Paper Trufflez

Well, it's that time . . . !

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Tree Trimmings

I'm usually so busy designing cards, that I forget to do more 3D items . . . these are some ornaments I worked on last week--I was so happy with how they turned out!  I don't usually "stage" my photos--no time!  But, I love this snowman I received as a gift from my sister-in-law a few years ago--he's just so cheerful and roly poly, AAAAAAND well, he color coordinated quite nicely with the ornies!  *chuckle*

I wish now that I had snagged more of those rusty metal tin ornaments when I was at Michaels--they are so easy to cover with paper!  I just trimmed a piece of scrap to fit over one of the sections, and once I figured about what size, angle, and fold was needed, I used it as a pattern to custom fit the other pieces over each of the sections, and glued 'em right on.  Easy, peasey!

I did another of those ornaments with the scored circles using a Sizzix Die that has the score lines built in.  An old retired daisy punch I've held on to was used to make the double-layered blossoms--a poinsettia punch woulda' been perfect, but, hey--it's OK to work with what ya' got, right?!  Some pearl stickers embellish the centers.

Used my punches to make a shadow box for Winter Dog.  He's sitting there on some sparkly snow inside the frame.  I always call him "Sweater Dog", in a sing-song voice, like the "Target Dog" TV commercials.  Don't ask me why.  I'm just weird that way.  Anyway, I said, "Nina, can you illustrate a nordic style sweater for this year's holiday release?"  "Sure!", she bobbed her head up and down.  And, then, this is what she shot back to me.  ROTFLMBO!!!!!!!  But, he is awfully irresistible and cute, isn't he?!   I love him and have used him a LOT this season!  I don't even own a dog!  *more chuckling*

I practiced my photography, too, on this one.  It took 21 shots to get this one.  21!!! Can you believe it?  DANG.  I obviously need A LOT MORE practice.  *sigh* . . .

We did NOT get the tree last weekend; the kids had their own agendas, but, didn't want us to fetch it without them.  What is up with that???   I told 'em I'm considering an artificial tree.  Holy Mother of Pearl,  you shoulda' seen their faces blanche!  *insert rolling eyeballs*  Darn kids.

Stamps, patterned papers, ribbons, all by A Muse Artstamps

Recyled Coffee Tin

Do you save those dang gourmet instant coffee or chai tins, thinkin' you're gonna do sumpin' cool with 'em . . . at some point . . . ?  I do.  Of course, I don't turn 'em into anything clever . . . Oh, no.  I just put homemade instant gourmet coffee inside and give that way!  Bwah ha haaaaaaaaa!!!

I found this wonderful paper at Ink About It, when Linda and I taught there last month, and I just *had* to have it.  I kept looking at it, and pettin' it, and finally, could stand it no longer.  Anyhoo, this is from the "Be Merry" line by My Mind's Eye--lawdy, I do love their papers muchly!  I loved these colors--pretty any time, but especially fun at Christmas for sumpin' a wee bit different from the traditional red & green, UKWIM?

I made a few ornaments this week (one is peeking from behind the coffee tin), and even a gift card "wallet"!  FUN! 

Supplies:  Stamps by A Muse Artstamps; Patterned paper (My Mind's Eye); Icicle Border Punch (Martha Stewart)

Homemade Instant Cappuccino

In a large container, mix the following ingredients:

• 1 C. Instant Coffee Creamer

• 1 C. Instant Chocolate Drink Mix (like Nesquik powder)
  
• 2/3 C. Instant Coffee
• 1/2 C. Sugar (I use Splenda)
• 1/2 t. Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 t. Ground Nutmeg

To serve, mix 3 T. of cappuccino mix with 6 oz. hot water. Stir well.

WARNING: Highly addictive!

Mmmm. Habits . . . good read.

Artrepreneur; The Collision of Art and Business.

The trick is making the commitment to alter one's habits . . .

The "Hippy-Hippie" Shake!

OK, so my spelling is off.  But, you know . . . the song . . . the Beattles . . . you know.  Right?  *chuckle*

I love Hippie Snow Chick--she's so cheery and her daisy crown makes me smile!  I thought she'd be cute in a snow globe design.  I wish you could see the shimmery effect of the Spica Twinkle Markers under the Clear Circle Sticker.  It's there, but, I just couldn't pick it up on camera.

This is one of my favorite winter/Holiday color combos--red and lt. turquoise (cyan?).

The house is decked inside and out . . . hopin' to fetch the tree this weekend!  This year, I convinced Dave, the master of exterior illumination, to stay OFF the roof, and just decorate from the eaves down.  He acquiesced; it helped that it was raining buckets.  SooOOooo, right outside the front door, we've got quite a scene of little roly poly Santas, candy canes, and gingerbread guys and icicle lights dripping from the house.  Works for me! 

All stamps, note card, ribbon, clear circle stickers by A Muse Artstamps

Our pets . . .

OK, not really.

But, they hang around here.  A lot.

I think they come for the apples . . .

Shake it, honey!  Shake, shake, shake it!

They scarfed up every last one of dem fruits.  *chuckle*

PIMP: Too gosh darn FUN!

Confessions of a Ribbon Addict: Christmas Cube.

I went looking for something else, and spied Jody's cube using A Muse holiday rubbah!!!  SO DANG KAAAAH-YUTE!!!  Geeze.  Now I wanna make one!!!

A Muse + Copic Markers

I Like Markers: Coloring tiny areas with the Copic Original.

Heya!  Marianne has been sharing some wonderful info on working with Copic Original Markers and A Muse images--check out the link above to learn more!

Katie did it! *grin*

A Muse News: The Advent of Christmas: Day 1.

OK, I just gotta tell ya', these are all so cute!  I think you'll enjoy seeing each one as they appear! *wink*

ENJOY!!!