"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born." Anais Nin





Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Dogs or Monkeys

Instead of two little dogs, it sometimes appears that we have two little monkeys or at the very least, two very young children.

Cassie the 1 1/2 year old has claimed the old rocker as her look-out post. As you can see, she has her sad face down pat and I think it is because she would really like to have a friend to play with, someone her own size to keep her company. So, I take it upon myself to convince my husband of this and we get a new puppy!

After years of only owning larger dogs, little did we know how these two little monkeys would win us over! They are constantly amusing us with their antics, love to play and be where we are and have completely become our 'kids'.

Mischa, the black and white one, now 5 months old, is affectionately called Squishy face while Cassie is Fuzzy Butts.


Cassie came to us when she was about 6 months old and is a very well-mannered little dog. I wish I could say the same for monkey number 2! Don't get me wrong, she is pretty good, however, sometimes I feel that we go two steps forward and one step back! I'm sure it is just the puppy stage and she will learn from her big sister.

The kids are all gone, but we now have a different basket of toys in the living room. Ones that we are suckered into playing with too :) and most are spread about the house with various socks and slippers--nothing chewed or destroyed, just deposited everywhere. Also, there are twigs, leaves and other interesting tidbits from outside!

Good thing they are so cute and funny!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Thanks for the nice comments :)

Just want to say thanks for the nice comments and the encouragement from you all!

Well, I really didn't get a lot accomplished on this busy weekend! But I'd like to show you three Artist Trading Cards that I made some time ago for a swap. Although it is hard to tell with the photo, the cards are the proper size, 2 1/2 x 3 1/2.

I love the Lady with the Flute because of the Spirella in the corner, very nice technique and I should use it more.

The Blue Dream card, is done on glossy card stock, has a 'scenescape' background technique, then is stamped in Stazon Black ink. With a stylus that has a sponge tip, you swipe ink across the cardstock in one direction using a few colours creating a gorgeous background for any image.

The Mermaids are also on glossy cardstock and use the same techneque. The white waves have a 3d look by going over the foamy part with a gaze pen. I love the saying.



Friday, April 24, 2009

Asian Wedding Card

I'm hoping eventually to have separate pages to show the different craft things that I do, but for now, you'll be seeing a mixture of 'stuff' right here on the main blog.

A dear young man that I had in my daycare many years ago has been living in Japan and found a beautiful young lady to love, honour and cherish. We have been invited to their wedding blessing that is taking place here in BC. So of course, I made my own card for this occasion. I used mostly Stampin Up paper, stamps, and ink. The good luck knot on the front is made from Mizuhiki cord by Yasutomo. I used glaze pens to give the flowers a 3-d look. The front 'Congratulations' tag is raised on pop-dots and so is the inside piece with the verse. The back has a couple of dragonflies and fans stamped with versamark. The card is 6" x 4 1/2" and I don't think it's easy to see, but the white inside piece is attached only on the left and right sides, lifting it from the middle--does that make sense :)





Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Bamboo

Today, I’m concentrating on tomorrow :) Now that doesn’t happen very often! Seriously now, I’m talking about Earth Day, April 22. Are you up to the gills with ‘green’ talk?

I’m only going to touch on one thing today and that is Bamboo. I have just bought myself some bamboo yarn and needles. In fact, I have also, recently purchased some bamboo dishes (not for dishwashers), spoon and fork. A friend just gave me some bamboo clothes pins! So, I am on my way to becoming even more green!

Bamboo can be harvested without killing the plant and is a rapid grower. In fact if you grow it, watch out, the roots grow underground and spread fast. Bamboo stands release close to 35% more oxygen than that of a tree stand the same size. It is said to have antibacterial properties and the fabric/yarn has ultra-violet protective properties.

As well as the items I just bought, bamboo is used in construction, furniture, sports equipment--including fishing rods, clothing, and maybe more that I haven’t discovered.

The yarn, which I’m most interested in right now, has a good luster, is strong, flexible and soft. When made up, it is breathable and cool. I’ve read that it loses strength when wet and swells in water, some brands of yarn split more that others. Bamboo needs to be hand-washed which may be a bother. The needles are really nice to use, but be careful not to poke the yarn and split the fibres, which can happen with all needles. They are very light weight but strong.

Apparently, if you are looking for antibacterial properties in yarn, the 100% is best, or you should choose one that is at least 70% bamboo. One that I just bought is 86% bamboo, 12% acrylic, 2% polyester and the other is 70% bamboo and 30% silk. Most of this information is from AboutMyPlanet.com

Next week, you should see some samples from both of these yarns :) I have a couple of busy days coming up, but I’ll be back by the weekend to show you some paper projects that I’ve been working on! Cards and stuff.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Some Crochet things I have been working on...


My Little Hats all have the same beginning, but I changed the pattern slightly on each one. The one in front with the flower holding the brim up is my own design, as are the flowers. I don't think I make any two flowers the same. The burgundy flower in front is made to tie onto any hat.

The Little Pink Purse is made with Baycrest acrylic, sportweight yarn. The original pattern was by Sarah and if I remember where I saw the site, I'll add it here! Once again, I changed the rows and size, as well as the handle.

Blue variegated cotton by Bernat. I found the basic pattern somewhere on the net, then changed some of the pattern rows and top. The 30" strap is my own pattern. The bag measures approximately 9 1/2" x 7" x 4 1/2" deep.


A Couple of things I have been working on :)



Well, I did it! My very own Blog!

Welcome! Please come in and enjoy the journey through my blogging efforts.

I love to create things from painting on rocks to knitting to paper crafts.

I love gardening, reading, writing.

I love visiting and having coffee and tea.....and more coffee and tea :)