much for such a wonderful opportunity! I hope to play with y'all again!<br />
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It's Wednesday...and that means...</div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-newchallenge-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-newchallenge-header.png" height="76" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week's theme is <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">"<span style="color: black;">ANYTHING GOES</span>" </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: red;">featuring products by Art Impressions</span></b></span> </div>
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I, personally, love Art Impressions stamps. Their "Golden Oldies" and "Girlfriends" lines are HILARIOUS. They also have some seriously artistic stamps too! </div>
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As always, enter the challenge for your chance to win a</div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="50dollar_voucher_600px" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/50dollar_voucher_600px.jpg" height="143" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can't beat that with a stick!!</div>
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I actually did 2 projects as my "Simon Says Swan Song". </div>
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Yeah, 2!!! (One is really a "thank you" to SSS for having me).</div>
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My first project is a CAS card (well, for me it is). I don't usually do CAS (clean and simple). So, it was a challenge...believe it or not.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2TRXaS8GC-L6iqR90Q3cO4O7vL5rwoOcz4JpcF52E0RrU9S8Xg62AJDMlEuo5zaamC9U-5zQg0RpbIdPdmYvOeYrEZABezuicdI7lTWd0E35lz6jvSgyBO4obUf0u0WCg9oOPOz0pTzh/s1600/Elegance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2TRXaS8GC-L6iqR90Q3cO4O7vL5rwoOcz4JpcF52E0RrU9S8Xg62AJDMlEuo5zaamC9U-5zQg0RpbIdPdmYvOeYrEZABezuicdI7lTWd0E35lz6jvSgyBO4obUf0u0WCg9oOPOz0pTzh/s640/Elegance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's pretty straight-forward...stamped image, colored with Prismacolor pencils, Copic-dotted background, stamped foreground, bow, sentiment and 9 sequins. You can't tell, but their bathing suits and hats are coated in Glossy Accents to give it that embossed effect. Ok, so maybe it wasn't so CAS.</div>
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My final card is also a CASish card.<br />
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<b>This card is my little way of saying "THANK YOU" to Heidi, Lols, and all the lovely and talented ladies on the SSS design teams.</b><br />
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It's a "Dutch Door" style card...where the card front is actually only half a card front.<b> </b>I just made up the name of the card style. It sounds good though.<b> </b> </div>
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<b>Here is the outside </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z62WEDMCZmvqbehdmm9BEEWrfeJRcdXQgZbGgPANcJry0TRtG-Yoqk7gMDJJro9Hcb7FnBxSJNKk03h0RlN0tKdFPqpo7kKNV9lToFVIK9Tcp-dpvYGCd1WUpfeHLhA5MGhnw2-Ec3zl/s1600/Thank+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z62WEDMCZmvqbehdmm9BEEWrfeJRcdXQgZbGgPANcJry0TRtG-Yoqk7gMDJJro9Hcb7FnBxSJNKk03h0RlN0tKdFPqpo7kKNV9lToFVIK9Tcp-dpvYGCd1WUpfeHLhA5MGhnw2-Ec3zl/s640/Thank+you.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
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<b>and, the fence "Dutch door" swings open to reveal the inside</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGIiyrSE4bBu2xO5xNyzgfzB_Oq1ih8QIKklleQBlhZ1RVd0vc_a9zgwqCYJ4lqXUhyZg05APMY-gg4Hh_VdGStjfBmRBjD-Q4D9pszo4sT1VjzhoI6n4Oh1ORyYqWTH9ZjGWUrkQRx52/s1600/Thank+you+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGIiyrSE4bBu2xO5xNyzgfzB_Oq1ih8QIKklleQBlhZ1RVd0vc_a9zgwqCYJ4lqXUhyZg05APMY-gg4Hh_VdGStjfBmRBjD-Q4D9pszo4sT1VjzhoI6n4Oh1ORyYqWTH9ZjGWUrkQRx52/s640/Thank+you+inside.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used one of Art Impressions super-ingenious "Front 'n' Backs" stamp sets--Becky. For those of you not familiar with the "Front 'n' Backs" and "Spinners" stamps, they're 2-piece sets of stamps designed to have their images glued back to back...to produce a perfectly matched 2-sided image. I colored her with my Prismacolor pencils.<br />
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I created the fence using the same stamp I used on the other card...I just cut apart the image and rearranged it a bit to look like a fence. Although the wood stamp I used is not a SSS stamp, they do carry one that is <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>virtually identical</b></i></span>...like REALLY REALLY CLOSE (<a href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product?id=298857&currency=USD">Wood Plank stamp</a> by My Favorite Things). It's so close to the stamp I used, you probably wouldn't have known if I had said that <i><b>this</b></i> wood stamp was <i><b>that</b></i> wood stamp (did that make sense???) I really love this card. It's just too stinkin' cute!<br />
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<b> </b></div>
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<img alt="Simon Says Stamp" border="0" src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/SSS_09_2103_zpsc2c6b992.gif" /></div>
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<b>SSS products used:</b></div>
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<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26970" target="_blank" title="Bathing Suit (AI)"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26970.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26970" target="_blank" title="Bathing Suit (AI)">Bathing Suit (AI)</a></div>
</div>
</td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;">
<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26971" target="_blank" title="Becky (AI)"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26971.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26971" target="_blank" title="Becky (AI)">Becky (AI)</a></div>
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</td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;">
<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=13059" target="_blank" title="Darice 8MM RED Sequins"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/13059.jpg" height="67px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=13059" target="_blank" title="Darice 8MM RED Sequins">Darice 8MM RED Sequins</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26846" target="_blank" title="Tombow Mono Aqua"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26846.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26846" target="_blank" title="Tombow Mono Aqua">Tombow Mono Aqua</a></div>
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</td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;">
<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26841" target="_blank" title="Fiskars Premium Cut Line trimmer"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26841.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="60px" /> </a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26841" target="_blank" title="Fiskars Premium Cut Line trimmer">Fiskars Premium Cut Line trimmer</a></div>
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<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26847" target="_blank" title="Sakura Micron Pens"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26847.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26847" target="_blank" title="Sakura Micron Pens">Sakura Micron Pens</a></div>
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<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26843" target="_blank" title="cutter bee"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26843.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="33px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26843" target="_blank" title="cutter bee">cutter bee</a></div>
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</td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;">
<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26031" target="_blank" title="Walnut Stain - Distress Ink"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26031.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26031" target="_blank" title="Walnut Stain - Distress Ink">Walnut Stain - Distress Ink</a></div>
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</td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;">
<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=20303" target="_blank" title="tim holtz old paper distressed ink pad"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/20303.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=20303" target="_blank" title="tim holtz old paper distressed ink pad">tim holtz old paper distressed ink pad</a></div>
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</td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;">
<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26845" target="_blank" title="Prismacolor Premier - 150"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26845.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26845" target="_blank" title="Prismacolor Premier - 150">Prismacolor Premier - 150</a></div>
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</td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;">
<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=23029" target="_blank" title="elmer′s craft bond foam mounting tape"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/23029.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="54px" /> </a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=23029" target="_blank" title="elmer′s craft bond foam mounting tape">elmer′s craft bond foam mounting tape</a></div>
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</td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;">
<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=18283" target="_blank" title="Tsukineko Versafine Onyx Black Ink Pad"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/18283.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=18283" target="_blank" title="Tsukineko Versafine Onyx Black Ink Pad">Tsukineko Versafine Onyx Black Ink Pad</a></div>
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</td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;">
<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26871" target="_blank" title="AE Sentimental"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26871.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7122&tID=26871" target="_blank" title="AE Sentimental">AE Sentimental</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/tl_small2.png" /></a><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/art-boho.gif" height="113" width="320" /></div>
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<br />Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-46455346056914286952016-06-27T05:00:00.000-05:002017-08-10T16:53:15.951-05:00Mice by the SeaHidy ho, crafty peeps!<br />
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Texas...in late June...is hot, no matter how you slice it.<br />
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I wish I lived near a beach. To me, there is nothing more relaxing than wandering down a beach, on an overcast day, hunting shells and sea glass--delighting in the cold shock of the effervescent surf breaking over the tops of my feet.<br />
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What I wish more, is that I could be the type of person who was able to lay out on a beach towel, roasting in the summer sun--a fruity drink with a paper umbrella in my hand...and a cabana boy at my beck and call.<br />
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But alas...I am a redhead with redhead skin. The sun and I aren't on speaking terms and haven't been for...ever.<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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<b>It's mid-way through our current challenge over at <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/2016/06/mid-way-reminder-hmfmc-222-day-spent.html">House Mouse and Friends</a></b></span> </div>
Our current theme, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>"A Day Spent with Friends"</i></span></b>, made me wistful for a day at the beach, spent with friends.<br />
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Thankfully, I had this cute stamp on hand...and it satisfied my longing for more...melanin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwnlYHNXANygd0dB-MeOB1FA4Vj0jKs9eo-amdPSyJI_NWFpNqOjJGGg-ZUzigQDSVKf7qQfSiSreIoinxOJBrfgG0soLwPcf0sbigfrTwaps54j_1EhquPYU6szJXErP3i64XHZGQbY6/s1600/by+the+sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwnlYHNXANygd0dB-MeOB1FA4Vj0jKs9eo-amdPSyJI_NWFpNqOjJGGg-ZUzigQDSVKf7qQfSiSreIoinxOJBrfgG0soLwPcf0sbigfrTwaps54j_1EhquPYU6szJXErP3i64XHZGQbY6/s640/by+the+sea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I used 2 copies of the image, so that I could paper tole (decoupage) various elements. The mice, shells, and umbrella are all fussy-cut out and mounted with foam tape over the background. I really had fun coloring this. I used my trusty Prismacolor pencils. I tried to make the umbrella appear as 3-D as possible...using dark grey for the innermost struts. Don't they look like they're having a blast?<br />
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*sigh*<br />
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You still have a few days to get your <span style="color: red;"><b>"A Day Spent with Friends"</b></span> project entered at House Mouse and Friends for a chance to win one of our fabulous prizes!</div>
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And remember, you always have the "Anything Goes" option--as long as you use a House Mouse, Gruffies, or Happy Hoppers image. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are thrilled to be welcoming back our AWESOME sponsor,<br />the Official Mousey Family, <b><a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;">House-Mouse Designs(R)</a></b><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEivoFMMBvrEXqpPtTfg3NBGDi_22VNQhq87dnqk3tZnKy2K8I7aNaEnHqNN5B3XxiB5xVVLDTA6oFU3UNPf6SsHIdXRFpVgYIXUTLbSfaZUgYvlO6VlcgXPP7fPyIxJ-OM-R_qOTFWEHt6Bh7_esavhTTg=" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px;" /> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">who is offering a lucky player a $<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">0 gift certificate to go shopping at the House-Mouse-Designs site!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> ****************************************************</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our second<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">, generous sponsor is:</span> </span></span> </span></div>
<div style="font-size: 17.6px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b><a href="http://stampendous.com/category/677564/House-Mouse_Designs%C2%AE" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">STAMPENDOUS!</span></a></b><br /><a href="http://www.stampendous.com/" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSYJN8ZeoWj8SWvf7BB4G6o_tyus2GtyiNDUJdf4Dh4OnklB3MJ6O5qCCmY3eboNZFt_E9ulrqmVDJcHp1cSlyl1PIgVFm4_KfKbbdXrfISbb22pUcTXE_Uw271a3CqA7WK5mJtbCKDpCj/s1600/Stampendous-logo-new.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">Winner will receive a Fabulous $20 Value Reward Card</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUDXysnobqjwO3RwAM-kPH-vwpx9jUhJly9Vu48StyJrGGZ03Di9PQyDHkpjQI1aAK1rgIrvMpMymOsSADAYBY9Di5bp8rWVmLrxoPpxibd8h6_x2Ul7wzHihbsQ9dMHmBm08H4l0iyAp/s1600/art-boho.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="188" data-original-width="530" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUDXysnobqjwO3RwAM-kPH-vwpx9jUhJly9Vu48StyJrGGZ03Di9PQyDHkpjQI1aAK1rgIrvMpMymOsSADAYBY9Di5bp8rWVmLrxoPpxibd8h6_x2Ul7wzHihbsQ9dMHmBm08H4l0iyAp/s320/art-boho.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hidy Ho, crafty peeps!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-designerspotlight-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-designerspotlight-header.png" height="117" width="400" /></a> </div>
It's time for round 4 of my month as the Spotlight Designer for Simon Says Stamps! June has really flown by. This has been a SUPER busy month for me, and I can't say I'm entirely sad to see June go bye-bye. But, today is Wednesday...and that means...<br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-newchallenge-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-newchallenge-header.png" height="76" width="400" /></a></div>
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This week's theme is <span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">"Add some SHIMMER" </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">featuring products by Lindy's Stamp Gang</span></b></span> </div>
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So, break out all your glittery, shimmery goodies and enter a project for your chance to win a...</div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="50dollar_voucher_600px" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/50dollar_voucher_600px.jpg" height="143" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Sadly, I don't own any Lindy's products...but I do have a clear Wink of Stella, so that is gonna have to suffice! I broke out a fun old die from Tim Holtz (I guess I'm still in a Tim Holtz frame of mind from a couple of weeks ago). And crafted up this fluttering beauty of a card!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipi3ZTLtIOr0vOZTiTi765Ho5uaLEq-G6u6uEbrX1VKHabKE0TxmwlY0gv8V00H30jz8yeNiKJdmUaqFPlg4rlI4wrrUX6BAj5VsPLdyFU13x2xFWEV3arXpg4Xri4UbYv6pUuAPzVkNBL/s1600/Celebrate+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipi3ZTLtIOr0vOZTiTi765Ho5uaLEq-G6u6uEbrX1VKHabKE0TxmwlY0gv8V00H30jz8yeNiKJdmUaqFPlg4rlI4wrrUX6BAj5VsPLdyFU13x2xFWEV3arXpg4Xri4UbYv6pUuAPzVkNBL/s640/Celebrate+2.jpg" width="546" /></a></div>
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I started out by die-cutting out butterflies (with the Butterfly Frenzy Die) out of the cardstock background panel and adhering the panel to the card front with foam tape to pop it off the base a bit. I scribbled some Distress Markers (more Tim Holtz product) onto a separate piece of watercolor paper, then did a water wash over my scribbles to blend the colors. After it was all dry, I die cut out my flutter of butterflies...arranged them in sort of rainbow order and adhered them to the background. Next, I brushed Wink of Stella over each butterfly and on the face of the card in the negative spaces that remained after I removed all the butterfly die cut pieces.</div>
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To finish it off, I added a scattering of iridescent sequins and a die-cut sentiment from Avery Elle.</div>
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If you hold the open card up to a light source, the cut-out butterflies on the background become illuminated. It's quite lovely. I tried to take a photo of that effect...but it didn't turn out that hot...but you get the gist!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASJpLLyEYYPI6WqSXZXmLirHKqck5GqHWjAG4Y9dFS9KwAbaels4oi9ApFwf75omLRMYBBn1lJ9kah6z0_LiQwQIlh4Co6O_bI7N4LAdrf2PNvIBcYd-HfRpSrC7MXgq0BMcwK5a6iDUM/s1600/butterfly+illuminated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjASJpLLyEYYPI6WqSXZXmLirHKqck5GqHWjAG4Y9dFS9KwAbaels4oi9ApFwf75omLRMYBBn1lJ9kah6z0_LiQwQIlh4Co6O_bI7N4LAdrf2PNvIBcYd-HfRpSrC7MXgq0BMcwK5a6iDUM/s400/butterfly+illuminated.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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OH - EM - GEE.....I just realized, I didn't use any colored pencils on this. SHUT THE FRONT DOOR. Man, I hope they don't get mad at me like they did the last time I used another coloring medium. They got so torqued, they went on vacation for 2 weeks...and didn't send me a postcard (they claimed they had nothing to write with).</div>
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Here are the SSS products I used. Each icon below is a link to the corresponding product page on the SSS site!</div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26916" target="_blank" title="Festive Berries"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26916.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="57px" /> </a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26916" target="_blank" title="Festive Berries">Festive Berries</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26917" target="_blank" title="Ripe Persimmon"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26917.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="57px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26917" target="_blank" title="Ripe Persimmon">Ripe Persimmon</a></div>
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<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26918" target="_blank" title="Squeezed Lemonade"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26918.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="57px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26918" target="_blank" title="Squeezed Lemonade">Squeezed Lemonade</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26919" target="_blank" title="Mowed Lawn"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26919.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="57px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26919" target="_blank" title="Mowed Lawn">Mowed Lawn</a></div>
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<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26920" target="_blank" title="Peacock Feathers"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26920.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="57px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26920" target="_blank" title="Peacock Feathers">Peacock Feathers</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26921" target="_blank" title="Seedless Preserves"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26921.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="57px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26921" target="_blank" title="Seedless Preserves">Seedless Preserves</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26922" target="_blank" title="Picked Raspberry"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26922.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="57px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26922" target="_blank" title="Picked Raspberry">Picked Raspberry</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26841" target="_blank" title="Fiskars Premium Cut Line trimmer"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26841.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="60px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26841" target="_blank" title="Fiskars Premium Cut Line trimmer">Fiskars Premium Cut Line trimmer</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=23029" target="_blank" title="elmer′s craft bond foam mounting tape"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/23029.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="54px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=23029" target="_blank" title="elmer′s craft bond foam mounting tape">elmer′s craft bond foam mounting tape</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=10050" target="_blank" title="Decorative Strip - Butterfly Frenzy Die"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/10050.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=10050" target="_blank" title="Decorative Strip - Butterfly Frenzy Die">Decorative Strip - Butterfly Frenzy Die</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26871" target="_blank" title="AE Sentimental"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26871.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26871" target="_blank" title="AE Sentimental">AE Sentimental</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26274" target="_blank" title="Canson Watercolor Paper "><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26274.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="55px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26274" target="_blank" title="Canson Watercolor Paper ">Canson Watercolor Paper </a></div>
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<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26923" target="_blank" title="Darice sequins"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26923.jpg" height="37px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
<div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26923" target="_blank" title="Darice sequins">Darice sequins</a></div>
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<div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 79px; vertical-align: middle; width: 82px;">
<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=20271" target="_blank" title="Sizzix Big Shot"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/20271.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=20271" target="_blank" title="Sizzix Big Shot">Sizzix Big Shot</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26846" target="_blank" title="Tombow Mono Aqua"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26846.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26846" target="_blank" title="Tombow Mono Aqua">Tombow Mono Aqua</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26924" target="_blank" title="Yasutomo water brush"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26924.jpg" height="75px" style="border: none;" width="75px" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7068&tID=26924" target="_blank" title="Yasutomo water brush">Yasutomo water brush</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/tl_small2.png" /></a><br />
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Thanks for dropping by! Be sure to visit Simon Says Stamps and check out the fabulous projects the other design team members created!<br />
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<img alt="Simon Says Stamp" border="0" src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/SSS_09_2103_zpsc2c6b992.gif" /></div>
Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-60291868525808284222016-06-15T07:00:00.000-05:002016-06-15T07:00:04.526-05:00E-I-E-I-OH YEAH!Hidy Ho, crafty peeps!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-designerspotlight-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-designerspotlight-header.png" height="117" width="400" /></a> </div>It's time for round 3 of my month as the Spotlight Designer for Simon Says Stamps! This month is flying by...which makes me sad. I'm having SO MUCH STINKING FUN working with Simon Says Stamps products! I mean...they have EVERYTHING. I've never seen so much product under one "roof"! And, the people of Simon Says are lovely. BONUS!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">It's Wednesday, so that means</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-newchallenge-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-newchallenge-header.png" height="76" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This week's theme is <span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">"Animal Magic" </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: red;">featuring products by Paper Smooches</span></b></span>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> I just love the name of that company, don't you? </div><div style="text-align: center;">So, step right up, create a project, and scurry on over to their site for your chance to win a </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="50dollar_voucher_600px" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/50dollar_voucher_600px.jpg" height="143" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">For my project, I decided to make Father's Day card #2 (remember, I have 3 dads). This one is for my dear father-in-law. He's a suburban farmer. He loves to raise vegetables in his huge garden. I'm pretty much a mess when it comes to gardening. Let's just say my thumb is definitely NOT green. Looking at my thumb, it's kind of brown. Must be all the Distress Ink I used on this card. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Anyway, here's my project for today's challenge!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-ORnfOaChKLjWN36gLeanq53b_Pd8RKZ8eKpphyjXGcHTDHuNFcn7Bgd94ihBD8EaW9HWTAlrupBA7LxD8Z96QekG69WoqSeEPQhD2tyYFhoEPCfKKykZwfUadP_vXQlbW-Q6Q3TanEX/s1600/Pa+Day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-ORnfOaChKLjWN36gLeanq53b_Pd8RKZ8eKpphyjXGcHTDHuNFcn7Bgd94ihBD8EaW9HWTAlrupBA7LxD8Z96QekG69WoqSeEPQhD2tyYFhoEPCfKKykZwfUadP_vXQlbW-Q6Q3TanEX/s640/Pa+Day+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The "Animal Magic" part of my card is how that critter got up there in the hay loft--the one peeking out of that window, and also how that little chick got up on top of the door. It's MAGIC, I tell ya... ANIMAL MAGIC!!! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Here is what it looks like inside!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECNXKr8p7cPmxW8WP0wRvPVrdVK-zX3hUaxFxXnpyLqo1d_Wz5rf5eRtYpobppb1JWw4xCcyEOw3y6THUsmn3vmkzVjHlF32WSXD6a_0XZw_Fx-TK2ZkbJ2ZkBuIQWp4Qx3bFEjx9xZYZ/s1600/Pa+Day+inside+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECNXKr8p7cPmxW8WP0wRvPVrdVK-zX3hUaxFxXnpyLqo1d_Wz5rf5eRtYpobppb1JWw4xCcyEOw3y6THUsmn3vmkzVjHlF32WSXD6a_0XZw_Fx-TK2ZkbJ2ZkBuIQWp4Qx3bFEjx9xZYZ/s640/Pa+Day+inside+2.jpg" width="614" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">AH HA! So, that window-peeking critter was actually two window-peeking critters! Ok, so how many of you got the pun of my sentiment? Anybody? (HINT: it has to do with the critters above the sentiment).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I paper-pieced the card by hand (the barn), and used Distress ink on the edges of the "boards" of the barn so that you could actually see that they are boards. I used stitched square dies to make the frame for the window and the X on the barn door (with some creative cutting apart). I colored my stamped images with my coveted Prismacolor pencils. I added a little bow to critter #2...and cut off her "beard". LOL </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The rest of the card is pretty much just pen work on sentiments I printed off, and some foam tape and glue. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>This card is living proof that you don't have to have a boat-load of product to produce an uber cute card. </b></i>Basically, all you need are: stamps, coloring medium, cardstock, and a little imagination. Oh yeah...and some sort of adhesive helps too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Simon Says products used:</div><br />
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<tr><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26842" target="_blank" title="Green Acres stamp set"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26842.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="58px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26842" target="_blank" title="Green Acres stamp set">Green Acres stamp set</a></div></div></td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26841" target="_blank" title="Fiskars Premium Cut-Line trimmer"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26841.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="80px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26841" target="_blank" title="Fiskars Premium Cut-Line trimmer">Fiskars Premium Cut Line trimmer</a></div></div></td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=20271" target="_blank" title="Sizzix Big Shot"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/20271.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="100px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=20271" target="_blank" title="Sizzix Big Shot">Sizzix Big Shot</a></div></div></td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26843" target="_blank" title="cutter bee scissors"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26843.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="44px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26843" target="_blank" title="cutter bee scissors">cutter bee scissors</a></div></div></td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26844" target="_blank" title="TE stitched squares dies"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26844.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="100px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26844" target="_blank" title="TE stitched squares dies">TE stitched squares dies</a></div></div></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=12385" target="_blank" title="Tsukineko MEMENTO Ink"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/12385.jpg" height="68px" style="border: none;" width="100px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=12385" target="_blank" title="Tsukineko MEMENTO Ink">Tsukineko MEMENTO Ink</a></div></div></td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26031" target="_blank" title="Walnut Stain - Distress Ink"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26031.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="100px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26031" target="_blank" title="Walnut Stain - Distress Ink">Walnut Stain - Distress Ink</a></div></div></td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26845" target="_blank" title="Prismacolor Pencils"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26845.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="100px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26845" target="_blank" title="Prismacolor Pencils">Prismacolor Pencils</a></div></div></td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=23029" target="_blank" title="elmer′s foam mounting tape"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/23029.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="72px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=23029" target="_blank" title="elmer′s foam mounting tape">elmer′s foam mounting tape</a></div></div></td><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26846" target="_blank" title="Tombow Mono Aqua"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26846.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="100px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26846" target="_blank" title="Tombow Mono Aqua">Tombow Mono Aqua</a></div></div></td></tr>
<tr><td valign="top"><div style="display: table-cell; float: left; text-align: center;"><div style="border: none; display: table-cell; height: 104px; vertical-align: middle; width: 107px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26847" target="_blank" title="Sakura Micron Pens"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/thumbnails/125/26847.jpg" height="100px" style="border: none;" width="100px" /> </a></div><div style="line-height: 1.1; overflow: hidden; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; width: 82px;"><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/click.php?action=refer&cID=7022&tID=26847" target="_blank" title="Sakura Micron Pens">Sakura Micron Pens</a></div></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><a href="http://www.thumblinky.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.thumblinky.com/include/images/tl_small2.png" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> Well, that wraps it up for part 3 of my time at Simon Says Stamps. Stay tuned because <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>I have</u></span> 2 more projects this month before my term is finished!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://simonsaysstamp.com/"><img alt="Simon Says Stamp" border="0" src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/SSS_09_2103_zpsc2c6b992.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks, as always, for making your way out here to Left Field. Y'all come back soon!</div><br />
Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-12847085979494775202016-06-13T05:00:00.000-05:002016-06-13T05:00:21.658-05:00Fluttering ByHidy Ho, crafty peeps!<br />
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Today marks the mid-way point of the current challenge over at </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/2016/06/hmfmc-221-butterflies.html"><span style="color: red;"><b>House Mouse and Friends</b></span></a></span>!</div>
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This means you still have PLENTY of time to create something for our current theme</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/2016/06/hmfmc-221-butterflies.html">"Butterflies" </a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">You always have the option of "Anything Goes"...So, hurry on over and enter before Saturday night!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>We are proudly Sponsored by;</u></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><b style="font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://simonsaysstamp.com/" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;">SIMON SAYS STAMP</a></b></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">We're happy to welcome back Heidi and her fab team at </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/category/Shop-Simon-Releases" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;">Simon Says Stamp</a></span></span></span>!</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="color: #a64d79; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipvnDNoQa78u__fRK35az2r5JIqV-LoYjhwFslHNlDZIjS2mYBNOVnGS_UX7wpSWqUrCefAAFF4mI-N4LnaF6daa6wauks78eWPjnwG-VakDK_w55bMmLMIhnxxux4b6Siy3ch0UMF/s200/SSS14blinkie.gif" style="border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; cursor: move; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;">Winner will receive a RANDOM ASSORTMENT of Premium Dye Ink Pads</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is my take on the current theme!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYqztnqfjicf5Z5InvGozCdXf0vi3ghZLcssAwxllZbKzNHHzzmwCU_SHkqPv4Nz8LrpMvrimGZsICbz0ieZi5vJqX1ocAIW5N1-4063_OjfSAoCLrqoAHuHrhPzQAxSlux65NddHJ7Mn/s1600/Fluttering+by.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPYqztnqfjicf5Z5InvGozCdXf0vi3ghZLcssAwxllZbKzNHHzzmwCU_SHkqPv4Nz8LrpMvrimGZsICbz0ieZi5vJqX1ocAIW5N1-4063_OjfSAoCLrqoAHuHrhPzQAxSlux65NddHJ7Mn/s640/Fluttering+by.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
my entry, I used the oh-so-cute Butterfly Express stamp. I wanted to
make it look like the butterfly literally pulled our little friend right
off the background of the card. To achieve this, I cut the stamped image apart and suspended the butterfly above the card with a piece of acetate. I used embroidery floss for the "kite" string. I couldn't decide on what color I wanted the butterfly to be...so I made it every color. I wish there really were rainbow butterflies!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank you for stopping by. If you would like to enter the challenge, click on the image below!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/luAddLink.php?ref=http%3A%2F%2Fhousemouse-challenge.blogspot.com%2F&id=639000&cookie=1157fe435ff8"><img alt="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/luAddLink.php?ref=http%3A%2F%2Fhousemouse-challenge.blogspot.com%2F&id=639000&cookie=1157fe435ff8" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C1EaeUj5Wozk60TfsqCHV8IvDteotP044lRako_Hzz73yduSglsz4xx-I0EVNYlJhtb9juigTyEeRlSYUZQeeEDcm4vVZpgqS9YPARhu-CKnCUPp2zVCTWax7gRWf5ucMxXltwqGSiaR/s320/Dive-in.gif" title="" width="240" /></a></div>
Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-51567658672625349552016-06-08T08:00:00.000-05:002016-06-10T14:25:05.767-05:00A Guy Thing<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hidy Ho, crafty peeps!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-designerspotlight-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-designerspotlight-header.png" height="117" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's week 2 of my gig as a Spotlight Designer over at Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog! And that means...<br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-newchallenge-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-newchallenge-header.png" height="109" width="570" /></a></div>
This week's theme combines a tribute to those wonderful men in our lives, coupled with the guru of distressed craftiness, Tim Holtz! To me, it's win-win match made in crafty heaven!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>"Father's Day/For a Guy" using Tim Holtz products</b></span></span></div>
So hurry on over to their blog for your chance at winning a fabulous $50 gift certificate prize!! <br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="50dollar_voucher_600px" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/50dollar_voucher_600px.jpg" height="215" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I don't know about you, but I just LoVe Tim's stuff. His style is truly unique and VERY adaptable to just about any theme.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I created a Father's Day card for one of the fathers in my life. I'm blessed. I have 3 dads! One biological, one step, and one in-law! I just haven't figured out which one I'm sending this to, yet. Which one...which one?</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElxllTmlXxEgf5mtsTS0iOmGBiIjadwAJOQJPPX9D5aNAMxhNW8u6p7WIzqLvMXD14RsC9FBxYHBdZ1iFoF4AhCuGdG_iGLuIHwrPQ_hgPO8qKX3IwpYQ3Tl7vKeLBykJHdAB040vPr0h/s1600/Dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElxllTmlXxEgf5mtsTS0iOmGBiIjadwAJOQJPPX9D5aNAMxhNW8u6p7WIzqLvMXD14RsC9FBxYHBdZ1iFoF4AhCuGdG_iGLuIHwrPQ_hgPO8qKX3IwpYQ3Tl7vKeLBykJHdAB040vPr0h/s640/Dad.jpg" width="578" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I combined some new Tim stuff with some old Tim stuff, and some REALLY old Tim Stuff to create this card. I colored (well, actually painted) the stamped image and background with watercolor markers. I layered it all up with some of his die cuts. I created the "Dad" title block using a fun font printed on watercolor paper. I inked all the edges of just about everything with some Distress Ink, stamped some "stuff" on the background, added some bling, and then quit--because I usually don't know when to stop and I end up with a hot mess. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I think I actually stopped on this project before reaching the critical mass of hot mess-ness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Yay me!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://simonsaysstamp.com/"><img alt="Simon Says Stamp" border="0" src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/SSS_09_2103_zpsc2c6b992.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Here are the Tim Holtzy products I used for this project:</span></span><span id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3062"> all are available at Simon Says Stamp:</span></div>
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<li><span id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3062">Stamp 1: <a class="yiv4828898942edited-link-editor" href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product?id=116172" id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3950" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" target="_blank">Watch Guy</a></span></li>
<li id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3705"><span id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3062">Stamp 2: text block from <a class="yiv4828898942edited-link-editor" href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product?id=146517&currency=USD" id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_4391" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" target="_blank">The Journey</a></span></li>
<li id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3705"><span id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3062"></span><span id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3062">Die1 : <a class="yiv4828898942edited-link-editor" href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-MIXED-MEDIA-Thinlits-Die-660220-660220TH" id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_4702" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" target="_blank">Mixed Media 1</a></span></li>
<li id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3705"><span id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3062">Die 2: <a class="yiv4828898942edited-link-editor" href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-Die-WEATHERED-CLOCK-Bigz-Alterations-657190-30167?currency=USD" id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_5006" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" target="_blank">Weathered Clock</a></span></li>
<li id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3705"><span id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3062"><a href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/Tim-Holtz-Distress-Ink-Pad-WALNUT-STAIN-Ranger-TIM19534-9132?currency=USD">Distress Ink</a> (Walnut Stain and Vintage Photo) </span></li>
</ul>
<span id="yiv4828898942yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465320123482_3062">Thanks for tromping out here to Left Field! Check back next week for week 3 of my time with the wonderfully talented folks at Simon Says!</span></div>
Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-57293919941744649272016-06-01T08:00:00.000-05:002016-06-01T10:01:40.393-05:00Simon Says Stamp!Hidy Ho, crafty peeps!<br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaystamp.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Simon Says Stamp" border="0" src="http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u670/simonsaysstamp1/Blinkie%20Graphics/SSS_09_2103_zpsc2c6b992.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-designerspotlight-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-designerspotlight-header.png" height="177" width="600" /></a></div>
A few months ago, I was asked to be a guest designer for Simon Says Stamps for the month of June. What an honor!!! And what do you know...it's JUNE! So, here is my first project for the brandy new challenge over at their challenge blog. Just click on the banner just below to be whisked away to their blog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wed-newchallenge-header" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/wed-newchallenge-header.png" height="109" width="570" /></a></div>
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Today marks the start of their new challenge! The theme for this week's challenge is:</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Mask It"</span></b></span> </div>
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They are featuring products from Altenew! So hurry on over to their blog for your chance at winning this fabulous $50 gift certificate prize!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="50dollar_voucher_600px" src="http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2013/07/50dollar_voucher_600px.jpg" height="215" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Without further ado...here is my project!! </b></span></div>
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I must admit, when I first learned about this theme, I immediately
had images of
cards wearing domino masks...you know...masquerade masks. And I thought,
"What kind of a challenge is this??? You won't be able to see the card
if it has a mask on it." But, I decided "Who am I to judge?"...and slapped a mask on my card.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ta Da! (just kidding)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Sometimes my
brain gets very literal. It's just scary when that happens. </b></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17TYUl8oNByKHDKzhx91lAYa3UkIfrC0coS5iDN0v5IjgUKlV9zvEwPGQW7PmDV9tDJfLoHHMaRiTi7XRAMzKPf0OnGXCi-erDAdl_oup6yJ1sGSGbjz9qCQyn79r5_zIGHySct7TU0AJ/s1600/Cricket+hello+mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17TYUl8oNByKHDKzhx91lAYa3UkIfrC0coS5iDN0v5IjgUKlV9zvEwPGQW7PmDV9tDJfLoHHMaRiTi7XRAMzKPf0OnGXCi-erDAdl_oup6yJ1sGSGbjz9qCQyn79r5_zIGHySct7TU0AJ/s640/Cricket+hello+mask.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I searched and searched through my stencils and masks and just wasn't inspired by any of them...so I decided to make my own mask using diecuts! I forget sometimes that diecuts can be so much more than mere embellishments!<br />
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Sadly, I don't have any Altenew products...yet. So, for this challenge I used one of my favorite Mo Manning stamps by Penny Black--Fan's Cricket. I gently colored her up with my Prismacolor pencils. Then...I used a couple of diecuts as stencils and dabbed ink through them (with a sponge dauber) both around the image, and then on the background paper of the card front itself! I love the way it turned out. It's a great way to customize plain-Jane paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDuasgJFTSIin_NvO0hy-_zi-JgAIB3q4P_FPPTTRCud-Uus-47bXfmmHhApECV0LmJuFyRYp3zsxM_PBDG5h-thnqWKWdDWfj0Kf9C_p3wlftj0WWzZsA7jxW2EKzu4jswFz58qGcBpn/s1600/Cricket+hello.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDuasgJFTSIin_NvO0hy-_zi-JgAIB3q4P_FPPTTRCud-Uus-47bXfmmHhApECV0LmJuFyRYp3zsxM_PBDG5h-thnqWKWdDWfj0Kf9C_p3wlftj0WWzZsA7jxW2EKzu4jswFz58qGcBpn/s640/Cricket+hello.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Simon Stamp products used:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/Avery-Elle-Steel-Die-SENTIMENTAL-DIES-023598-AE023598">"hello" Sentimental die</a> (Avery Elle) </li>
<li><a href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/Penny-Black-FANS-CRICKET-Clear-Stamp-Set-30-366-PB30366">Fan's Cricket stamp</a> (Penny Black)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/RESERVE-Tim-Holtz-Sizzix-MIXED-MEDIA-2-Thinlits-Die-661185--661185THS">Mixed Media #2 die set</a> (Tim Holtz)</li>
<li><a href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/product/28-Lilac-Lane-NEUTRALS-Sequin-Tin-LL300-LL300?currency=USD">Bronze colored sequins</a> (28 Lilac Lane)</li>
</ul>
Thank you for venturing out here to Left Field! Be sure to check back every Wednesday in June for new projects for Simon Says Stamps!!<br />
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<a href="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/art-boho.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/art-boho.gif" height="113" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-75622718091991879192016-05-23T05:00:00.000-05:002016-05-29T20:38:38.322-05:00Something Old...Nothing New<div style="text-align: center;">
Hidy ho, crafty peeps!</div>
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It's Monday, so that means it's time for a new challenge at </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>House Mouse and Friends!!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;">The theme this time is</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Something Old...Nothing New</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I happen to be the hostess for the challenge this time around. Here is how I came up with the theme...</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Did you know that May 17 was National Pack Rat day? This prompted me to look around my uber-cluttered studio, which made me realize that the time for cleaning up and moving stuff OUT is LONG overdue. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I have this little cartoon that </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;">my mom clipped from the newspaper and gave to me about 8 years ago. It still hangs</span></span></span></span> on the front of my fridge--held in place by a magnet from Wisconsin of a 3-D polymer clay cow head with a real, teeny-tiny cowbell (don't ask). I thought I'd share that comic with you. I actually took it off my fridge, dusted it off, and scanned the sucker.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Looking at it now makes me cringe...because it's SO true. </span></span></span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_tWKypY5uq2z8tREdA4rxCOufoH7D-Ht4Xmygc3gkL0SZHTyO4sXhyphenhyphen9w_WyW2o1TBSG8xchLL-7xKQ2DQMfakEOZzQUNH3u-4t_WfkVEnjZSZaRbUpneLQZmlUwlS23JAWIvk2N6Gyyl/s1600/Cathy+STUFF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_tWKypY5uq2z8tREdA4rxCOufoH7D-Ht4Xmygc3gkL0SZHTyO4sXhyphenhyphen9w_WyW2o1TBSG8xchLL-7xKQ2DQMfakEOZzQUNH3u-4t_WfkVEnjZSZaRbUpneLQZmlUwlS23JAWIvk2N6Gyyl/s640/Cathy+STUFF.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br />
It was funny 8 years ago...but as I get older, the humor has been replaced with the horrible realization that I, too, (like both my parents) am a pack rat. What horrifies me is the fact that I do NOT have kids that I can "save" MY stuff for, let alone all my parent's stuff. When I go...I will leave behind a veritable TREASURE TROVE...of STUFF. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: normal;">So, for this challenge, I challenge you to make a project using NOTHING new. That means ONLY OLD cardstock, patterned paper, embellishments, stamps, ink, coloring mediums, adhesive...<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>NOTHING can be newer than 1 year old</b></span>. I think that's MORE THAN fair. I was actually thinking about making people use nothing newer than 10 years old...but I'm nice.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Of course, there is ALWAYS the option of "Anything Goes" if you just HAVE to use new stuff. But come on...I KNOW how paper crafters are. We are the penultimate hoarders to end all hoarders! So dig through your stickers, papers, stamps, embellies and create something FaBuLoUs!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: black;">Here is my project:</span></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakwlBn7-7dNlwSYlQ1KEGrut4rNdR54vnZYBuH1J1218Ghzb7CDJxWcvp4BVsMp3xnfEeODpDb0hgXsVHNVcODnffldEMEYzm4XEWUJUzfeNwafClaOjvOl_kAw-CnHYLQR9nIaAdk46w/s1600/chocolate+dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjakwlBn7-7dNlwSYlQ1KEGrut4rNdR54vnZYBuH1J1218Ghzb7CDJxWcvp4BVsMp3xnfEeODpDb0hgXsVHNVcODnffldEMEYzm4XEWUJUzfeNwafClaOjvOl_kAw-CnHYLQR9nIaAdk46w/s640/chocolate+dip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">I used the oh-so-cute "Dipped in Chocolate" stamp from the now-defunct Stampa Rosa company (may it rest in peace). I colored it up with my Prismacolor pencils. I found this REALLY old patterned paper from "Paper Pizazz" by HOTP in my stash...remember them? </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Back then, they were the ONLY patterned paper manufacturers. It was all 8.5 x 11 inches in size and a great many of their designs were photographs (like this lovely chocolate chip paper--which my husband actually really wanted me NOT to cut into--ha ha ha ha). </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Following is a list of what products I used and their ages.</span></span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Dipped in Chocolate stamp (Stampa Rosa) - 17 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Chocolate Chip patterned paper (Hot Off the Press) - 16 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Striped paper and "be silly" sticker (Colorbok) - 5 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">cardstock - 5-8 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Prismacolor pencils - 6 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Ribbon - 8 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Oval die (Spellbinders--before Nestability dies) - 12 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Deckle scissors (Fiskars) - 17 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">ATG adhesive - 4 years old.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Paper trimmer (Fiskars) - 17 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">scissors (Cutterbees) - 7 years old</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: black;">We have wonderful prizes (from fabulous sponsors) to give away for this challenge!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">*** SPONSORS ***</span></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are thrilled to be welcoming back our AWESOME sponsor,<br />
the Official Mousey Family, <b><a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;">House-Mouse Designs(R)</a></b><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEivoFMMBvrEXqpPtTfg3NBGDi_22VNQhq87dnqk3tZnKy2K8I7aNaEnHqNN5B3XxiB5xVVLDTA6oFU3UNPf6SsHIdXRFpVgYIXUTLbSfaZUgYvlO6VlcgXPP7fPyIxJ-OM-R_qOTFWEHt6Bh7_esavhTTg=" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px;" /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;">HMD</a> is offering a Lucky player a $20 Gift Certificate to go shopping at the official <a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/" style="color: #a64d79; text-decoration: none;">House-Mouse Designs(R) site</a>! Eeeeek!! How exciting is that? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">******************************<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: normal;"><u><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://stampendous.com/category/677564/House-Mouse_Designs%C2%AE"><span style="color: #990000;">STAMPENDOUS!</span></a> </span></span></u></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Winner will receive a Fabulous $20 Value Reward Card</span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <img alt="http://www.stampendous.com/" border="0" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3ceHzw2r4Om5oZgj6b4NPzPbSN_0SPib9cvH96Kt4vaS76IAHF6uZpitAhoRmcbRJu3g9__llGcQ1_6ktFHeAGbAhgXRidUvoEmH6EysCPnxMFYwiLXClO6iZlRONEbJPUlZetBY/s400/Stampendous-logo.jpg" width="400" /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">In July 2013, Stampendous was proud and excited to become the official rubber stamp licensee of House-Mouse Designs®. Since that time we’ve released over 235 House-Mouse, Happy Hoppers, and Gruffies images as wood mounted or Cling Rubber stamps that can also be purchased at: <a href="http://www.stampendous.com/">www.STAMPENDOUS.com</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For lots more inspiration from Stampendous, be sure to check out their other sites<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><a href="https://stampendousblog.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">STAMPENDOUS! Blog, </a><a href="http://www.stampendous.com/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">The official Stampendous! Website (to Purchase Products).</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can also f</span>ind </span><a href="http://www.stampendous.com/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Stampendous!</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> on </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/stampendous/" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Pinterest</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/stampendous" style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. </span><br />
<i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Winner MUST reside in the USA or CANADA to win the Stampendous! prize. </span></span></b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*******************************</span> </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(being the <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">consum<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">mate pack rat that <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am </span>gifting a surprise <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">goodie bag<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(</span>bits of vintage paper crafting goodness collected from <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my</span> coveted stash<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">)</span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to the person who uses the OLDEST stuff!<span style="color: #38761d;">*</span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To qualify for a chance at this prize package, p</span>lease tell me, in your post, what it is you used and how old it is! </span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">One catch...the winner has to live in the U.S.</span> </span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(sorry, but international postage is a killer).</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">*In the event of a tie...I will <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">pu<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t all the ho<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">arders<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">' names</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">into a hat and draw out one (maybe tw<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">o, or even three</span>). </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To enter, just click the picture below</span><br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.house-mouse.com%2Fimages%2Fbanner120_02.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEivoFMMBvrEXqpPtTfg3NBGDi_22VNQhq87dnqk3tZnKy2K8I7aNaEnHqNN5B3XxiB5xVVLDTA6oFU3UNPf6SsHIdXRFpVgYIXUTLbSfaZUgYvlO6VlcgXPP7fPyIxJ-OM-R_qOTFWEHt6Bh7_esavhTTg=" -->Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-86142492801320200802016-05-09T08:41:00.000-05:002016-05-09T08:47:49.733-05:00Sew Glad You're our Mom<div style="text-align: center;">Happy Monday, crafty peeps!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's time for a new challenge over at <span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/2016/05/hmfmc-219-you-are-my-sunshine.html">House Mouse and Friends</a>!</b></span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The theme this time around is <span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>"You are My Sunshine!"</i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Interpret that any way you like! And if you can't come up with anything...you can always do an "Anything Goes" project...but you MUST use a House Mouse/Happy Hoppers/Gruffies image!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a terrific sponsor this time around!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Simon Says Stamp</b></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">and they've offered a random selection of their premium dye ink pads!</span><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/"><img alt="https://www.simonsaysstamp.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTSsCPFUnNE35izO9v-Fh1uGuxkLtmvaOtkXQ-r8lhDspXMHGXHr01bWmLlkOfvaXA7t8NvP-ccZaHs6jbRsimXuEhtgnyYJNhfrmnVOJ7KM-ItjDGLj-7gdCNjo3KpffQGKswhw6/s320/SSSlogo.gif" /></a> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront">Simon</a><a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront"> Says Stamp</a> has been in business since 2002, offering you the best selection of Rubber Stamps, Altered Art, Scrapbooking, Artist Trading Cards and Paper Crafting Supplies in the world. Stock includes over 100,000+ items along with the latest and greatest releases from the <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/category/Shop-Simon-Releases">Simon Says Stamp brand</a> Hero Arts, Tim Holtz, Lawn Fawn, Copics, House-Mouse Designs and so much more. With such an amazing variety and awesome deals on shipping, it’s always good timing to shop at the fabulous <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront">Simon Says Stamp store!</a> </span></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> *************************</b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Here is my project! When I hear the phrase "you are my sunshine" I immediately think of my mom. And, since yesterday was Mother's Day, I offer the card my sister and I made for her. The best part about this card (besides the FaBuLoUs House Mouse image on the front) is the sentiment I put inside. </span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcG50i3dphtojpJjcTUspm1I4qxcVMN_NG6AwPHCgkH8wTJHWstoTO9hU8_Cax49mmPGdHNGoNk_33lXWnoQsp-N_tfM9n0MvOBBH8OFKTgrdWT5-kV_meN2ZkIfrQpkp94u5EHNSE1BbP/s1600/Sew+Glad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcG50i3dphtojpJjcTUspm1I4qxcVMN_NG6AwPHCgkH8wTJHWstoTO9hU8_Cax49mmPGdHNGoNk_33lXWnoQsp-N_tfM9n0MvOBBH8OFKTgrdWT5-kV_meN2ZkIfrQpkp94u5EHNSE1BbP/s640/Sew+Glad.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">My sister, Heidi, picked out the papers and the buttons (which she threaded just for my bff Jodi who can't stand naked buttons). I taught Heidi how to use the Big Shot and she did the diecutting! (I helped her a little with the parts that exceeded beyond the margins of the diecut area). It was also Heidi that chose the sentiment for the inside of the card. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">I colored the image with Prismacolor pencils and did my best to match the colors of the papers Heidi chose. For the pin heads, I added a tiny blobs of dimensional fabric paint, and colored the pins themselves with a metallic silver colored pencil. I added glittery sparkle to the thimbles since Heidi said they weren't shiny enough.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">They're shiny now, Heidi!</span></span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">And, here's the inside!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea68FX-dQMUuOC4x4zOzxBnPAnb-qjS-2KU5BCWQYJpoWmPK8FFDvoL4Fcs2kl5EvrN__mRLpN1NLigMX6f6jKiP_L8Wyg7jnJLumpoa5P8zxdakUHP4o1xOnqG6FG_qCwqlMEqcjvNg6/s1600/Sew+Glad+inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea68FX-dQMUuOC4x4zOzxBnPAnb-qjS-2KU5BCWQYJpoWmPK8FFDvoL4Fcs2kl5EvrN__mRLpN1NLigMX6f6jKiP_L8Wyg7jnJLumpoa5P8zxdakUHP4o1xOnqG6FG_qCwqlMEqcjvNg6/s400/Sew+Glad+inside.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;">(We all know that I'm her favorite, but we won't tell the others.) Hee hee hee!</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> </span></span></span><b> </b></span>Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-10359823417157810242016-04-30T21:37:00.001-05:002016-04-30T21:37:53.762-05:00Ex LibrisHidy Ho, crafty peeps!<br />
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Just popping on for a quick post for Crafter's Companion (CC)! I'm sharing a project I made with my newest set of stamps from CC. I really, REALLY like this set. There is just something magical about a big old stack of books. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLQrdtIKFqFOweOHqT1ygb9a5V3UeS6Bd_L4-gf4LQWfazkB2jYii_c_-rZ5Tw52eKCiPuWbMxJ_D9mxnu1lZX2LoNUkQ0mSJVhNmmLg7MFgDbjNB-5w-0fbRCeddftNk074UKE5FI5Zl/s1600/Books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLQrdtIKFqFOweOHqT1ygb9a5V3UeS6Bd_L4-gf4LQWfazkB2jYii_c_-rZ5Tw52eKCiPuWbMxJ_D9mxnu1lZX2LoNUkQ0mSJVhNmmLg7MFgDbjNB-5w-0fbRCeddftNk074UKE5FI5Zl/s640/Books.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I colored up the images with Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Markers. I love the time-worn feel they imparted to the books. The flourish stamp from the set blended perfectly with the background patterned paper. And, of course, I had to put a sentiment on there that reflected my sense of humor. Thank you, Julius Henry Marx, for that wonderful saying.<br />
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Oh, you don't know who that is? You probably know him by his stage name--Groucho.<br />
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<img alt="" class="irc_mi iZRmui_Wnixw-pQOPx8XEepE" height="320" src="http://img.lagaceta.com.ar/fotos/notas/2015/04/27/635228_20150427103234.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="222" /> </div>
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Crafter's Companion products used:</div>
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<li>Stamp set: Knowledge by Sheena (A Little Bit Magical set)</li>
<li>Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Markers: <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">
Chocolate, Chestnut, Terracotta, Sepia, Charcoal, Slate, Tan, Olive,
Moss, Leaf Green, Marigold, Fawn, Evergreen, Topaz, Aquamarine,
Burgundy, Navy.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Spectrum Aqua Watercolor cardstock</span></span> </li>
</ul>
Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-9299924017821500242016-04-15T13:50:00.003-05:002016-04-25T22:39:57.255-05:00Bonjour!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bonjour, les crafty peeps!<br />
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I'm here today with a new project for </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/">Crafter's Companion!</a></b></span> </div>
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<i><b><span style="color: red;">And, for today ONLY, they are having a store-wide sale...15% OFF everything! Just use the code FB415 at checkout!</span></b></i></div>
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My project today is a card I made in the style of Henri Marie Raymond de
Toulouse-Lautrec...better known as Toulouse-Lautrec. He was a post-impressionist painter in
France in the late 1800s. He painted the night life in and around Paris. One of his favorite subjects was a lady named
Jane Avril. She was a can-can dancer during that time. Here is a sketch he did of Jane. Isn't she marvelous? <br />
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<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Henri_de_Toulouse-Lautrec_031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Henri_de_Toulouse-Lautrec_031.jpg" border="0" class="overflowing" height="400" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Henri_de_Toulouse-Lautrec_031.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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For my project, I used the Destinations stamp set "Hello and Goodbye". I loosely colored it with Spectrum Aqua watercolor markers to give it that painterly look. I also used the same markers to add color to the sentiment and the background matting. C'est magnifique, isn't it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57I0JgXMDKc0pZ5EFNit_-6slIrSbIY-Fh-2JuzwzDFYKCDh5RhThqY0Sys4oR2n7op1Lq5fCaKs26zOsv8obfAop49aAnTdKHSPX0nyfb3ZV9hPhFexBy2v6IlLcBR5aZTtGjVEs6Wmu/s1600/bonjour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh57I0JgXMDKc0pZ5EFNit_-6slIrSbIY-Fh-2JuzwzDFYKCDh5RhThqY0Sys4oR2n7op1Lq5fCaKs26zOsv8obfAop49aAnTdKHSPX0nyfb3ZV9hPhFexBy2v6IlLcBR5aZTtGjVEs6Wmu/s640/bonjour.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Crafter's Companion products used:<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Stamp set:<a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Destinations-EZMount-Stamp-Set--Hello-and-Goodbye_p_3880.html"> Destinations "Hello and Goodbye"</a></span></span></li>
<li><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Spectrum-Aqua_c_863.html">Spectrum Aqua watercolor markers</a>: Charcoal, Spice, Blossom, Peach, Slate, Boulder</span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Watercolour-Cardstock_c_876.html"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Spectrum Noir Watercolour Cardstock</span></span></a></li>
</ul>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Merci for traveling out here to Left Field!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/art-boho.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/art-boho.gif" height="113" width="320" /></a></div>
Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-38929527192468611732016-04-12T17:07:00.000-05:002016-05-04T17:08:06.089-05:00GratitudeHidy Ho Crafty Peeps!<br />
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I'm here today with a lovely project for Crafter's Companion. I used a new die set along with Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Markers and Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens to create a really lovely effect on a card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3RRuv6d2-V_Jn-SJ-hhAhXOpo4V06k-zVe3SJOT0j7X7IXSPnviGxyhSdlmKFe2a62LX7OK2ppod7uYpv_vhAU7gX_5hItpE0cIe1Wzqi6C5aVy8pyyfGN4ymIVP0PNVDSpINwMBbWao/s1600/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3RRuv6d2-V_Jn-SJ-hhAhXOpo4V06k-zVe3SJOT0j7X7IXSPnviGxyhSdlmKFe2a62LX7OK2ppod7uYpv_vhAU7gX_5hItpE0cIe1Wzqi6C5aVy8pyyfGN4ymIVP0PNVDSpINwMBbWao/s640/gratitude.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The card went together fairly quickly! I used the Watercolor markers on some watercolor paper, then washed them with a broad, flat paintbrush dipped in water. This allows the colors to flow and blend beautifully! After it dried, I added a few additional splats of color to create more interest in the background. I arranged several lantern dies (aren't they terrific??) and then cut out the diecuts with black cardstock. I love the contrast between the black foreground objects and the colorful background. I hand-tore the background paper to size and added a stamped sentiment which I also colored with the watercolor markers. When everything was dry, I kissed the background with a clear sparkle pen here and there.<br />
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Crafter's Companion products used:<br />
<ul>
<li>Dies: Lanterns 2, 3, and bird on card= <a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Kimono-Decorative-Metal-Dies--Lanterns_p_3544.html">(Kimono Decorative Metal Dies- Lanterns)</a></li>
<li>Dies: Lanterns 1, 4, = <a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Diesire-Classiques--SpringSummer-Metal-Dies--Chinese-Lanterns_p_3509.html">(Die'sire Classiques - Chinese Lanterns) </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Spectrum-Aqua_c_863.html">Spectrum Aqua Watercolor markers: <span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Bud Green, Kingfisher, Evergreen, Wildflower, Peacock Blue</span></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Spectrum-Noir-Sparkle_c_888.html"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Spectrum Noir Sparkle pens: Crystal Clear</span></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Watercolour-Cardstock_c_876.html"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Spectrum Aqua Watercolor Cardstock </span></span></a> </li>
</ul>
Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-2260110583961775532016-04-12T10:34:00.003-05:002016-04-12T10:46:14.193-05:00Nap Time<br />
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Hidy ho, crafty peeps!<br />
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Hard to believe it's halfway through April already. I truly believe that time accelerates as I get older. I think I'll call that phenomenon the "AARP conundrum"...the older, and slower, I get is directly linked (as an inverse) to the passage of time. <br />
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It's time for a new challenge over at</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/">House Mouse and Friends</a></b></span>.</div>
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The theme this time is <i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">"In the Garden"</span></b></span></i></div>
So, put on your gardening gloves and grab a spade and hoe! Of course, if you don't feel all garden-y you can ALWAYS enter an "Anything Goes" themed project!<br />
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We are sponsored this time by our friends at Simon Says Stamps</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTSsCPFUnNE35izO9v-Fh1uGuxkLtmvaOtkXQ-r8lhDspXMHGXHr01bWmLlkOfvaXA7t8NvP-ccZaHs6jbRsimXuEhtgnyYJNhfrmnVOJ7KM-ItjDGLj-7gdCNjo3KpffQGKswhw6/s1600/SSSlogo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTSsCPFUnNE35izO9v-Fh1uGuxkLtmvaOtkXQ-r8lhDspXMHGXHr01bWmLlkOfvaXA7t8NvP-ccZaHs6jbRsimXuEhtgnyYJNhfrmnVOJ7KM-ItjDGLj-7gdCNjo3KpffQGKswhw6/s320/SSSlogo.gif" /></a></div>
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The winner will receive a random assortment of their wonderful ink dye pads!</div>
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I used a "vintage" House Mouse stamp for my project today. Sometimes the oldies are the best! I stamped several images, colored them up with my Prismacolor pencils, and then fussy-cut parts out and decoupaged them into several layers. And I totally agree with the sentiment I put on there!! Naps...they're a good thing! I just LOVE these Gerber daisies!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmBodVis7F0J3wCCQKf5-796Gjfo2HSTIUAwwpr-7wvkMuZEWUTxZwvdMg0cHqtTkSKYVo-VgIZsiidHvvHX7HfeXfEd0ok9NtxmUyHlrdxS54Pfry6JRXIRLaAGzGh7CFbvgUQFOC_cR/s1600/Nap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmBodVis7F0J3wCCQKf5-796Gjfo2HSTIUAwwpr-7wvkMuZEWUTxZwvdMg0cHqtTkSKYVo-VgIZsiidHvvHX7HfeXfEd0ok9NtxmUyHlrdxS54Pfry6JRXIRLaAGzGh7CFbvgUQFOC_cR/s640/Nap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You have until April 23 to enter. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C1EaeUj5Wozk60TfsqCHV8IvDteotP044lRako_Hzz73yduSglsz4xx-I0EVNYlJhtb9juigTyEeRlSYUZQeeEDcm4vVZpgqS9YPARhu-CKnCUPp2zVCTWax7gRWf5ucMxXltwqGSiaR/s1600/Dive-in.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/luAddLink.php?ref=http%3A%2F%2Fhousemouse-challenge.blogspot.com%2F&id=623962&cookie=5eb84dff6071" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C1EaeUj5Wozk60TfsqCHV8IvDteotP044lRako_Hzz73yduSglsz4xx-I0EVNYlJhtb9juigTyEeRlSYUZQeeEDcm4vVZpgqS9YPARhu-CKnCUPp2zVCTWax7gRWf5ucMxXltwqGSiaR/s320/Dive-in.gif" title="" width="241" /></a></div>
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And now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for my nap. </div>
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<img border="0" height="113" src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/General-boho.gif" width="320" /></div>
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Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-69190721278678921662016-04-05T10:55:00.002-05:002016-04-05T10:55:51.639-05:00Feeling BlueHidy ho, crafty peeps!<br />
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Ok, so I am not feeling blue, but my latest project for <a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/"><b>Crafter's Companion</b></a> is! It's a card done in the art journal/mixed media style using several layers of various stamps and a whole lot of sparkly goodness! It's hard to tell, but the blue color was achieved with Spectrum Noir Sparkle pens. Their sparkle power is AWESOME! And (bonus) you don't get those annoying loose flecks of glitter all over yourself and your craft room!!! The glitter stays put...where it belongs...on the paper! It makes for a very elegant card that will work for MANY occasions!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHEH8iHptgkPzjEPmMfl_sZBf2wQ-hkPWYS881EA2gvbAzpmkOvO2uFWuFGqNNj-IMXftUYh6b4bos37qD3W10TDbpIuJj954zXt8Se7t42MQmFvfKvrD4uOUFVKjTUmdxL1rDozv60z0/s1600/Journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHEH8iHptgkPzjEPmMfl_sZBf2wQ-hkPWYS881EA2gvbAzpmkOvO2uFWuFGqNNj-IMXftUYh6b4bos37qD3W10TDbpIuJj954zXt8Se7t42MQmFvfKvrD4uOUFVKjTUmdxL1rDozv60z0/s640/Journey.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/">Crafter's Companion</a> products used:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Stamp-It-EZMount-Stamp--Hummingbird-Wings_p_683.html"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Stamp-it Australia - Humming Bird Wings</span></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Stamp-It-Discovery-Collection-EZMount-Stamp--Journey-Script_p_622.html"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Stamp-it Australia - Journey Script<span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Sheenas-A-Little-Bit-Sketchy-EZMount-Stamp-Set--Falling-Feathers_p_1957.html"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">Sheena - Falling Feathers</span></span></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Sheena-A-Taste-of-India-EZMount-Stamp-Set--Henna-Mango_p_2569.html"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">Sheena - A Taste of India - Henna Mango</span></span></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Spectrum-Noir-Sparkle_c_888.html"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">Spectrum Noir Sparkle Pens: Blue Topaz, Starry Sky, Moonstone, Aquamarine</span></span></span></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Watercolour-Cardstock_c_876.html"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">Spectrum Noir Watercolor Paper</span></span></span></a></li>
</ul>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show">Thanks for journeying out to Left field!</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/General-boho.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/General-boho.gif" height="113" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span></span></span>Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4622950755972179437.post-62098566047775926612016-04-04T12:25:00.000-05:002016-04-04T18:42:30.816-05:00Stampendous Hop Midway reminder!<br />
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And so the hop continues!<br />
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There is still PLENTY of time to come play in our super-duper mega Spring hop--featuring wonderful inspiration from:<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here are <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">links to each site's blog-hop! Be sure to check them all out!</span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="http://wp.me/psmPc-4oN">Stampendous</a></span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="http://wp.me/plrId-4ma"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Woodware Craft Collection</span></a></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="http://thestencilspecialist.blogspot.com/2016/03/house-mouse-and-friends-blog-challenge.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Stencil Specialists</span></a></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/2016/03/house-mouse-stampendous-blog-hop.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">House-Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge</span></span></a></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifim_07uma39qu_sDBbMEA6BGnWStsl_2VapK3pcaolixjyXdbaayAQ2JE17wupp7VLW3zpnAPWrlgw2S8cCnZVo8x7qZKm_JHEC40yAJSsznfHBXJrQYnq8SK2qf3BGXHmNOUrYK_/s1600/blog-hop+banner.jpg" style="color: #888888; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifim_07uma39qu_sDBbMEA6BGnWStsl_2VapK3pcaolixjyXdbaayAQ2JE17wupp7VLW3zpnAPWrlgw2S8cCnZVo8x7qZKm_JHEC40yAJSsznfHBXJrQYnq8SK2qf3BGXHmNOUrYK_/s400/blog-hop+banner.jpg" style="border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: 1px 1px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.098); cursor: move; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">IMPORTANT: This is a <span style="color: #cc0000;"><u><i>CHALLENGE</i></u></span> Blog-Hop!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You are <b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">NOT</span></b> automatically entered to win simply by commenting on the blog posts as in <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">some blog hops (although you DO <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">have to comment)</span></span>. You <b><i>MUST</i></b> create a project and link it to the Linky Tool on the <a href="http://housemouse-challenge.blogspot.com/2016/03/house-mouse-stampendous-blog-hop.html"><u><b>HMFMC website found HERE</b></u></a>. For Instructions how to do this, see below (at the end of this post).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">THEME: House Mouse and Stencils</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We’re
celebrating stencils, and using them with our House-Mouse Designs®
images. We’re going to bring you tons of inspiration over the next two
weeks, and we can’t wait to see what you enter into the challenge! You
may use <b>ANY</b> House-Mouse Designs® images or characters on your project, and any <b>stencils</b> and stenciling techniques that you like. There is never any purchase necessary to enter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And, of course, as always on the HMFMC, “<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ANYTHING GOES</span>” is always an entry option. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Link your entry to the linky tool by the end of <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1118015946" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday, April 8, 2016</span></span></b></i></span> (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1118015947" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">11:59 pm</span></span> in your own time zone).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There
are prizes!! Three entries, chosen at random, will win 1-HMD
Stampendous Cling Rubber Stamp, 1–Large Dreamweaver Stencils Background
Stencil, and <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1</span>–Jar of Embossing Paste. This contest is open to everyone!! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEivoFMMBvrEXqpPtTfg3NBGDi_22VNQhq87dnqk3tZnKy2K8I7aNaEnHqNN5B3XxiB5xVVLDTA6oFU3UNPf6SsHIdXRFpVgYIXUTLbSfaZUgYvlO6VlcgXPP7fPyIxJ-OM-R_qOTFWEHt6Bh7_esavhTTg=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEivoFMMBvrEXqpPtTfg3NBGDi_22VNQhq87dnqk3tZnKy2K8I7aNaEnHqNN5B3XxiB5xVVLDTA6oFU3UNPf6SsHIdXRFpVgYIXUTLbSfaZUgYvlO6VlcgXPP7fPyIxJ-OM-R_qOTFWEHt6Bh7_esavhTTg=" /></a></div>
We are also very happy and proud to be welcoming back our 2nd AWESOME sponsor<br />
the Official Mousey Family, <a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/">House-Mouse Designs(R)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/">HMD</a> is also Offering another Lucky player a $20 Gift Certificate to shop at <a href="http://www.house-mouse.com/">House-Mouse Designs(R)</a>! <br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And now for my mid-way inspiration for you!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I used the same stencil as I did for my last project, but this time...instead of using embossing paste with it, I applied Versamark ink directly through the stencil to the paper below...then embossed it in my Big Shot so it's slightly raised. The Versamark ink created a tone-on-tone effect which makes the splats actually look wet! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I used the super-cute HappyHopper Puddle Fun stamp.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgk5m9knX7esWPJlV3Xvwy61UDlhSy8b82Vzn-iMNV9CqdtuGYq2GlHguUd5MXDe3FE_w_c5ZOVgg4gcFePYj4EKpnrwhAganKrdaWNnsM3VmN0HsEIrHaGaP8pwi4HORfA3cs_wqEVW_/s1600/Puddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgk5m9knX7esWPJlV3Xvwy61UDlhSy8b82Vzn-iMNV9CqdtuGYq2GlHguUd5MXDe3FE_w_c5ZOVgg4gcFePYj4EKpnrwhAganKrdaWNnsM3VmN0HsEIrHaGaP8pwi4HORfA3cs_wqEVW_/s640/Puddle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Stampendous supplies <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">u</span>sed: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Stamp: <a href="http://www.stampendous.com/products-page/house-mouse-happy-hoppers-puddle-fun-rubber-stamp-hhv03/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Puddle Fun</span></a><a href="http://www.stampendous.com/products-page/painting-pals-rubber-stamp/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ste<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ncil: <a href="http://www.stampendous.com/products-page/paint-splats-stencil/">Paint Splats</a></span> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Once again, I am the cabo<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ose of this section of the hop, so you should have already visited all the other DT member<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'s blogs. But if not, <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">h</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>ere is a list of all our Mou<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">sey DT<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">, so you can <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">hop on over to see th<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">eir fabulous <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">makes!! Just click on their names to be whisked away to their blog!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://cardsbyamerica.blogspot.com/2016/04/house-mouse-and-stampendous-combined.html">America</a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://becontagiouscrafts.blogspot.com/2016/04/midway-at-house-mouse-and-friends.html">Beth Brovold </a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://nanaseaside.blogspot.com/2016/03/mid-way-reminder-hmfmc216-stampendous.html">Christine Craig</a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://dianesrambles-diane.blogspot.com/2016/03/house-mouse-and-stampendous-blog-hop_20.html">Diane Williams</a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://dortesdill.blogspot.com/2016/04/mid-way-reminder-for-hm-and-stampendous.html">Dorte Kvist</a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://karinsartscrap.blogspot.com/2016/03/mid-way-reminder-hmfmc216-stampendous.html">Karin van Eijk</a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://downrightcrafty.blogspot.com/2016/03/midweek-blog-hop.html">Kate Wiles</a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://loribarnett.blogspot.com/2016/03/house-mouse-blog-hop-challenge-mid-way.html">Lori Barnett </a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://snoopyshomemadefun.blogspot.com/2016/04/mid-way-reminder-for-stampendous-house.html">Snoopy</a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.suestamping.com/2016/04/hmfmcstampendous-blog-hop-midweek.html">Sue Drees</a> </b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://suesstampingstuff.blogspot.com/2016/03/house-mouse-and-friends-with.html">Sue Kment</a> </b></li>
<li><a href="http://left-field-studio.blogspot.com/2016/03/stampendous-hop-midway-reminder.html%E2%80%8B"><b>Torrey Moseley (you are here!)</b></a></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>HOW TO ENTER:</b></u></span></span></span></span></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Comment</b> on DT's posts and <b>Create</b> something fun and a little bit wonderful. It’s not a talent show, winners are randomly selected. Use an HMD image <b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">PLUS</span></span></b>
a stencil on your work (or choose “anything goes”). It doesn’t have to
be a card, it can be any kind of project. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Post
your creation online. You can post it anywhere that will give it a
unique URL (internet address). Most folks have a blog, but you can post
on Flickr, or PhotoBucket, sites like Split Coast Stamp<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ers, </span>or even on your Google+ account. (ps…creating a blog is free! What are you waiting for?)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Get
the URL for the specific post that contains your project – click on
the title of your post, copy the URL from your browser’s title bar,
click on the inLinkz picture on the HMFM<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">C</span> post, paste your URL into the tool. Add your name and email address and voila, you’re entered!</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: Normal;"><span style="line-height: 30.6px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">TO WIN A FABULOUS PRIZE...</span></span></span></span></span></span></u></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: Normal;"><b><span style="line-height: 30.6px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You’ll need to </span></span></b><span style="line-height: 30.6px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">COMMENT</span></span></span><b><span style="line-height: 30.6px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> <i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>AND</b></span></i> ENTER a PROJECT into the Challenge. </span></span></b><span style="line-height: 30.6px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">S</span></span><b><span style="line-height: 30.6px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">o get ready to be inspired and you H<b>o</b>p along. <b>Y</b>ou'll get one entry for each comment you leave on a post at </span></span><span style="line-height: 30.6px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: Normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">HMFMC Blog, HMFMC Team member’s blog, Stampendous blog, and/or Stampendous Team member’s blogs. </span></span></span></span>(please, only one comment per post, per person) </span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: Normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: Normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">There will be 3 WINNERS, yes 3, for THREE Lucky players!<span style="line-height: 30.6px;"> </span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: Normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: Normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: Normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;">Each
will win a stencil, a jar of paste and an House-Mouse Designs stamp.
Open to everyone with the understanding that international winners may
have to pay customs duties and fees to collect their prize.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: Normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: Normal;">WOW! How FUN is that?? Don't MISS OUT! Be sure to play to win!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/art-boho.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff148/rhyannyn_photos/Left%20Field/art-boho.gif" height="113" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span>
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<br />
I've crawled out of bed long enough to post a card for Crafter's Companion!<br />
<br />
Yeah, I'm under the weather.<br />
<br />
My hubby shared a wonderful little bug with me that has ravaged my lungs and sinuses. Wasn't that nice of him?<br />
<br />
I guess he really believes in that adage "Misery loves company".<br />
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It makes me wish he'd believe in adages like, "Sharing is caring...but it does not mean giving your wife the 'crud'."<br />
<br />
Sigh<br />
<br />
This, too, shall pass.<br />
<br />
So here is how the idea for this card evolved...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I was sitting in bed hacking, wheezing, coughing up creatures from various color lagoons...and knowing I need to intake some sort of nourishment. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sick + nourishment = chicken soup. It's only logical.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Chicken soup = folk medicine = folk art = country = gingham + chicks</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>which, by chance, leads full circle back to chicks = chicken = chicken soup.</li>
</ul>
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And that, dear friends, is how my mucus-addled mind works.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqU9A1EdN2KkyuwgjWc6i_suNVIgBqZx4YDd2OCvt0os-02-cTQ7wa8DqMU3HAmAh5cN6bpOGjh5fIRDDieW3R-guqYpWcjhZi1Nd5EEa1yXlv-ARV4I5-XrhpTadoYOIJ9s_shXdMSkxz/s1600/Chick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqU9A1EdN2KkyuwgjWc6i_suNVIgBqZx4YDd2OCvt0os-02-cTQ7wa8DqMU3HAmAh5cN6bpOGjh5fIRDDieW3R-guqYpWcjhZi1Nd5EEa1yXlv-ARV4I5-XrhpTadoYOIJ9s_shXdMSkxz/s640/Chick.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
I love this really old patterned paper from Daisy D's. I don't have much of it left, but it always makes me happy when I see it. I've used it on SO MANY projects over the years.<br />
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This cute stamp set is from Crafter's Companion. It's one of my favorites. I have a fondness for chickens that I can't explain. They just make me happy. It's gently colored up with the new (and wonderful) Aquablend pencils. They can be subtle or bold...the choice is up to you!<br />
<br />
Crafter's Companion supplies used:<br />
<ul>
<li>AquaBlend pencils: Fossil grey, nutmeg - from Essential set. Beeswax, bison, cypress, wheat, sky blue - from Naturals set<span id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459207590005_48895" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></li>
<li><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym18_1_1459207590005_48895" style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Sheenas-A-Little-Bit-Sketchy-EZMount-Stamp-Set--Chick-Chick-Chicken_p_3575.html">Stamps</a> - Sheena - A little bit sketchy - Chick Chick Chicken</span> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/8-X-8-Textures-Embossing-Folder--Hessian_p_3466.html">Embossing folder</a> - Textures - Hessian</li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/Watercolour-Cardstock_c_876.html">Spectrum Aqua watercolor cardstock</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.crafterscompanion.com/The-Ultimate-Tools_c_789.html">Crafter's Companion Ultimate Tool</a> - bow maker</li>
</ul>
And, to answer the question the sentiment on the card poses? Yeah, I'm OK.<br />
<br />
I'm getting better (if I keep telling myself that it will eventually come to pass).<br />
<br />
Thanks for coming out to Left Field. Don't worry, I wore a surgical mask the entire time I wrote this post. Sharing my card with you is one thing. Sharing a bug that could potentially ooze into the matrix of the internet and back out the screen of the person reading this just wouldn't be cool.<br />
<br />
You're welcome. <br />
<br />
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<br />Torreyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14153036154504322228noreply@blogger.com3