Bits By Nancy

Tissue Roll Mini Book

2012-01-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

The finished book, my first one, made from 5 tissue rolls plus the front and back covers which are from a paper towel roll. I used cardstock and printed paper and a couple of paper embellies from CTMH, odds and ends of lace, ribbon, pearls, SU rub-ons and a couple of metal embellishments from my stash, the front and back have beautiful velvet paper.

The front and back covers are adhered together at the top, but the 5 rolls are open to hold the tags.

A view of a few pages.

I wanted to show this view from the top so you can maybe see how I did the binding. The cardstock from CTMH is not very thick so I doubled it, putting strong adhesive tape in the half inch fold where the rings go, then tucked (and taped) rolls into the wedge created from folding. Hopefully the photo shows it better than I can explain :)

Thanks for coming to look :) this is the first tissue roll book I've made and it was going to have inspirational quotes on the tags, but I changed my mind and thought someone could do what 'they' liked with it.

The Heart Journal is coming along and may even be done on the weekend :)

A Bit of This and That....

2012-01-19T11:12:00.000-08:00

I'm not really stuck in the house, but it sure isn't pleasant going outside (I did brave the weather on Tuesday). There's plenty I should be doing.....but crafting is so much more fun than ironing :)

I thought I'd share some of the things I'm working on. I can't possibly start only one thing either! Hope you have your coffee or tea.....long post :)

This is where I sit to colour in the beautiful light. Don't let the sun shining in deceive you, it's still -34! And where I like to knit....should have had this done ages ago, could be using it now :)

I think I had better quit colouring (with Copics) and get these onto cards :)

I saw a heart journal on Patty's sight, http://bitze.wordpress.com/ and thought I'd do one......or this might end up being a hanger or maybe two cards....depends which way the spirit moves me :)

I've traced this heart shaped box and painted the chipboard with gesso, stamped and embossed with clear ep, coloured with distressed inks and then a layer of clear, matt gel into which I put strips of crinkled, white wrapping tissue---the colour shows through nicely. Then I started adding some do-dads and some Iridescent Bronze acrylic all around the edges plus I painted some on the top and the 'creases'. It's not finished yet....I'll be finished in a few days and show you the results :)

And of course, while paint dries on one project, I always start another (or two). My first tissue roll mini book. I used paper towel roll for the cover pieces, covered them all with printed paper--this is from CTMH. Made tags to go in the five 'pages', the cover pieces I stuck together--not using them with pockets. A couple more days to finish this one off too....

And of course, I have to bake when it's cold outside :)
This is a sweet sticky rice, thai dessert. I did it the easy way, adding coconut milk right to the rice (and next time, I will only add 1/2 to 3/4 of a can) then, when I dished it up (warm), I added some lovely mango.
I am trying to lose a bit of weight, what part of that includes dessert, lol.
If you only have 1/2 cup of this, it's about 125 calories. I would use 1/2 or 3/4 of a can of coconut milk with 3 cups cooked rice---just enough to make it hold it's shape if you were to put it in a roll, then add mango--I used frozen mango this time, it has a wee bit of juice when thawed. This was enough for 7, 1/2 cup servings.

Then I made some good, healthy bread! I tell you, it's delish! I mean, what bread isn't??? This is a recipe I use quite often, but instead of nine grain cereal, I used Red River cereal--it is so nice and full of grains, love it!

Don't know and don't want to know, what the calories are in this :) Just have one slice at a time with a lovely bowl of soup and you'll keep warm :)

If you stayed with me through this long post....Thank you :) and please check back in a few days, I'll have my projects finished!!

New Cupboards

2012-01-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas I had some cupboards moved from above my computer area into my craft room, thinking it would help tidy up stuff.

Who, in there right mind, does that during the month before Christmas :) well, apparently I do! All the decorations, containers, wrapping stuff, went into that room, plus my Grandson was sleeping in there for a few nights.

I've been working on my 'accomplish' word this past week--every day :) This is how it looks now. The cupboards aren't quite full--but close. I put up the punch rack today--a bit droopy, may have to put a bracket in the center. This room used to be a bedroom and this is where the closet was.

Going around the room, the counter has a little space for me to do stuff :)

I can see the table again.....

and to the left of the table, on the wall, are some more of those stick on things, like my tree, from Stampin Up.

So, that's why no crafts this first week of the New Year. The last wall I didn't show you because it is still a disaster :) maybe done in a couple of days.

Thanks for taking the time in your busy day to stop by :)

The New Year has begun....

2012-01-02T20:17:00.000-08:00

....but I'm still relaxing and bringing it in slowly :) Christmas was wonderful and the decorations are still up. The families have all gone home, as of today. So, I'm going to use this week to get back to normal and start wearing off some of the goodies!

I have picked a word for this year. Something that rates right up there with resolutions with me--not something I normally do, although I admire people who do.
A word suits me better maybe. My word is ACCOMPLISH, a very positive word--almost gives one the feeling they've already done something, lol. I'll let you know how it works for me as time passes.

Anyway, this was the beautiful sunrise this morning as it wrapped itself almost all the way around me :)

Kim asked to see my magazine card holder when it had cards, so here it is. I decided to put the cards in it, all facing the same way. It wasn't the easiest thing to keep tidy because people had to take them out to look at them :) but everyone loved it.

I hope Christmas was everything you hoped it would be and you're ready for a wonderful New Year!

Thanks for coming by :)

Merry Christmas Everyone :)

2011-12-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

From My House to Yours

I hope you all have a Wonderful Christmas and a Bright and Beautiful New Year!!

Thanks so much for coming to my blog and leaving such lovely comments. I hope you'll continue to visit in the New Year :)

Coffee Can Make-Over

2011-12-19T21:37:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a make-over for my coffee can. This is a handy dandy little helper to have around! You can dress it up or down. If this was done for kids to use, I would probably stamp images and not add too many 3-d items.

This is a small tin so I had to use the single roll tissue. Remove the cardboard center, place the roll in the coffee tin and start pulling the tissue from the center of the roll. Cut a star or X in the lid and pull the tissue out--I had to play a bit to get the right tension, so the tissue comes out smoothly--not too snug or loose.

I used Bo Bunny paper, Stampin Up cardsock, Fiskars punch, focked rub-ons from Prima, flowers and ribbon.

Thanks for stopping by :)

Tuesday Tea

2011-12-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

It's actually Tuesday Coffee for me this morning :) need that zap to get me going!
I've just finished reading this book written by my friend Susan. It's about a woman who walked from New York to Siberia, travelling through Canada on up to Alaska....all on foot to reach her home. I loved the book and it ended all too soon!

Some of the baking I've done the past few days. Things are all packaged up.....and yes I sampled a couple :) My shortbread, almond florentines and raison ginger cookies.

I'm making another batch of shortbread and that will be enough :)

Thanks for stopping by and please check out Kimmies site at http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/ to see what everyone's up to today :)

Let Your Little Light Shine

2011-12-11T18:54:00.000-08:00

Today, December 11 at 7 pm in all time zones, there are candles being put in windows. I first read about this candlelighting ceremony on Patty's blog, http://bitze.wordpress.com/2011/12/10/worldwide-candlelighting7pm11-december/ and you can find out more at the Compassionate Friends blog here http://www.compassionatefriends.org/home.aspx

If everyone lights their candle at 7 pm tonight, it will create a 24 hour wave of light that circles the world to honour all the children who have died.

Thanks for stopping by.

Just Received My Prize :)

2011-12-10T12:07:00.000-08:00

Well, not too long ago I entered to win a prize on Tanya's blog, Obsessed & Crazy Momma, here: http://obsessed-crazymomma.blogspot.com/

And I WON :) so just thought you might like to see all the awesome goodies! I totally forgot about this prize coming my way so when I saw it in the mailbox, I couldn't wait to get home. Now it's my turn to be thankful Tanya!

You will definitely be seening these goodies on some cards in the near future! Look at the beautiful ribbons and the chipboard! Not to mention a stamp set that is just too cute! And....look at all the images she stamped out for me. And....BUTTONS! I love all these embellishments :)

Thanks again Tanya, nobody can wipe the smile off my face today :)

No-Layer and Single-Layer Cards

2011-12-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Particularly at this time of year when we are mailing lots of cards and especially overseas, it can get pretty expensive because.....we all like to add embellishments and layers to fancy up our creations :)

So when I was asked to make 'flat' cards, I almost started hyperventillating :)
It was a challenge, but I think these will pass as 'flat'!

These five have no layers except for the oval on the red ribbon and the circles on the two, vanilla coloured cards---they're not raised on pop dots.

These five have one layer added, but are still reasonably flat :) What part of 'flat' do I not understand, eh? I used one glossy paper on the Angel card, the white ones are all SU! Whisper White, two SU! Very Vanilla and one in SU! blues (the heaviest one).

There you have it :) thanks for stopping by to have a look. Your comments are always appreciated!

Herringbone Christmas Card

2011-12-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday Everyone :) I'm here with another Christmas card. This is an entry at Creative Accents Challenge Blog for December. I'm having trouble with blogger, so you will have to check out their blog on my side bar---sorry. There are some beautiful samples by the design team and I hope you will give it a try too :)

I've used SU! cardstock, Graphics 45 and Bo Bunny printed paper, a 'few' stickles :) some sparkly gems, seam binding and a tag from Graphics 45.

There is a tutorial for this Herringbone Technique on Splitcoast Stampers.

Thanks for coming by and please come again.

All your lovely comments are much appreciated :)

Fairy Card, Into the Word

2011-12-01T16:34:00.000-08:00

Here is my little fairy card. She is for the 'Pearls and Swirls" challenge over at Crafts and Me.

I am also doing another challenge too, over at Splitcoast Stampers. Today it's 'Ways to Use it' Thursday and we were to ink up a Cuttlebug folder--my first time doing it! I inked up with Distress Ink--Antique Linen. It's quite light and a bit hard to see on the photo, but irl it looks quite elegant :) I also inked up the edges and around the fairy image. The pearls are Prima, lace from my stash, velvet ribbon is Making Memories, not sure about the flowers, the printed paper, under the fairy image, is Websters Pages and all the cardstock is SU! The words, that you can hardly see, say 'All The Things I Love'.
Just about forgot to mention that the image is coloured with Copics and my 'blossom' Spica.

And here's a close up of that pretty little Fairy :) She is sitting reading and is the perfect shape to be used as a bookmark.

Thanks for coming to look :) and be sure to check out Crafts and Me Challenges and Splitcoast Stampers to see all the other enteries.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-11-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

It's a snowy day in the Cariboo :) There's a good inch on my railing.

I'm having Pumpkin Spice this morning. It's not as spicy as I thought it would be, more mellow.

I had to take a picture of all the pretty mugs I bought at the Lions Christmas rummage sale on the weekend. I'm sorry the photos are not to good, I think the battery on my camera needs charging or maybe it's me :)

And I finished another couple of cards. I just need to make two more to send off for Chrismas. This first one has a digital image called the Giving Angel, from Crafts and Me. I've cut the image out and put her on velvety fabric paper, that I've had forever--hoarding!

'Think Snow' is one inch printed pieces put together on cardstock and run through the cuttlebug. A cyber friend from Splitcoast did this, but hers looked more like a quilt--which I was going for :) The card is a tri-fold, almost 6x6.

Now, this beautiful butterfly--the picture does not do it justice--a friend bought an old dress at the reuse center because she knew I would LOVE this little jem. I'm going to put it on a canvas, it's about 5.5 square and is just gorgeous irl :)

Here is my poor Mandevilla, reaching for the light, still blooming. And there is that snow coming down. A good day to drink tea and craft :)

Feel free to join us for tea or whatever, start with the list from Kimmies site http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Everyone is welcome, thanks for dropping by :)

Creative Accents Sketch Challenge Card

2011-11-27T20:45:00.000-08:00

I finally got a card ready for the November challenge at Creative Accents

That means November is almost over--good grief :)

I have used SU! cardstock and printed paper, gold thread, lace and 3 teacup charms from Wallyworld. The digi image and inside sentiment is from Cheri at Graphicat I coloured with Copics :)

The 'dimension' view and inside too :)

Thanks for coming to have a look, I'll have more on Tuesday!

Button Christmas Card...and more

2011-11-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

I've been working on three cards the past couple of days and finally, today, they are done :)

I went onto the Hero Arts blog and found this pretty little card using clear buttons. The only clear buttons that I have are some from my Mom's old button box. You adhere your clear buttons onto some pretty printed paper, allow to dry and cut out. I used SU! Whisper White and Night of Navy cardstock, Creamy Caramel ink (one of my favourites!) and large Christmas background stamp. A few pearls and sparkly gems to fill in between the buttons, a bit of Stickles in between and all around the tree. Cut your own 'snowbanks' and I added Stickles to them too. The Winter Wishes is a SU! rub-on.

The Angel of Winter is a digi image is from Crafts and Me and coloured with Copics. The little tree is a folded half circle. I cut the Angel oval with my CM cutters, the holly is cut from the same paper as the tree, Graphics 45. It's hard to see but I put some clear, Viva crackling paste around the card front and inked over with Distress Ink-Peeled Paint and of course had to add some green Stickles.

The SU! snowflake stamp on this one is Versamarked and embossed with Shimmering Leaves ep, I did a bead of gold Stickles down from the top to the snowflake and adhered a gold thread bow to it. The rub-on is SU!. These last two card fronts have been through the cuttlebug folders. I was originally trying to do 'white' cards, but I really had a hard time sticking to just white---as much as I love it!

Do any of you remember folding magazines like this (or am I showing my age here)? I folded two Oprah magazines to hold my cards--saw or read it somewhere. It's going to be my centerpiece this year and so far, just six cards, but eventually I think it will be full :)

Anyway :) thanks for coming to look!

Tea on Tuesday

2011-11-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

Actually it's coffee this morning and cinnamon buns made yesterday. What a sweet breakfast....I should fairly bounce around the house and get lots done on this morning :)

I've been taking it easy this past week, but will have more projects to share near the end of the week or maybe on the weekend. I think I'm done with the craft fairs now and can get on with Christmas decorations and baking and making/buying :)

Fresh from the oven...yesterday! The little ones are called Monkey bread, I got the recipe off the Epicure site when looking up Poudre Douce. A lovely spice to be used as you would use cinnamon--even though the recipe calls for cinnamon as well. You roll little balls of dough in melted butter and again in Poudre Douce, cinnamon and brown sugar mix, layer in a bundt pan--I did 3 layers. Wished I'd put raisons in them too :)

And....here's the yummy, buttery bun...

...and here's my sweet breakfast.

These little oranges may be cute and sweet, but the dickens to peel. Probably the best-for-me thing in this breakfast :)

Join the group and see what's up in our worlds today, start at Kimmies place for a list of the tea drinkers http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

I've added a couple of new sites to my side bar....challenges, for those who do any :)

Colouring with Copics Again/Still :)

2011-11-14T07:53:00.000-08:00

Here is a card I made and sold at my sale. I love this image from Beccy's Place. I did her coat in red and smaller, a couple of posts back. This card is a big 6x6--I had a few of the big ones at my sale and sold all but 1.

The poem on this one is very touching. A lady came along to my table and said to her little girl, after reading her the words, 'see, that's your Dad up in heaven'. So help me, I thought the little girl and I were both going to start crying! They walked away, but came back and bought the card--I wanted to give it to her :)

I found the verse on the web, but not sure where or who wrote it--it's called an Eskimo Legend.

These next bookmarks were made for the sale too. And of course, this theme is fairly popular :)

The little timer at the top of the eclipse bookmark is coated with SU Crystal Effects.

Thanks for coming to look :)

My Craft Fair Table

2011-11-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

Photos from the craft fair this weekend. There were just as many people go through today as there was yesterday. I'm fairly tuckered out though :)

I think I rearranged things a couple of times! I went with two boxes and came home with one, so I'm pretty happy. Only thing is, I have to get busy and make more for this coming weekend--Sunday is another fair!

Thanks for coming to look :)

Card for November Sketch Challenge at Graphicat

2011-11-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

The monthly challenge is up on Graphicats blog :) please check my sidebar for the Challenge site. Here's the card I made for it.

It is actually done with the oval nesties but it sure looks round :) the verse inside is on the same two ovals and it says 'a friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart'. Cardstock is SU, I think the bling is Prima, she has her own wings but I gave her the wings I made :) She is sitting on a swing of flower (Once Upon a Springtime flowers) vines and I used the cloud template from SU for the background. This beautiful little Angel image is from Crafts and Me.

Thanks for coming to look and please join in at Graphicat Challenges :)

A Card With Chocolates?

2011-11-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's what it is :) I made this little card and box from the tutorial found on the Stamps and Me Blog.

This little gifty is for the Door Prize at the Craft Fair tomorrow. Yikes :) already!

I almost put tealights in it, but changed my mind :) however, with candy, it should have clear plastic over the opening to keep them tucked inside. Well, let me tell you something....do this before you build the box---not fun after it's on the card, lol.

The card size is 4" x 4" x 1" when closed.

Thanks for coming to look :)

Post it Note Easel Cards with wings and things

2011-11-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

I am still in love with Once Upon A Springtime papers! That one paper pad is never ending :)

All the cardstock on these cards is Stampin Up--I like the sturdiness of it.

The mushrooms, butterflies and dragonfly on the fairy cards are made by me, using wire, paper and crystal effects by SU. Fiddly little things, but I love them.

This is all you need to make them, plus a little patience :)

I've coloured the pearls and this beautiful horse image with copics--thanks to Janet for letting me use her stamp :)

Thanks for coming by and leaving such nice comments---I apparently thrive on them, lol.

Triple Easel Card

2011-11-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone :) here is a really nice idea from Crafts and Me. There is a tutorial on their site for this Triple Easel card. ** Here is where to go for this tutorial http://www.craftsandme.co.uk/index.php check the right hand side for 'online classes'.

I'm going to use this as a side table Christmas decoration :) Very quick and easy to make. A 12x12 piece of cardstock-CM Night of Navy, score and fold in half. Mark and cut one side into three equal sections, score and fold to stand up---see photo or even better, go the Crafts and Me site (check my side bar) for the instructions.

Decorate for whatever theme you like :) I've gone the easy route and used stickers (CM I think), dp-CM too, I think, a bit of lace and ribbon, some flowers-I added a pearl in center, coloured them blue with copics, used a fiskar border punch and a Nestie.

Thanks for coming to have a look, have a great day :)

I have some more post it note holders ready, will add those later today/this evening :)

When You Wish Upon A Star

2011-11-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

Still working on Christmas cards :) This one is for the 'let the music move you' challenge over at Crafts and Me Challenges. Be sure to check out there store and blog, lovely images, tutorials, gallery, and they are wonderful to do business with.

This particular image is from Beckys Place, she offers many beautiful, free digis and some nice tutorials.

The recipe: cardstock and ink is SU, not sure where I got the little diamond stars-but I really like them, the flowers and ribbon from my stash, stickles, Cuttlebug music folder, Nestibilities and copics--5 shades.

Verse inside the card.

Thanks for looking :)

Fimo Tiles and Mini Pocket Books

2011-11-03T13:31:00.000-07:00

I finished making some of the little tiles from fimo clay. Thought I'd do about two dozen, but as it turns out, 6 got finished :) I think I'll do another half dozen in a Christmas/Winter theme.

These ones, as you can see did not come out the same exact size, but it doesn't really matter. I filed around the edges, painted them with a dauber in Snow Cap, cut paper for some, used a sticker for a couple and put crystal effects (SU) on two of them, then rubbed some distress paint around the edges. As you can see, I put one in my little book.

Two more little pocket books. If you look on the Zutter site, they give a tutorial for these--they are called Tea Books, you can fit a tea bag into the pocket.

However, these are so easy to make, you just choose a size for your pages, fold the paper up, make tags to fit, make covers and bind--with anything, really.

Here's a glimse of the inside pages. The tags are cut from matching paper and have beige lined cardstock (from CM), for journeling. I've pretty much inked up all the edges of everything and added coordinating ribbons and lace :)

There you have it, for this lovely sunny Thursday!

Please leave a comment so I can come visit your blog :)

Tea on Tuesday

2011-11-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well, this lovely frosty morning it is coffee--Timothys Breakfast Blend from the Keurig one cupper. I'm going to my weigh-in this morning and I'm taking Cinnamon Spice with Orange Blossom tea with me. When home for the morning, I usually make a 'pot', with half-caff.

I really like to work on a few things at once and with the craft sales coming up, I'm going crazy :) in a good way. So, here is what I'm going to work on when I come home.

Little clay squares that I baked and now will paint and stamp or put stickers on. Then I'll file around the edges to round them off and blend. I'm making another 'tea book' and want to do it with Prima Marketing paper-Flights of Fancy. The piece you see in the photo is to cut and put little pieces on some the tiles :)

Enjoy your day wherever you are and what ever you are drinking this day :)

Join others and see what they are up to by going to Kims site at http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Runes and Flowers

2011-10-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

I love to collect stones and even more, love to paint on them. These were picked up along the sides of the Quesnel river around Cottonwood house.

This particular group have Runes painted on them with their coordinating flowers. These are the 8 runes of Frey's Aett, named after a Norse God. They can be used for divination, look lovely made into jewelry or if you choose.....you may cast a spell :)

Lilly of the Valley is Feoh, Nasturtium is Ur, Honesty is Thorn, Morning Glory is Ansur, Snapdragon is Rad, Gorse Flower is Ken, Wormwood is Gyfu, Larkspur is Wyn. The Runes have corresponding stones and trees, but I decided on flowers for these ones.

I find that collecting stones and painting are very relaxing.

Please leave a comment so I can come visit your blog.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-10-25T08:48:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone :)
What I've been working on: more cards and projects for the craft sales coming up next month! Coming up way too fast too, I might add :)

So I thought I'd share two of my efforts. The first one is a 'ruffled' card, that I found on a lovely blog called Forgotten Scraps. There is a tutorial for the card on the Whiff of Joy blog.

For the embellishment, I used shrinky plastic and stamped them--love this die set!

This second card is an easel card with a post-it note pad. This, I saw somewhere in blogland too. I really like the idea and might make another with a little calendar---not sure if the card would hold up for a whole year :)

I hope you will head on over to Kim's blog to see what everyone is up to this lovely Tuesday :)

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving comments, I appreciate them all so much :)
Please drop in anytime.

A Few More Cards

2011-10-05T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here are a few cards I made the past couple of days. Not sure what happened to making Christmas cards!

This first Halloween card is for the Sketch Challenge over at Graphicat. Be sure to hop over and check out Cheri's blog, she has digi images, her very own stamps, plus other goodies and fun challenges!

Now, it looks like my card front is on the base crooked, but irl, it isn't. I used a fiskars border punch, printed paper from my stash--including the pumpkin faces--I put them under clear bits from SU, the crackled image and sentiment is cut from Crafty Secrets paper, ribbon-not sure, embroidery floss for the Spirella corner. The border punched cardstock has been sprayed with Glimmer Mists. Talk about layers--starting with the black card base, then green SU cs, sprayed cs, black cs, orange print is only a frame, black cs, orange cs, black cs, and image on white! So, if you count the card base, that's.......9 in case you're wondering, lol, and that's not including the 3 under the sentiment! Surprisingly, the 6 x 6 card isn't that heavy :)

Side view of the layers popped up.

A card for the kids, I had sparkles, glue, paint and gosh knows what, stuck to my fingers making this card! I was all thumbs....it almost went into the garbage a few times :) but then, I just knew the kids would like it no matter what!

This little easel card just kind of happened, it barely stands because I made the bottom a bit big.

An envelope style card, thanks to some friends for showing me this style quite some time ago. I love making these, but they don't stand on their own.

Thanks for stopping by, please come again :)

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

2011-09-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Love this little saying, it's a stamp from Close To My Heart. Used my new Copics to colour this little girl. Thanks Janet, for the image, she is so cute.

Not only cards getting made around here. I've been craving sourdough bread.

So easy to make: cook 2 potatoes, use water from cooking and add more water to make 2 cups, while still warm, add 1 pkg. yeast, 1 tbsp. sugar and stir. Mash the potatoes until smooth and add to yeast mix. Stand in a warm place (I left mine on the counter) for 2-3 days, stir occasionally, cover loosely with plastic wrap. After 2 days (couldn't wait 3) I mixed in 2 cups flour and let stand over night.

Then you take 2 cups of starter, add 1 tbsp. sugar, 1 tsp. salt, 3 tbsp. melted marg, 2-3 cups of flour and knead 10 minutes. Place in bowl to rise, punch down twice. Bake at 400 for 15 min. and then at 375 for 25 minutes until golden brown. It's done when you knock on it and it sounds hollow.

To replenish starter: for each cup of starter used, add: 1 cup of warm water, 1 cup of flour, 1 tbsp. sugar. Leave at room temp. a few hours, then refrigerate.

This recipe made two round loaves and is so yummy!

Thanks for looking :)

Last of the Photos from Scotland

2011-09-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

This is it, the last of them :) I have so many! I'm hoping to scrapbook most of them--good project for the winter.

The home of Robert Burns.

Visiting Culzean Castle and grounds, this was absolutely gorgeous.

On the bus again :)

The tour ended in Glasgow, but we went on to spend a few days in Dundee.

Over to Tayport to the very Old Kirk to take pictures of a few of the gravestones.

Our B & B, wonderful people, lovely room and great breakfasts.

That's it for this trip.

Thanks for joining me on the tour :) hope you enjoyed the photos.

Fourth Batch of Photos from Scotland

2011-09-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hope you're enjoying my photos. Most of them were 'point and shoot' from the bus window. I think my favourites are of the country side, I never got tired of seeing the beautiful rolling hills of heather, the moors and mountains. If you like hiking, Scotland is the place to go :)

The Isle of Skye was lovely, we had a special guide, in a kilt, full of fun. Then on to Mull and Iona.

Kilt Rock, I could barely stand here to take these next two pics!

Had to hit this place up, but only once :)

Tea and scone break--one of many :)

I'm not sure how we got over this bridge--the driver wiggled the bus a few times to get a straight-on approach.

Our trip over to Iona.

The ferry coming back to get us.

Leaving Mull, we had to take another wee ferry and again the bus had to be wiggled and lifted and the ferry attendant had to get a thick board to put under the front wheel to accomodate the turn. As you can see, it was a sideways approach to get on the little thing!

Throuch the country side--again, you can see we had gorgeous weather!

Loch Lomond ferry

We took a tour and the Loch was like glass :)

Back on the bus.

Third Post with Photos from Scotland

2011-09-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

John O' Groats, claim to the furthest northern tip of Scotland.

The Standing Stones of Brodgar, the whole circle.

Part of the Circle, very impressive when you are actually standing there.

Skara Brae, the neolithic village. I found this so interesting!

On the road again.......

This was a beautiful spot to stop and it is also where I actually dug up a rock to bring home :) it started out a small rock on the side amongst the heather, but ended up to be about three inches long---I had muddy hands by the time I dug it out---but I have it!

The next day wasn't quite as lovely, and THE bridge didn't look inviting :)

Bridge to Skye

This is an original crofters house and again, I've forgotten the date.

There was space for the animals at one end, for when the weather got nasty.

We weren't allowed to take photos of the inside.

Can you image living in these buildings!

This is a place on the road that looks like it is down-hill, but actually is up-hill. The driver stopped the bus and let it roll backwards to prove it :)

Thanks for looking, more tomorrow...

More Photos of Scotland

2011-09-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

Here's the second bunch of pictures :) Our tour with Trafalgar was called Highlands, Islands and Cities. We were really lucky with the weather, but the day we got to sit at the front of the bus---the place you think would be great for seeing everything---it poured rain!

What would Scotland be without the Thistle :)

Our tour bus was Huge. We travelled on some pretty narrow, twisty, roads, a couple of narrow little bridges and even a very narrow hair-pin corner, but our amazing driver got us through!

This and the next two photos go together :)

I held the camera up to the hole in this standing stone.

For our special dinner one night, we were 'piped in'.

The story of the Haggis--very entertaining :)

Haggis and very good it was :) I actually had it four times, but this one was the best.

This is the wall beside the entry to Culloden. See how the stones are protruding? The first ones show the number of British soldiers who died there, then there is a space and the rest of the wall shows the number of Scottish soldiers that died on the field. Very sad indeed. Very moving place to be.

Monument on Culloden Battlefield.

The Battlefield

Moving on to the distillery, a tour and a lovely sample to drink :) I must say it was a smooth, warming and welcoming drink on this damp day! And yes, I did buy some :)

The famous Highland Cows, these ones lived by the distillery---I should think they would all be very happy by the fumes surrounding the place, but this fellow showed a bit of aggresion, so we didn't push the photo thing too far!

Loch Ness, still a little rainy and chilly so I did not go dip my toes :)

Are you tired of seeing Castles yet :)

I'll post some more tomorrow---John O' Groats, Neolithic village, and Standing Stones of Brodgar.

Pictures of Scotland

2011-09-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well, a few anyway :) I think I took a kazillion photos! The first two weeks of the trip was a bus tour so you may see a few reflections because we were zooming along on the bus!

Scotland was wonderful! There are old (the whole place is old) stone buildings and fences everywhere. A lot in ruins, a lot of repair going on--very nice to see they are doing their best to keep these old, old places up the best they can.

It's a toss up whether there are more sheep than churches in Scotland. I can only imagine the work that went into gathering stones to build all the millions of feet of 'fencing' and the buildings!

I loved the highlands, but the west coast was my favourite I think. I'm going to post a few photos here of the beginning of the trip. I will be sorting through the lot and be posting more.

We started in Edinburgh.

Arriving in Edinburgh, awesome, but long flight!

Walking around before the tour started.

We could see Edinburgh Castle from our hotel window :)

The Rosslyn Chapel

Toured Glamis Castle and sat outside for lunch.

I will be back to post some more pics later today.

Hello from Scotland

2011-09-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone :) just a quick stop in to let you know that I'm having a great time in Scotland :) Still in Edinburgh, have had pretty good weather so far, however it is a wee bit windy today, little cloud and some sun!

On the way to another tour destination.

Happy Birthday Janet :)

2011-08-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

A HUGE Birthday wish for Janet. I hope you have a wonderful day and the year ahead is filled with happiness :)

You can hop over to Creative Accents blog to follow the blog hop for Janet.

As always, thanks for stopping by :) be sure to leave a comment so I can come and visit you too.

Copic Cards

2011-08-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

Ok :) here are two of the cards I coloured with my new Copics. Love those pens! I'm still a little heavy handed I think, but learning as I go :)

Thanks for the awesome image Janet, I don't know where it's from, although you probably told me :)

This image is a digi image from Crafts and Me, a UK company.

http://www.craftsandme.co.uk/index.php Be sure to check them out :)

Thanks for looking :)

More Cards

2011-08-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I did some more cards, so thought I'd share threee of them with you. Apparently I can't take a staight photo today, sorry.

I haven't put any saying in this 'Mother' card because I thought it could be for Mother's Day or a birthday.

These are the two non-traditional Christmas cards I made while in Williams Lake :)

And, the insides of these two, again, I appologize for the crooked photo.

Thanks for coming to look :)

A Wedding Card

2011-08-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

This is my card for the challenge over on Graphicat's Sketch Challenge Blog

On this wedding card, you can cut a 2" photo of the bride and groom and slide it in where the heart is.

There is still time to get in on this Sketch Challenge, so hop on over to Graphicat's blog and add your name---check around at her Digital Images while you're there :)

Thanks for stopping by, leave a comment and I'll check out your blog :)

Yet Another Birthday Card

2011-07-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what happened to making Christmas cards, but hey, at least I'm having fun :)

I've been known to say 'whatever' in the past, but not for a long time, unless to myself! Anyway, I saw a clock the other day with that word and just had to do it:

I used the sketch from Graphicat challenge blog, http://graphicatsketchs.blogspot.com/
My clock was a bit big, so I had to move the middle piece over a bit to see it :)

I found some fabric--a bit bright--so turned it over, then decided to cut out some flowers for the inside using Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die and Tim Holtz goodies for the 'hands' and film strip.

Thanks for looking, it was fun to make except for that film 'flower'. That took a bit of thought, cut the strip in half and ended up sewing it on the bottom---it just kept bouncing everywhere :)

A Birthday Card

2011-07-25T21:08:00.000-07:00

Almost forgot someone's birthday---and that would never do :)

I used paper from Close To My Heart, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Stickles, some lace and the flowers. My fiskars punch was still out from the last card, so I had to use it again :)

On the inside, I used the SU! Top Note Die and edged with SU! ink. The butterfly and flowers are from Close To My Heart.

Thanks for stopping by :)

Christmas Cards?

2011-07-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well I had, last week, cut out 27 bases and some other bits of cardstock with the hopes of getting a head start on some Christmas cards :)

So today, I started 1--yes, one! and I finished it! But it somehow evolved into a 'friend' card, 6" tall x 5 1/2" wide.

Simply because all my stuff is sitting there and I happened to look beyond the Christmas pile of paper stacked on either side of me.

I just love my new fiskars punch! Look close and see that luscious tube of Iridescent Bronze acrylic paint--love that stuff! The paper is from Websters Pages, the stamp is Inkadinkado, SU! pearls and cs, butterflies from Bo Bunny-Gabrielle collection.

Inside verse is SU!, oval is Spellbinders. Both the outside green cs and inside cream cs have been stamped with versamark using the same Inkadinkado background stamp used on the front oval--ink for that was distress walnut stain.

Close-up of that luscious bronze acrylic paint! So smoothe to use and adds a nice dimension.

Thanks so much for coming to look :) Come back again, I hope to get working on those Christmas cards soon!

Tea on Tuesday

2011-07-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's good old Earl Grey along with some fried bread. I was making some Parkerhouse rolls and just had to do it! I love it fried, add butter and jam, yum!

The pot on the stove contains some beef barley soup and you just have to have buns to go with soup :)

I'm keeping with the Smash book, hope no one minds that I took the words from EK, they are so perfect and afterall, it's just for me. This book is for my everyday journal type thing.

The little watering-can-turned-teapot (I just trimmed it up) is for todays entry :)

Inside back cover started. I am glueing two pages together, throughout, just to tuck away little lists or private thoughts. On the blog at EK, one person had made a list of things to help with journaling, you can find the EK address in my previous post.

I finished a canvas tag yesterday. The colour is washed out in the photo, but really it's quite pretty :) I saw the canvas tag book and thought, I can make those. So I went and bought a metre of canvas--next time I'll just go get the tag book, lol. I put a piece of cardstock in between the layers just to give it some stability. The tag is spritzed with Glimmer Mist and I added some do-dads, fibre, a piece of mica, a clip, etc. The leaf thing is off an old purse, it's pinned on with a TH clasp. The pictures are from a box that my coasters came in and the word Journey is a CM sticker.

**just a note to let you know (if you look close),

that I turned the one little pic the right way up :) the one by the clip

Thank you for coming, I hope you enjoyed your tea time here :)

If you are new, grab another cup and join the rest of the group at Kimmies http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Smash Book

2011-07-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the Smash Books? They are basically a day-to-day journal of sorts, only a lot more fun than just writing.

This is my attempt, just a beginning really :) I've already added a couple of things to the front and back cover you see here.

I just happened to have a couple of little notebooks sitting around, so I thought I'd give it a try. If I really love it, I'll make my own book.

I gathered a few odds and sods, glue pen, tape, modge podge, put it in the small basket you see. As I doodle/write/glue things in this book, I'll just add whatever seems fun!

The front cover has a piece of fabric taped on, then the horses head from a napkin was podged onto the fabric. On the back I podged some pieces of a thesaurus--words for: good, daily, life and stuff.

If you want to know more about Smash Books, check out this link http://www.eksuccessbrands.com/kandcompany/smash/

Thanks for coming to look :) hope you give the Smash Book a try. I'd love to see some more ideas so leave a comment and I'll hop over to your blog for a look see :)

Tea on Monday

2011-07-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

Posting my tea-time on Monday because I'm out most of the day tomorrow :)

I finally got back home from my trip up north! It started out a lovely drive to be at my Grandson's 7th birthday. However, after arriving, down came the rain---for three solid days and quite heavy! There was some flooding in the small town of Chetwynd and the highway south of it in quite a few places. Train tracks were destroyed as well.

Now, I know, this really doesn't compare to what some other places on the map are putting up with, and I'm very grateful I wasn't travelling that day!

Anyway, instead of a 5 hour trip, it became a 13 1/2 hour trip to go the long way around and I waited a few extra days so that I had company to travel with. The drive through Jasper is always beautiful and we saw lots of wildlife.

In the end, I had a great stay with my kids and grandkids :) but, it's always good to be home.

Tea drinker or not, be sure to check out what everyone is up to at http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Tea on Tuesday, Happy Summer Everyone!

2011-06-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

What am I working on, asks Kim :)

My craft room is what I've been doing this past couple of days, even put up new blinds although it is so bright you can't see them. I can't seem to make up my mind how I want to put things. You have to work in it to find out if it works for you. And, being so nice out, I'm not in the mood for crafting much. Maybe when it rains :)

A new tea I bought yesterday. I kind of like it :)

Such a mess!

I want it too look nice when I come in the door! And this isn't working :)

Until then, I will sit and drink tea and eat my bagel--that is spread with lots of laughing cow cheese--and think about it!

It's so good to be back blogging!!

Want to see what others are up to today? Check out Kimmies sight for the list http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Feel free to join us :)

Garage Sale Items :)

2011-06-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Well, things are fixed and I can now post to my blog again :)

Thanks so much to my blogging friends especially to Kimmie for pointing me in the right direction to find the information at this site:

http://blogging.nitecruzr.net/2011/03/stats-and-internet-explorer-v9.html

and the help forum--Kimmie sent out an SOS for me!

The guys at blogger put it out there, I wasn't seeing it--how does that happen :)

Anyway, my garage sale goodies!

See all this lace? Especially the stuff on the roll--I don't know how many yards are on there, fifty cents!

The lace making kit, don't know what I'm going to do with it, but $2.00 seemed not too bad for a bunch of lacey stuff :) The crepe paper roll and one of the lace appliques was the exact colour of my Bo Bunny Gabrielle stash!

This drawer is what caught my eye and full of all this seam binding, etc! $1, I was fairly dancing :)

The two pins were ten cents each and she just gave me the spoon :)

Not being on here for awhile I could get to fairly babbling :)

So I'll go and see you all on Tuesday for tea :)

Mandevilla

2011-05-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

I won't be around this coming Tuesday for tea, so I thought I'd leave a photo, just in case anyone drops by. And right now, as I post this, I'm enjoying a cup of double bergamont, earl grey, black tea :)

Mandevilla.

It took a rest over winter and now is covered in flowers and buds.

Drop by Kimmies at http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/ and check out the list of others. Join us by simply making a comment at Kims, everyone is welcome---we all have a cup of something while visiting :)

Family Album

2011-05-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

This is a Close To My Heart, 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" album. I used CTMH paper on the covers and pages, plus I added a folded page. The pages are all sponged and I've added cardstock pieces to make pockets and tags to put in them.

There's a chipboard flower and frame for a photo, a piece of grunge paper that I inked black for the spine and held that down with a scalloped piece of chipboard. The beads along the bottom are attached to the back cover so they are out of the way when turning pages.

The back cover has a raised frame around the saying. There is actually a little diamond in the center of the flower also--but it's lost in the folds.

A closer look of the raised frame.

Inside front cover and first page. Pocket, tags and chipboard flowers

The little vine is a flocked sticky strip.

More chipboard pieces and frame for photo.

I love this pocket with the lace.

Another big pocket and Tim Holtz film strip--I'm so stingy with that stuff :)

Rain dots on the sticky tape, pocket and tag.

Folded page I added--closed...

...and open, another pocket.

Lots of room for photos

Chipboard, covered piece on left page.

A pocket on the inside back cover.

This album will hold a lot of photos and journaling!

Good Things in Small Packages

2011-05-08T22:25:00.000-07:00

It's nice to know that we are all keeping the postal services in all the countries working :) Even though the internet took away a lot of the 'old' ways of communicating--letters and such. I think scrappers and card makers have helped to bring it all back :)

Anyway, I was a lucky winner over on Kimmies blog, http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/ and here is the gift I recieved last Friday! And she's right, good things DO come in small packages :) Aren't these handmade things beautiful and even more special is that Kim made the stamp too! Thanks again Kim, I love them!

What I've been working on periodically over the past 3 weeks. No it hasn't been here on the kitchen counter that long :) I had to pack it away and bring it out a few times.

And I never work on one thing at a time :)

Anyway, it's coming along! It will be finished soon and I will post more pics.

Thanks for stopping by, be sure to come again :)

Holiday Tea on Tuesday

2011-05-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what moves a person towards any particular tea. My choice today is a packet I found in the tea cupboard--two left from last Christmas :)

So I had to use one of my favourite bowls for my fruit and cereal too! I chose not to put them away after the holidays and every once in a while pull one out to use, just for fun.

It rained again overnight, everything is looking very green and the buds are really coming out on the trees and shrubs. Little shoots are popping up in the flower bed--nice to see :)

My humble tea cupboard :)

Thanks for stopping by, be sure to look around and have a wonderful day :)

Come and join others out on Tuesday at Kimmies, check my side bar for Art In Red Wagons.

My Page for Let's Get Shabby Challenge #23

2011-04-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

This is the beautiful photo for the challenge over at Let's Get Shabby.

http://letsgetshabby.blogspot.com/2011/04/challenge-23.html

Use these colours and some spots.

This is my 12 x 12 scrap page for the challenge. I clear embossed with a doily stamp, diamond and cheesecloth stamp, then inked over the page with cranberry crisp and cool caribbean from Stampin Up! I also used distress embossing powder--broken china, but most of it is covered with the photo, you can see it just beside the word 'today'. The large butterfly is one that I crochet.

Be sure to check out all the beautiful entries at Let's Get Shabby!

Thanks for stopping by and come again :)

Reflecting with my Tea on Tuesday

2011-04-26T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is the reflection I see as I walk into my bedroom, makes me feel as though I'm entering from a beautiful garden---maybe in a faraway country or time---I love it, I'm such a dreamer :)

I'm still enjoying my morning coffee, reflecting on a wonderful Easter weekend spent with my kids :)

Come and join the group at Kimmies http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Paper Bag Card and Other Stuff :)

2011-04-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

I went to a cardmaking evening with Friends and we all made a paper bag card.

I'm quite pleased at how it turned out. There's a tag to pull out and room in the back to add a little goodie :) Very easy to make, just fold the bag in half, creating the front 'pocket' for the tag.

On to new things, here is a Word book I started last Fall. And a new book from Close To My Heart--as is the lovely paper.

Just had to show you my Mandevilla in bloom, there are a bunch of new buds coming :) It just kind of 'hung out' in the living room all winter and is now coming to life.

Another metal flower, love this one too. Put the largest petal through the cuttlebug.

And last but not least, three of the pets (one cat still sleeping) sharing a sunny spot this morning :)

Thanks for stopping by for a visit :)

Canvas Frame and Springtime Card

2011-04-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

A canvas....to show my flowers. I pulled ink pads over, added sparkly modge podge, lace, my own flowers and leaves, small swirls of grunge paper, butterflies (from a lovely friend), pearls, lace and sheer ribbon. The crown (walmart) which I added crystals and pearls, is glued on with crystal effects--hope it stays put :) **Forgot to add that I used rub-ons for the words.

Now, I played with the colour on this so it is a wee bit dark, but after doing it, your eyes go a little wonky :) so I left it alone.

Still playing with the Once Upon A Springtime paper pack---a lot of mileage out of a 9" x 9" pad. Everyone seems to be cutting the flowers and fairies out, so I gave it a try too :) fiddley, but I sure like the results. I added an acrylic window.

Thanks for coming by to look :)

Metal Flowers and Fabric Flowers

2011-04-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

The fabric flowers are the ones I made last Tuesday. I love making these things :)

Then, here are some that I started about a year ago. I put pins on the back so they could be worn.

Then....I tried making metal ones :) Looooove these! I found a tutorial an Artfully Yours (lovely blog), here http://yoursartfully.blogspot.com/2010/11/flower-powerday-1tattered-florals.html

Very easy to make. The metal that I used is from Stampin Up! It has a sticky back and next time I do them, I think I'll take off the paper backing and stick them to cardstock or printed paper (thinner) because as you work with them, the backing paper comes off.

I used the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die, then painted with black acrylic paint, swiped it off right away leaving an antique look and when dry, added alcohol inks---check out the site above for easy peasy directions and more flowers, or come back here in a few days, I'll probably have more made--addictive, lol.

This is what it looks like after cutting out. I used only my stylus, a pen top to make the centers and my little tool from Stampin Up! to score the large flower--being careful not to go through the metal!

You can see the 'half' daisy that I practiced on :)

I'd like to add that these are fairly soft so I wouldn't use them on a card or album, but they would be awesome on a canvas! And having said that, I'm just thinking that if I back them with other paper, they may be strong enough for a card, hmmmm....

Thanks for stopping by, come again :)

Tea on Tuesday and Making Flowers

2011-04-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

I'm up early and getting right to it today. The sun is shining, it's going to be a lovely day!

My tea is acai berry, I love the colour and aroma! Goes perfectly with making flowers.

I'll have to finish my buttered-up raison cinnamon bagel first :)

I spent a wee bit of time yesterday, cuting these out, but it took almost an hour to curl the edges over the candle--but I was talking on the phone, love multi-tasking :)
I think I'll use pearls on most of them but I got out a bunch of brads, my bead container, Mom's old button box and needle and thread. I'll post the results when finished.

There are many sites and you-tube videos on making flowers. But I saw them on Gabrielle's blog http://gabriellepollacco.blogspot.com/ She does a tutorial for them and does a beautiful job of using them on her scrap pages!

Join us for Tea on Tuesday over at Kimmies blog http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Arch Book, My Dad's Side

2011-04-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

This is the 'other' side of the Arch book, showing four more techniques. I followed along with Roni over at Ink Stains blog--check my sidebar for the link.

I have already changed a couple of things on my Mom's side of the book--nothing major. Sometimes when you look at something for a bit, you realize this or that could be added or fixed up :)

On the page that says 'good times' I missed a step in the technique. I realized, too late, that I had not used the waxed paper! Oh well, I like the way it looks :) There is a little pull-out picture tucked in behind the other pictures.

On the rounded arch, we were to use a page of definitions, but not having that, I wrote some words. I didn't add much more than the photos so as not to cover my words describing my Dad :)

If I were to do this page again (which I'm not), I would put a sunburst window at the top and put words in the angles.

If you would like to see my Mom's side of this book, check this post:

http://bitsbynancy.blogspot.com/2011/03/last-page-of-arch-book-for-this-side.html

Thanks for looking :)

Tea on Tuesday

2011-04-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy weekend with my Son and Grandson here for a few days. I love it when the kids come to visit--never long enough :)

But I did get some paper time.

The state of my table never changes, just the projects on it. Do you see my cup in the corner---coffee this morning :)
I'm working on the 'other' side of my house book and the other tea book. I love it when you can work on a few projects at a time--glue dries....

And this morning, a wee bit of snow! I was actually planning on raking the grass because the snow was gone! Now it will have to dry up a bit :)

This is one tea book done and sent to a dear friend for her birthday.

On the inside back cover is a picture I took from a site offering free pics and I will add that site when I remember which one! I changed the colour to add a bit of pink.

***note :) this image came from Graphics Fairy, here: http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/2011/03/old-photo-postcard-5-beauties-profiles.html

Thanks for coming by and especially to all of you who leave lovely comments--Thank You :)
Enjoy your day and if you would like to join others for Tuesday Tea or whatever your special drink is, hop over to Kimmies for the list http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Morning Glory Muffins

2011-03-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

These have to be the yummiest muffins ever :)

I halved the recipe and got exactly 12. I used muffin cups and I used apples from the freezer and chopped almonds (out of walnuts). These are very moist and freeze well. Enjoy :)

Morning Glory Muffins

3 1/4 cups flour

2 1/2 cups sugar

4 tsp. baking soda

4 tsp cinnamon

1 1/3 cups raisons

1 cup chopped walnuts

1 1/4 cup coconut

1large or 2 small apples

4 large carrots

6 eggs

12 oz. canola oil

4 tsp vanilla

I mix eggs, oil and vanilla then add the second group (raisons etc.) and lastly the dry ingred. I don't get fancy and use a bunch of bowls :)

Preheat oven to 350F

Bake in 24, well greased muffin tins for approximately 25 minutes.

Coffee on Tea Tuesday

2011-03-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

It's coffee this morning :) gathering energy to get myself going and out of the house for half the day!

My treat is called Morning Glory Muffin. They are so delicious! Carrots, raisons, almonds, coconut! I will put the recipe up if anyone wants it. Just don't have time this morning.

I'm working this week on a couple of these little tea books. I found the directions on the Zutter blog. They are so quick, easy and sweet for a little gifty :)

Well, yesterday I tried these organza/tafeta flowers that everyone is making--you know, the ones you hold close to/over a candle. I have to say I charred the edges of a couple and had to trim, but all-in-all, I think they turned out very pretty and I may make more!

Have a great day and if you'd like to see what happening :) check Kims blog http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Once Upon A Springtime Book

2011-03-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

I believe this book is finished :)

I love this paper, but that's no surprise because I love paper, period!

If it's got fairies or flowers on it, that's a good thing :)

I'm entering the book in the Lets Get Shabby Challenge here: http://letsgetshabby.blogspot.com/2011/03/challenge-22.html

All the pages are chipboard covered with Once Upon A Spingtime paper by Graphics 45. I used the Bind-It-All to bind it and added a bunch of ribbons, which I heated with the heat gun.

The front and back covers use the front and back covers (over chipboard) of the small paper pad, thereby making good solid covers. I made the dragonfly and the butterfly and added just a few stickles to the flowers, fairies and leaves.

The flowers I made using various dies and punches, they all have stickles around the edges.

On the lower left there is a tiny round mirror. You'll see another round and heart shaped mirror on a couple of other pages. I used tape to put the ruffled ribbons on the pages.

All the paper is from the set plus I used a bit of SU cardstock for the mats and CM lined paper for journaling. There's a couple of buttons on this page.

The mushrooms are a couple that I made using the same technique as the dragonfly--as seen on earlier posts with the wings. I did a wee bit of sewing on the journal card.

There are a few pearls on this big flower and pearls on the tag.

I love the sticky tape from Tim Holtz! And there's the shamrock I made with the wire and crystal effects.

I wrapped up some ribbon and stuck three little button brads to hold it together. The butterfly here is one that I cut out and put crackle paint on.

The little dots with the words are from the front cover of the paper pad. I punched them out, stuck them on and put crystal effects on them.

Thanks for looking, I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did making it :)

Earth Hour 2011

2011-03-26T22:04:00.000-07:00

I have to say that I'm very appreciative of having power! I turned the lights off, TV off, and the computer off. And lit three candles

Before 8:30, I got everything ready, even a cup of tea. Then I sat and wrote in my journal and crocheted for the hour, which went by quite quickly. I'm not partial to the smell of candles, so I opened the kitchen window to let some nice fresh air in.

I'm thinking I should do this more often, it reminds me how fortunate I am.

What did you do for Earth Hour?

Last page of Arch Book for This Side

2011-03-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, here is the last page I'm doing on my 'Mom's side' of this book. The other side will be dedicated to my Dad. On the first page of each side, I'm including a photo of my Grandparents. I'm looking for smaller, bronze coloured rings as well--don't care for the silver colour on this.

This one uses the packing tape 'technique'. As I've said before, you can catch all the info on doing these pages over at Ink Stains blog--check my sidebar.

On this page, I've used a small paper doilie, rub-on, acrylic word piece, one of my flowers, pearls, and once again, a piece of fabric and lace from my Mom's old slip. Also, if you look close, you can see I took a piece of the strap off the same slip and tacked it onto the side of the photo. Back in the days a lot of women wore slips, dresses and aprons, every day :)

**Just an added note, I used clear tape over the back cover of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine--just love the collage look to it :) The paper behind has some flowers and the scroll down the right and then I stamped with script before adding my 'imaged' clear tape.

Here is the first half of the book.

And, the second half.

If you would like to see these other pages close up, please scroll down to some of the previous posts. Thanks for looking :)

Acrylic Painting and Colour Blocking

2011-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

On a couple of earlier posts, I've shown some pages done, following the theme for the Arch Book, done by Roni over at Ink Stains blog. Well, here are the latest two. If you would like to join in, check my side bar for Roni's blog and hop on over to have a look.

Acrylic Painting

While following the technique, I've changed the page up a bit. There is a halo of sorts around the photo of my Mom and I stamped with lumiere paint instead of acrylic. I'm not really satisfied with the stamping and I should have swiped it off imediately, but I didn't :)

The paper under the painting is the song lyrics and picture from the Titanic movie and I'm hoping you can see that I sanded away a bit of the paint so you can read some of the words.

I added a couple of rub-ons, a couple of clear acrylic pieces with swirls and words, some of my flowers and gold krylon around the edge. The matted piece behind the photo is a piece of backing from some metal do-dads and I edged that with gold krylon too.

Colour Blocking

I really like this page. I used distress inks for all the colours and added rub-ons, my crocheted flower, some white lace that has been soaked in tea, and a couple of clear acrylic pieces with words. I edged the page in black. Sorry about the 'shine' on the photo and a couple of the acrylic pieces.

Thanks for looking :)

Tea on Tuesday

2011-03-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

Wow these Tuesdays roll around fast :)

This is my tea today--one of my all time favourites :)

Working on these cards the past weekend.

I'll be spending the rest of my day finishing them up :)

If you're hanging about, looking for some great blogs......check the Tea List at Kims,

artinredwagons....see the link on my sidebar :)

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2011-03-17T12:13:00.000-07:00

I hope your day is special and bright!

Here's a great recipe for an Irish scone that is one of my favourites :)

I made a wonderful mistake making these one day. Not paying proper attention and being in a hurry, I added the marmalade to the recipe. They turned out so good, I do it all the time now!

The recipe is in a little Best Recipes--Irish Fun Food and Crafts. You know, one of those things at the grocery check-out that catches your eye :)

The Ties That Bind

2011-03-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here is the third page for the book in progress :)

There were 8 layers to 'peel' on this page, the paper under the word 'ties' is right down to the bottom layer. I stamped and cut out those words and printed the 'family' definition, then covered it with a piece of mica and a frame. The flowers I made were painted with some perfect pearls to give them a nice sheen.
I couldn't find my timepiece to stick on it, but if it shows up, I'll glue it just above the frame--to the right.

If you would like to join in making this book, check my side bar for Ink Stains blog. Roni does a lovely job showing the techniques for the Arch Book---there will be 8 pages in all, and it's not too late to join.

Thanks Roni, this technique I would try again :)

Tea on Tuesday........

2011-03-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

......Amongst many other things :)

I'm going to work on making the flowers up, from my previous post and drink this mango peach tea. Peach is not my favourite flavour, but I do like mango.

After admiring your pretty little pincushion jar Kim, I did this crochet top for a pin jar. Just have to fill it with a few little things---a gift for a friend :)

If you would like to join us, come on over to Kim's blog :)

You don't have to be a tea drinker.

http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Another Page in the Arch Book

2011-03-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the second page in the Arch Book.

Photo of my Parents and my Brother and Me.

The lace is actually off an old slip of Moms (now I know why I kept it!) and the buttons are from her button box. It's hard to see, but I stamped and clear embossed a design on the page, and then rubbed with distress ink. I'm thinking of using a faux stitch around the page, but not sure yet :)

And, a look at the beginning of page 3! Layers of paper. Check my side bar for Ink Stains blog if you would like to follow along with this project.

And gosh knows, I can't just do one thing at a time :)

Here is a sneak peak at a new book I'm making!

Who can resist Graphis 45's 'Once Upon a Springtime'!

Well, I couldn't throw away the covers either. I cut and glued them to chipboard,

then cut some of the papers from the small paper pad

and glued them to chipboard for 5 inside pages.

The book is 8 x 3 1/8 inches and I used the bind-it-all to hold it all together.

It looks large but the book is fairly thick.

It's hard to see, but there are stickles on parts of the page.

Here's a close up of the dragonfly, I used the same technique as the butterfly and wings.

The wingspan is about 2 1/8 inches.

I'm working on the inside pages, so please come back in a few days to see more :)

Making more flowers!

Here are the wet and wrinkled bits.

And here they are opened up.

Kaisercraft Calendar

2011-03-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

Finished the calendar!

Done in a western theme, this is the front.

The letters took on a bit of a leather look with the ink.

I had to take letters from two different sets, but when on the calendar, it won't matter.

On the back is this years calendar and it can be turned over for next year.

I found this bookmark calendar on SplitCoast Stampers.

For Aug. and Nov. I used the smaller set of letters.

A fairly time consuming project :) but done!

Chipboard House Book

2011-03-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

I was just working on this 'house' book from 7 Gypsies and wondering how to finish it, when I found that Roni over at Ink Stains blog was doing Arch pages. Well, I liked what I saw and voila! Here is my first page :)

I've already covered all the pages of my book, but now they are going to get a little more 'stuff' added.
Roni is doing eight pages in all and has already posted the second page. Next week she is posting more. So you have time to join in!

Check my side bar for Ink Stains blog and see what techniques are happening for the other pages :)

Two Crochet Projects

2011-03-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

Two more winter projects done....now that Spring is around the corner :)

The shoulder wrap covers the top of my shoulders and goes down to my elbows.
It's quite bulky yarn and very soft and cuddly.
I have a big basket in the living room for cozy wraps, throws, and extra slippers.

The wrist warmers are going into next winters gift box :)

My soothing tea today :)

This is Emma.

She heads for the bathroom when the alarm goes off, to get her fresh drink every morning :)

That's me in my housecoat and camera.

Join other tea drinkers today at Kimmies http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Angel Wings, Butterflies and Flowers

2011-03-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Well I tried something new and just had to share---I know, I'm supposed to be finishing up all the 'started' things! I'm working on them, trust me. One of the new papers to pull from my jar was 'make a new thing'. Dangerous I know, but I'm the boss :)

I found the idea on this site http://inkstainswithroni.blogspot.com/2011/02/twisted-wire-paper-charms.html Please check out the site, she has all kinds of wonderful things :)

Some wings didn't match up, so I had to make more.

I didn't check which way I was putting them on the paper!

The music sheet is Mozart Sonata in C.

If you wanted to you could match the music to the wings.

Close up of the small butterfly, flowers, and shamrock (yes, that's what it is).

They small butterfly is 1 5/8" tall by 1 1/2" and

the large butterfly at the top right of the page is 2 1/2" tall by 3 1/2"

A side view of the wings to show the bend I made after they were dried--be

very careful doing this part.

They range in size from 2" by 3/4" for the small and 2 1/2" by 3/4" for the larger ones.

In the close one, you see it looks as if the wire and paper is separated, but it isn't,

that's just the thickness.

Sometimes if the wire isn't really flat, you get a thicker piece.

These would be great on a card or project. However if you were to put them on a

scrap page you may not want to bend them too much.

Tuesday Tea Time and Kaisercraft Calendar

2011-03-01T16:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, just so you know, I haven't been just sitting around :) these are a couple of things I've been playing with. If you look at the picture of my desk, I'm drinking water today. Had a nice lunch out--Chinese, so very thirsty this afternoon.

Beyond the page, this Kaisercraft calendar caught my eye at a store near me and I had to have it!

So I have put walnut ink stain around the edges and on the box part.

I brought some things out to work on at my desk :)

But, I still have some of the mess on my table in the craft room. And if you look to the right, I have started two more mini albums.

I wanted to do both sides of the board so you can change it up.

When I'm finished, I'll post a couple more pics---by next week for sure :)

Want to know what other tea drinkers are doing on this Tea Tuesday?

Check out Kimmies site at http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Western Mini Book

2011-02-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

While checking out Tim Holtz's site, I came across the little video he has for a one page album. And seeing as I already had one cut out and sitting for a couple of years in my 'started projects' drawer......I decided to finish it.

One thing I will say about the construction---on the pages that hold the tags, I had to add some tissue tape to the binder end otherwise, the tags tended to push on the binder tape---if one pushed the tag in too far and, where Tim put the binder tape, I added a second piece.

**Note added since this post** After embellishing the pages, I found that the tissue tape binding didn't hold--so I stamped and sponged a piece of sticky-back canvas and put that on for the binding and I gued it with liquid glass as well.

1/2

3/4

5/6

7/8

9/10

11/12

Tea on Tuesday

2011-02-15T13:20:00.000-08:00

Happy T Day :)
I'm enjoying a lovely bowl of mixed berries with my tea!

If you would like to join us or just see what others are doing for T day, hop on over to Kim's blog,
http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

I'm not really starting Christmas things already but.....

.....these are two tags I started in December when Tim Holtz did the Twelve Days of Christmas

(I had visions of making all twelve--yikes!).

I don't have the right size tags and I don't own all the goodies Tim puts on his stuff,

but thanks to Diane at http://camelcaravans.blogspot.com/

I have some tags :)

**********************************************************
Second week of Project Jar and I've added 7 papers---a paper craft, crochet item, sewing item, hang a rod for punches, my album (again), tidying of wires behind the computer, and

sorting of papers and binders on a shelf unit in my craft room.
Some things require more space and time, but the whole idea IS to get them out and finished.
Long-term projects will keep going back into the jar until done.
I'm going to try to have 7 projects in the jar each Monday.

Progress :)

2011-02-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

The little bag is done :)

It has some padding between the brocade outside and satin inner lining,

a little handle and drawstring cord.

Inside the bag is a little rectangle, removable, piece of coroplast--covered with the fabric--that holds the bottom nice and flat.

I'm really pleased about getting this one done. It's a gift for my good friend who brought me the lovely daffodils! Her son is terminal with a brain tumour and she brings ME flowers! We had tea, ate a huge piece of cake each and chatted the day away.

Some more cards made this week--I love doing the faux silk technique with tissue, but this time I used a little napkin. I separated the napkin to get the top layer off, scrunched it up, then carefully opened it and put it on some cardstock to which I had applied glue. Each piece has a different coloured cardstock under the napkin and I used 2/3 colours of Glimmer Mist on each one.

I'm still working on getting the photos picked out and printed.
Another big green garbage bag goes to re-use with unwanted clothes.
There is one more piece of paper in the jar--that comes out tomorrow and then I can put a whole new batch in!
So the list goes on!

I'm so impressed with myself :) toot, toot.

Tea on Tuesday and Getting Results from Project Jar

2011-02-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I have some results to show for the Jar thing :)

But, I'm taking a break with my Cranberry tea while visiting others for tea on Tuesday.

This came from the two ends of my closet---and is going to the re-use center.

I am down to one of these three-drawer containers at either end of my closet--

1 with yarn and 1 with fabric, plus.....1 tub of yarn and 1 tub of fabric.

I am finished with the tissue box cards and currently NOT saving any more boxes.

The two bigger ones on the right are birthday cards and the other are sympathy and thank you cards.

The Picture Wall.

I have drawn out pieces of paper the size of my frames and stuck them on the wall.

I did pick out some photos, but I need to get a few more of the older ones and then

get them all printed and into the frames.

I had to go to town and get thread to do the make-up bag, but now I can get busy and sew it up.

There are three more slips of paper in the jar and
I have already printed up a list of things to do for the next set.

It's a fun way to get jobs done---so far, so good :)

If you would like to see who's having Tea on Tuesday and join us, check out Kimmies site, http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

The Jar Thing...

2011-02-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I didn't get fancy.

Here's my jar and a list of 10 projects that needed to be worked on.

It was easier to dump them out and close my eyes to choose.

Some can be completed in less than one day and I could choose another that same day--if I was so inclined :)

1. Prepare fabric and complete this project---this is fabric and pattern that I have had for 2 years. I wanted sew a make-up bag for my good friend. Can be done in a day.

2. Make a, diet concious, menu plan and grocery list for the next week. I belong to a tiny group of ladies who meet once a week to keep tabs on our weight and we bring along any craft we happen to be working on. Can be done whilst having my afternoon tea :)

3. Do the tissue box cards. That's those little cut-outs in my previous post. I'd say, looking at the pile, that it may take a couple of days to complete this one.

4. Determine projects for my three drawers and one Rubbermaid tub of fabric. If I can't come up with a plan, then it has to be donated. Determine projects for three drawers of yarn or donate it. These two are together because I'm pretty darn sure I can complete this task in one day. Some of the fabric has been around for 10 years! I have some Buffalo yarn that my Mom had---she's been gone for 29 years!

5. Finish the tags I started before Christmas--thanks Tim Holtz! This will take 2 days, for sure!

6. Spend one day to make cards (4?) for upcoming celebrations, etc.

7. Pick photos for the new frames I bought, decide on size and get printed. I bought 4, different sized frames that will hold 1 to 6 photos. I'm going to trace the frames on paper, then plan a design for them all, on the diningroom wall. This is going to take a couple of days, I think.

8. Get out my childhood album (which I started a couple of years ago) and get the pictures together with the paper. I should be able to do 4, 2-page spreads each day--8 pages? I'm aiming to do this once a week until complete.......I want this done in a month, so number 8 won't go back into the jar.

9. Go through drawers and closet to determine what to keep and what to toss! I know for a fact there are things that haven't been worn for a long time. That includes the laundry basket that has a few things that keep hiding under the newly added ones. This is a 1 day job, easily.

10. Ok, there's only nine :) I doubled up on the fabric and yarn one.

Now, should I add jobs as I take one out.....
or stick with the original plan and empty the jar totally before adding?

Numbers 2 and 6 will be put back into the jar.

I am not permitted to take out a paper and exchange for another!
If I don't like the job--tough tamales!
I MUST choose ONE every day. I love to multi-task and I know some of them take no time.
I can even take a project ot a friends.

This post is all about procrastination :) on which I'm an expert.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-02-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

At a friends house for coffee today--no tea :)

I took some things to work on.....the beginnings of small, 4 x4 cards. I made some quite a while back and put pics of them in my gallery on Splitcoast Stampers, if you care to take a peak. These rose ones are more intricate.

According to a quiz in a magazine about what 'type' of organizational person I am, it would be good for me to write little tasks on pieces of paper and put them in a jar. Then, I could just reach into the jar and pick a project. Of course I've heard of this, but never tried it.

I'm seriously thinking of giving it a whirl :)

Kick back, have some tea and join me in seeing who is doing what on this T day :) check Kimmies site, http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/ for a list of tea bloggers.

Sad Sack

2011-01-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

Poor little thing, I'm sure she feels as though she is being punished. She just got spayed and isn't too happy about anyting. I have to pack her up and down the steps to go outside. The cone isn't on all day, I take it off a lot. But she has to wear it all night and when I'm too busy to watch her.

Something I found in my junk drawer. It needed new strings :) well, I just whipped out my waxy flax and fixed it right up. It's now back outside, over my little deck garden, sounding quite pretty in the breeze. It says:

'Sun Shine fades, Stars appear, Garden Angels gather here'.

Isn't that lovely? I can't wait till the snow is gone to see my yard :)

A friend picked up a recipe for a Mango salad and new that I'd be interested. The ingredients are: avocado, mango or orange (I used mango), green onion, red pepper, toasted sesame seeds ( I used almonds) placed on a nice bed of lettuce mix. The dressing is: lime juice, maple syrup, olive oil, ground cumin (I used nutmeg), and soy sauce. I also threw in some craisons.

I teamed it up with a nice slice of this egg dish that Sue, from http://abittatteredart.blogspot.com/, calls Dutch Baby.
It's usually topped with lemon juice and icing sugar, but today,

I thought it should have a little maple syrup on it too :)

It was beautiful and puffed up, but I may have taken it out of the oven too fast :)

It's like a cross between a soufle and a yorkshire pudding. That said, next time I'm going to try my extra large muffin pan, for individual servings.

Tea on Tuesday

2011-01-25T11:35:00.000-08:00

Tuesday seems to roll around pretty quick!

I'm taking a snack and tea break in front of my computer today, just so I can say Hi :)

It's Christmas tea, yogurt and a ginger/raison cookie from my frozen stash in the freezer.

So far this morning, I've just been puttering. I love it when you go to a drawer to find something and end up cleaning the whole thing out--usually ending up with a good handful of garbage stuff!

Did the same thing with the linen cupboard too. So I've definitely earned my tea break :)

I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful day :)

Check out other tea drinkers at Kim's place http://artinredwagons.blogspot.com/

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning....

2011-01-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

Got up this morning, the sun coming up on one side and the moon going down on the other---a few little clouds hanging around to show the beautiful pinky/peachy, orange glow of the sunrise. I won't look to the north at those very dark clouds creeping around behind the mountain!

Did anyone watch, on Friday night, the two Oprah shows? Well, the second one was about clearing out things NOW, not LATER. I'm not so much a 'collector' as I am a procrastinator. Anyway, I got energized by watching the show and ended up with two grocery bags of garbage from my craft room! Not bad considering it had, at one time, seemed important enough to keep :)

Sometimes when you're at another crafters house, you use one of their stamps thinking you will make something 'later', or, they have an idea for a project, so you start it and thinking you have enough done to remember the outcome, you take it home....to finish 'later'. So, while watching a movie last night, I sorted through two small drawers labelled 'started projects' and 'stamped papers' and ended with one drawer full. So today I continue, wish me luck. Maybe by Tuesday Tea day, I will have a project or two to show you!

Enough, useless trivia :) Have a lovely Sunday Everyone

Who Likes A Heel?

2011-01-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

Well, me for one :) This is a wonderful multi-grain bread that is so light and flavourful! A good friend gave me her recipe, so I'll pass it on to all of you: 1 1/3 c. water, 2 tbsp. powdered milk, 1 egg, 2 tbsp. honey, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 1/2 c whole wheat flour, 1 1/2 c. white flour, 3/4 c. 9 grain-for cereal and baking, 2 tbsp. flax, 1/4 c. molasses, 2 1/2 tsp. yeast.

Ok, I added the flax, but there is flax in the 9 grain and I used fancy molasses. I end up using at least another 1/2 cup of flour when kneading--take your choice. I usually take the 1/3 cup of water, warm it, add 1 tbsp. of the honey and add in my yeast to set. By the time the dry ingredients are all mixed, the yeast is ready, then just mix in all the moist ingredients and throw it together. I usually punch down twice and put into pans.

Well, we got another dump of snow last night! One good thing is the exercise I'm getting lately, but the baking is maybe going to start counter-acting the benefits of shovelling :)

The poor dogs couldn't even get out their door this morning until I shovelled and it was pretty hard to find the 3 steps that lead to the lower deck that was clear last night. I think some of it drifted to make it so deep--a little :)

I thought we were going to get a break when it cleared up a couple of days ago. We have three kinds of light: the lamp post, the almost-full moon and the sun shining on the hillside, just as it went down.

The key holder is finished, I hung it close to my back door. It's great for hanging the dog leashes. I don't usually hang my car keys there, but I think it may be a good place for the shed key.

Break is over, it's time to make lunch and I see the snow has stopped and a wee bit of blue sky is appearing. It may be a lot nicer finishing my shovelling this afternoon!

I hope Everyone is having a great day :)