Happy New Year

May your year be filled with blessing too numerous to count.

A little scrappin before heading to VA

Going to see my sister Terri in VA tomorrow for the weekend. Can't wait to hit the road with my sister Debbie!

OWH is in need of cards for our soldiers to send to their children back home.


You may remember this one (without the banner). We were going to give them to our neighbors but that never happened.

The glitter on the sun was done with stickles but I put diamond glaze on it to "seal" the glitter.

Merry Christmas

"And Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant." - Luke 2:4-5 - HCSB©

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! . . . Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:10-11, 14

Cards finished today in my "new" studio

I was happy to be in my studio today working on cards for www.OperationWriteHome.org. I found a copy of Cards magazine (Dec10) for less than the shelf price (I think around $15). I've never seen this magazine in person and was delighted to get a copy. I only wish it wasn't full of Christmas cards :) Although I now have plenty of ideas for next year.

I still don't have the hang of my new camera - probably because I haven't bothered to read the instruction book. So my pictures aren't the best. I'm sure it is the light in my family room but I didn't want to trek back upstairs to take the pictures!

The first three cards are my originals.


These two have Kraft paper as the base and then a pink texture cardstock on top.



The "shiny" on this card is coming from the silver ink I sponged on. You can't see if this shiny on the actual card so I was surprised to see if show up in the picture.



These cards are all CASEd from the Cards magazine, Dec10 issue.
{page 57}
The base is a peach cardstock with a teal ribbon tied around it to match the first layer cardstock under the white embossed paper. The flowers are punched out and small pieces of scrap cardstock are under the flowers.

{page 53}

{page 51}
I didn't like this when I first finished it, but after letting it sit on the table overnight, I decided to add glitter and send it!

{page 21}
I don't like this at all. Wanted to use the bling along the side but I'm not happy with the outcome.

{page 50}
This is my favorite of the day. Used my sewing machine to attach the 3 pieces of cardstock.

It's done - almost

Finally, my room is painted! and I moved all my scrapping stuff back into the room tonight. I saw someone refer to her room as her studio - I like that. So, here are the before, during and after pictures of my new studio!!

My son's school colors were red and blue so we painted this room in those colors when we moved in. He used this room for friends who spent the night and to keep his playstation and other games. As he got older, he used only to store stuff that he moved from his bedroom.



As you can see, I had so many pieces of "found" furniture to store my stash but nothing matched.



We had to put 3 coats of primer and 2 coats of the paint on the walls to cover the red and blue. Unfortunately, we got primer splatters on the dark blue carpet so we'll be cleaning that up too.



The walls are light gray - lighter than I wanted but much better than the red and blue. I set my table at an angle with my shelves (a new purchase) in the corner behind me. Everything at my fingertips. Plus I have room to set up a second (smaller) table if my sister comes over to scrap (or anyone else!). The table is also facing the closet - which is where I have a TV hidden (no cable though, just free TV via the converter box). When I faced the wall, I would put a mirror up so I could see the TV behind me! I usually listen to the radio though ... that reminds me, I need to get my radio back in the room. I finally put some new CDs in there because my radio station (104.9, The River) is only playing Christmas music; and though I enjoy it, I like more variety.



I decided to store my paper vertical and was pleased that my Cropper Hopper files are standing up by themselves. I thought I'd have to rig up some type of "book end" -- but was glad I didn't need to.



Do you love my baskets...I do. I found them at Flower Factory. I bought all the large and medium ones they had. I will need to go back and pick up a few more (to replace the natural ones I'm using in the mean time).



I need to "line" the shelves with something because the baskets catch on the shelves when I pull them forward. I have lots of thin cardboard that I will cut the size of the basket bottoms and hopefully solve this problem.

I had a colonoscopy this morning (blech) and everything is just fine (which I knew it would be). The procedure was a breeze compared to the prep. The stuff I needed to drink was awful. Of all the scientific advances in this world, I'd think they could come up with a more palatable drink. I had to drink it twice - once at 6 p.m. and once at 3 a.m. In case you don't know, you spend a lot of time in the bathroom after each dose.

On Monday I have a procedure with my gynecologist (minor surgery) - won't go into (TMI). I'm hoping this help the cause of my low blood count. Normal blood count for women is 14-20; mine was at 7 a month ago. It is up to 10.5 today (thanks to the iron pills I've been taking).

Well, it's off to bed. Thanks for stopping by.

Scrapbook room organization

Been thinking about what I want for Christmas. My husband is getting new golf clubs...he always gets the high dollar gifts. So I decided it was my turn. I want my craft room to be organized and efficient.

I'm going to have the walls painted a soft gray (the walls are currently Red and Blue - my son's high school colors) to go with the dark blue carpet.

I'm going to buy a couple more shelves and matching baskets for my supplies. Today I went thru the house and gathered all my baskets but they don't look very neat - being all different. So it's off to Flower Factory this week to get some.

I've decided to go vertical files with my paper files. Going to Joanns to buy the Cropper Hopper files and dividers. I thought about sticking with my plastic shelves (horizontal) but I think having them vertical will make looking for particular papers easier. If anyone has a better idea, send me a link to a picture. I'm not sure how I'll store the files though ... My shelves don't have sides and I don't want the files to fall over. I suppose I could adjust the stop shelf to be down a little so the vertical poles will act like bookends.

I'll take pictures when it is all done.

Christmas decorations

Here are pictures of my decoration efforts. The stockings are hung under the village houses...I can't say Christmas village because we have taken to leaving them out all year!



This nativity set comes out every year to remind us of the reason for the season - celebrating Christ's birth and entrance into this world! My Mom and step-dad made this years and years ago and gave it to my Grandparents. When Brad and I got married, the box went from my Grandparent's basement to my house (they never used it!).



My Christmas tree. Talked Brad into letting me get a pencil tree this year. He didn't think he'd like it but once it was up, he has decided that he does like it. I miss the multi-colored lights though - they will get added next year.

Page and card completed

I've been working on the new babies' pages and suddenly realized that I didn't do a page for my oldest niece - Barbara. She joined our family as a young lady and not a baby but she is still a part of us. Again, I have to apologize for my camera skills. I think I need to go back to my old one until I learn to use this one.



I did this card for the OperationWriteHome blog challenge.

My nephew is a marine

My nephew, Alex White, is now a Marine. We are very proud of him.



This picture brings tears to my eyes. I can't imagine what my sister-in-law is feeling when she holds her son. I know his family is very, very proud of him and they are also sacrificing for our country.

Cards for OWH

I got to spend time in my scrap room today! I love long weekends.

The first two cards were inspired by a card from She Who Must Stamp blog.





This card was made with flowers I got at Odd Lots for $2.


This card was inspired by Michelle Phillippe's card in PaperCrafts magazine (Sep/Oct, pg 53)



Still don't have the hang of my new camera. Can't figure out why I can't get them to focus (it is supposed to be auto). The flash doesn't want to take (a green button keeps flashing at me and the picture never takes) but when I turn it off, I get the blur. I guess I'll have to breakdown and actually read the book that came with it.

Hope you all enjoyed your Black Friday - no shopping for me. I don't like shopping on a regular day, I certainly wouldn't attempt to do it today!

Thanks for stopping by, Susan

A couple of layouts

I enjoy scrapping the every-day events. Like this trip to a restaurant. Primanti Bros was featured on Travel Network - Man V. Food so when we knew we were going to passing by one on our way home from Harrisburg, we decided tostop.


Now I'm caught up on my great-nephews. So when the one comes in January, I shouldn't take too long to get it done!


I'm excited to see pictures of my nephew, Alex. He is graduating from Marine boot camp this week.

In case I don't get to posting this week - Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I will be off Friday and since I'm not a shopper, I'll have 4 days to work on cards.

I got scrap-happy tonight

It feels like it's been so long since I've been in my scrap room. I've had Lashaun's page in my mind for several weeks and I finally got it on paper! His brother looks so sweet with him, I couldn't help but use these pics. I pray these brothers will be close forever.


Now I'm only one nephew behind but I have another coming in January so I better not take as long to do Isaac's page as I did Lashaun's. : )

I also had one more set of Christmas cards to do. I had to wait for my picture scanner (which I'm glad to say is finally home safe and sound). I wanted to use this pic of my husband and his brother but didn't have one on the computer! I CASEd this from the Nov/Dec Papercrafts magazine, page 7 (an ad for BoBunny). I L-O-V-E this magazine.


Notice the teeny tiny jingle bells in the corner? I tied them on using embroidery thread. My fingers are much too large for such tiny work!


I hope to be in my room tomorrow too. I haven't made cards for OWH in awhile and need to get a box out. I have about 30 done and some letters from the kids at church but I'd like to get a bunch more.

Thanks for stopping by....Susan

introducing another nephew

Another boy joins our family...Welcome Isaac.

Happy Veteran's Day

Thank you to all our Veterans - those who are serving now and those who have served in the past.

My Dad served in Korea, my step-Dad in Viet Nam, my nephew is training to be a Marine, and my son's best friend is in training for the Air Force.


Picture from OperationWriteHome

Another chance to win Blog Candy

I just found this blog (through Just Yolie). Go over to Oma's blog and follow her directions and you might win! Oh, and please tell her that I sent you.

GO VOTE

Joanne's is holding a contest and one charity could win $50,000. Please click on the logo above and go vote - every day for a worthy charity. I've supported all three but I'm pulling for Operation Write Home in this one.

Finally some scrapbook pages done!

Brad, David and I were in Lexington and laughed so hard we cried when David strapped himself to the upright roll-away bed.


My niece had twins - she is the daughter of my oldest brother who is a twin (my mom also had triplets)




Olivia is the sister of the new twins. I realized I hadn't done a page for her (I'm trying to do a page for all my great nieces and nephews).


I've got one more nephew to get caught up on (Lashaun was born this summer) and one who should be coming tomorrow (mom is being induced if he doesn't make his appearance before 5 am tomorrow). Then I have homecoming pictures to scrap.

Having fun with my Cricut and SCAL!

finally back in my scrap room!

The guys went golfing this morning. Before they left my husband said to me, "The house doesn't really need cleaning, why don't you spend time in your room." What a guy!!

I had some work to go over this morning and laundry to do but then went straight to my room. By 3:00, I got one page done. One page. But at least it was one page :)

welcome boys!

I am very happy to introduce my newest nephews, Alexander and Ethan






and we certainly can't leave out sweet big sis Olivia :)


I don't think I ever introduced my other nephew that was born this summer, Lashaun. Here he is with his big brother CJ


We have two more coming - one, any day now (come on baby Isaac) and then one in January (another boy but no name yet)

Quiet Sunday

Had a great day today.

Our satellite is out so we spent a quiet morning reading the paper together. Then Brad cooked a delicious meal of short-ribs, mashed potatoes and green beans (Hoggy's style with red peppers and bacon). David and Sydney and my sister Debbie were here for dinner.

Debbie came over to finish her scrapbook she is making as a gift - her first project. I'm excited to see her enjoying it. She thinks she wants to make cards. That'll be something fun we can do together. Next step is to get her involved in OWH.

Got some pictures printed for scrapping. Didn't realize how many pages I have to do. Let's see, Olivia's baby pages (she's 3), the twins (they were just born), LaShaun (he was born this summer), homecoming, and some misc pics. Also I went through old, old photo albums and removed all the pictures on the yellowing sticky pages and sorted them - I'll start scrapping them soon.

I've got to get to making cards again for OWH. I keep reading about the need and I feel so guilty. I have about 30 done so if I can't get myself in gear, I'll get those in the mail.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and are ready for the work week ahead.

Oh, for those you read about my boss...he is doing so much better. Was in the hospital for several days but a nutritionist talked with him and they gave him some direction. He is doing so much better - up walking for 20 minutes at a time and able to some driving. This is a VAST improvement. Keep praying as he (Jim) and his wife (Nancy) are both going thru chemo (he has lung cancer and she had breast cancer). God is doing an amazing work through them.

Want to win a Gypsy?

Go visit this blog and enjoy her posts and a chance to win a Gypsy.

Why Is There Color?

I read a great devotion in My Daily Bread the other day. Psalm 19:1-6

Why do some trees turn into a collage of radiant maroon, red, orange, and yellow colors in the fall? Trees are green in the summer cause chlorophyll, a green pigment in the leaves, absorbs red and blue light from the sun. The light reflected from the leaves appears green to our eyes.

Chlorophyll is an unstable substance, and bright sunlight causes it to decompose rapidly. Therefore, plants must continuously synthesize and regenerate it. The shortening days and cool nights of autumn, however, interfere with the process. As chlorophyll breaks down, the green colors of the leaves begin to fade. Some trees change from green to bright yellow as the chlorophyll degrades. In others, the action of sugar in the leaves creates a red pigment, causing the leaves to turn maroon, purple, and bright red as the chlorophyll fades.

But why do we have color? It seems to serve no practical purpose - at least none that scientists can discern. And why are there photoreceptors in our eyes that enable us to see it?

I believe that God's goodness is the point of His creation. He is "good to all, and His tender mercies are over all his works" (Ps. 145:9). He colored the world for our childlike delight. He's like that, you know. - David Roper

What an awesome God we serve - He gives us color just for our pleasure. Enjoy the beauty of Fall and the creation given to us.

Christmas Cards 2010

I assembled all my Christmas cards. WARNING: if you are getting a card from me this year: DON'T LOOK. :)

I still have my husband's family to do. I have to find the pictures I want to use on the front.

All these cards were inspired by the Nov/Dec PaperCrafts magazine. I didn't bring it with me so I can't acknowledge the original artists.



Can you see the fringe on the Christmas tree? I wanted to get a pair of Martha Stewart fringe scissors (like in the magazine) but couldn't find them at Joanns or Michaels. Could have gotten them online with 50% coupon but still had to pay shipping. I figured I wouldn't use them enough to justify paying $12 for them. I know, I'm cheap.


Love this one - used pictures from my own Christmas past.


Hopefully this will get me back into the crafty mood. Hopefully it'll last until I get home!