Encouragement can come from the strangest places ...

I'm at work right now; I'm on a short break.  I just came across this on a stamp:

"Always

know in

your heart

that you

are far

bigger than

anything

that can

happen to

you."

I'm a pretty strong, independent type of individual.  Most times, after the initial shock of whatever it is, I am able to roll up my sleeves, dig in my heels and attack whatever is attacking me.  It's just sometimes ... the adrenalin takes longer to kick in or evaporates more quickly than other times.  It's those times that I feel overwhelmed and unable.

I'm really glad I took a break when I did which enabled me to find these words.  I really needed them ... to see it in print, so my mind's eye could take them in, to recall when I begin to feel drained.  So at those times I'd be able to regroup and feel strengthened within and do what I know I must do.

This, too, was put in my path - for a reason - and I thank HIM for putting it there.

Have a Great and Blessed Day! (I'm going to) and thanks for stopping by ...

demarys

Life Happens ...

What is it they say??? ...Life happens. Well it just did in ... In my basement. I woke up to a flooded basement. It had been raining here heavily - daily - for the past few days. No way did I anticipate that it would affect me. I mean, I just bought this house about a year ago. And ... was advised that there was a new sump pump put in place. And ... guaranteed - well that's not exactly the word I want to use, but can't think of the other right now - that water drainage would be no problem.

Ok, wait, I'm digressing, let me go back a day to yesterday, Friday, August 13, 2010.

It's been extremely hot and humid over the past few weeks. So, one day, when I went into the basement, I noticed that the basement "felt" kind of damp-like. So, I decided I had better get a dehumidifier to try and draw the moisture out of the basement.

I woke up to a flooded basement. It had been raining here heavily - daily - for the past few days - but no way did I anticipate that the heavy rains would affect me. I mean, I just bought this house a little over a year ago. And, was advised by the seller that there was a new sump pump put in place. And guaranteed - well that's not exactly the word I want to use, but can't think of the one I want just now.

Ok,wait. Let me go back a day to Friday.

Well, yesterday morning, as I was leaving for work, my daughter-in-law tells me that when she went into the basement and she stepped onto the carpet, the floor "felt" wet. I thought "Great! What timing.", especially since I was going to be looking at dehumidifiers that evening or the next day. You see, it has been extremely hot and humid over the past few weeks. So one day, when I had gone into the basement, I noticed that the basement "felt" kind of damp-like. I decided I had better get a dehumidifier to try and draw the moisture out of the basement.

Well, back to yesterday. I didn't get home until late from work and I was dead tired so I decided to wait until the morning (Saturday) to go to the store. But before I set out to buy a dehumidifier, I figured let me go into the basement and see for myself. You're probably thinking/wondering ... well, I am really not a basement or attic type person. I find those areas of a house to be creepy. And although my basement is partially finished, I still frequent it a little as possible/necessary.

Anyway, I head down the stairs and already I can see footprints in the carpet from where my daughter-in-law must have stepped prior. My heart was already beginning to sink and as I reached the bottom step and put my foot onto the carpet, water rose over my foot and dispair took over. I couldn't think. I felt dumbfounded. I just stood there, feet covered by that water ... in shock.

Mind you, I am new to home ownership. All my life, I've lived in dwellings where there was a landlord or management company; i.e., something went wrong, you gave the landlord or management co. a call and they saw to it that the problem was fixed. So, without a landlord or management company to call, my first thought was not to call my insurance company but rather "What in the heck am I supposed to do to fix this?"

Once brain function restore, I went on line to find someone who could help me with this problem. Still not thinking, mind you to call my insurance company; still thinking this was something I alone had to handle. I've now made a few calls to a couple of service providers and made some appointments.

TO BE CONTINUED

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...

demarys

Memories ... They can really take you back ...

Well y'all know how I've become this paper addict. Seems like papercrafting has taken over my life. It's like I'd rather be creating with paper rather than most other things.

Well, I've joined a few papercrafting groups/clubs/swaps and as a part of what you do (in case you don't already know) is post a "profile." Usually a part of your profile can/does include any website, blogspot, etc. Well, same as my "about me" on here, I mention that although I am a current paperholic, my first love is fabric and that I am a dollmaker.

Well ... I'm saying that a lot, aren't I ... oh well, anyway ... I've gotten several requests to see my dolls (which are on another blogspot), so I'm going to figure how to dupe that info onto here, so that those who care to see can.

My most recent request though it what really put the "fire under my butt" (hope that wasn't vulgar) was someone who mentioned making fabric bunnies back in the day. Well, oh my goodness, do I remember the bunnies. I was already a sewer - I made clothing and sewed things for the home, but boy did I go crazy buying fabric and Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick and even Vogue patterns to make those cute little things. I even bought the separate patterns for their clothing. And it wasn't just the bunnies that I thought were cute, I especially liked the elephants and the piggys. I bought patterns and fabric. I even took a part-time job at a local fabric chain (not Joann's - that came later when I moved to Maryland) and I think that's how my "fabri-holism" all started.

In my town in Westchester, New York, before I opened my own store, there was a little "ma & pop" fabric store where I purchased my fabrics after the local chain closed. I bought so much material I inevitably struck-up a relationship with the owner. Many weekend-days, rather than staying home and creating, I would go to that little shop and she and I would sit in the back and make "dolls" (mainly the bunnies, bears, elephants, kittys, monkeys and piggys) with complete outfits. And then the owner switched to making quilts. And so did I. By then I had emassed tons and tons of fabric, so much so that when she closed her shop, I opened my own - supposedly geared to quilting. (....) Why the dots? Well, because they represent another story in itself to be told at another time. Let's just say that circumstances quickly redirected the "theme" of my store from quilt shop to gift shop. Not a bad redirection in the long haul, just an unexpected twist of things.

Anyway. Over time, the more I learned about quilting, the more I learned and wanted to learn about dollmaking. It was an area of fabric crafting that I readily took to and I grew in my abilities to a level I believe (and I've been told) good enough that I could adopt the title "dollmaker." I made dolls regularly - most times having more than one in the works at any given time. But thinking back to the "bunnies," I realize that I haven't made a doll in the manner dollmaking was first introduced to me in years. My current dollmaking is more along the lines of "art doll" making, although since being bitten by the paperbug (almost 2 years now), I've only created two as a gift for a co-worker to give to her two granddaughters as an Easter present.

Lately though, there has been much cause for talk about my dolls, and I've begun to feel the pangs of missing creating in that areana.

I am actively in the process of trying to make my craftroom, which has totally been taken over by paper, more user friendly - paperwise that is ... but I don't know ... I may just have to designate a small area for my fabric again. Maybe it's time I made another doll. LOL

Wow! I hadn't thought about the bunnies for some time. That was back in the early 1990s. Wow!

Thanks Elsa for memories and encouraging my trip back down memory lane.

Wow!

Demarys

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...demarys

I think I'm falling in love ... with mini albums ...

Hi, y’all …

I’ve had another awakening … and this one is so very weird for me. Especially since I'm completely nuts about making cards and never really enjoyed "scapbooking" per se. BUT, I'm falling in love with mini albums - the paper bag kind and the paper roll kind and the chipboard kind you can get from Michaels or AC Moore. It's weird because I can kind of remember my first encounter with paper and scrapbooking and how I wasn't at all impressed. I guess what I wasn’t impressed with was actually my abilities -- or perhaps I should say inabilities -- as far as scrapbooking is concerned. I have to admit that truth be told, I was never really good a collage and for me, that’s what scrapbooking is most like. I was once told that I am too symmetrical. I try but it gives me the most difficult time when I try to be eclectic. So, how can I be falling in love with the minis? Go figure. Maybe it’s because of the size -- mini. And as I write and think about it, I say “yeah, that’s got to be it!” The small size satisfies several of my idiosyncrasies -- like not wanting to use up all my pretty paper (like that could ever happen … LOL) and the fact that it takes less time to finish (ok, at least in theory that's supposed to be the case) and that you use less overall yet can still make a big statement (at least that'll be the case until I really learn what I’m doing and then I can attempt to go over the top like I've seen done with some of the very pretty minis I dream of someday creating). Anyways ... I'm about to have at it. So, I’m rolling up my sleeves … 'cause y'all know this could and I'm sure it's gonna get guite messy before it’s all said and done. LOL

Take care, y’all. Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...demarys

I'm back ...

Oh, my goodness! ... it's been an entire month since I last blogged. Seems like I've been experiencing one kind of technical difficulty after another. Funny but I feel like I'd been on punishment and it's just been lifted. Being without a working computer and/or access to the internet is a bummer, let me tell you.

I got what I've been told to be a "trojan" virus on my laptop which caused it to crash. And to make matters worse, as I was trying to find out what I could do to get my computer operational again, I kept getting conflicting information from the different sources that are "supposed" to know. So I finally broke down and recently bought myself a cute little netbook - for my use only - and hooked up with a cable provider so that I can have internet.

So, I'm back ... sort of - at least now. Turns out that when the tech installed the cable, the internet install wasn't completed so my internet connection for some reason is at best only sporadic. Go figure. Anyway, they are coming out next week to redo (actually more like do) the job correctly. I can hardly wait.

I've been trying to hold on to my sanity by creating and making cards, but it's been driving me nuts because I've not been able to upload them to my blog. Woe is me ... LOL

But look out though, because it's not going to be much longer and I'll be fully hooked in and back to blogging and posting and just doing my thing.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...demarys

Trying My Hand At Making A Masculine Card ...

At work, each month we celebrate that month's birthday people. I've notice, though, that there are as many, if not more, males in the office than there are females. So it got me to thinking that I might need to try making a variety of cards that are more gender specific. Oh my creative juice flow somewhat easily to allow me to make the girly, fru-fru or kiddie-type cards without too much problem. And the same is true with event or holiday cards. However, masculine cards that have the masculine feel even without words like "dad" or "boy" on them have given me a bit more trouble. Guess I need to try and think more like a guy ... well, in this case at least. Hahahaha

Well, lately I've been amassing Cricut cartridges and actually studying the manuals to learn how to more effectively use them. I've also been purchasing quite a few Cuttlebug folders and learning how to more effectively use them also, all in combination with rubber and digital stamping.

Soooooo, night before last, realizing that it was the birthday of one of the attorneys I'd assisted for the past 8+ years, I decided to make him a card. Armed with all my new goodies and an idea or two, I rushed home from work - didn't get home until about 10:00pm EST - to create a card. After a deviation or two from my original brainstorm at work, this is what I came up with.

Here's the front ...



And here's the inside ...



I apologize that the picture is a little blurry. (That's another goal: to learn to take better pictures.) All-in-all, I like the way this card turned out. (I think this is the first time I've said that publicly.) It was a lot of work, but really was more like a labor of love. There's a lot of small pieces and a lot of popping-up making it necessary to cut really small pieces of dimensional tape. But, as much as it took to create this card, I loved every minute of it. I remained excited with each step of the process, even though I kind of witched and moaned a few times.

I not only had much fun doing this card, but now I know I can. And as an added bonus, the compliments I received from my co-workers who saw the card before (and after) I gave it to him, just gave me more incentive. Plus the fact that he really appreciated that I still remembered his birthday.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
demarys

Life Happens ...

Quite a few "life" things have kept my plate quite full these past few weeks and I've been quite busy just trying to sort through it all. It's been so crazy that I've rarely been able to steal-away to my "special place" just to sit and take it all in -- what I do on those times when it feels like the regular world is beating up on me and I need to feel centered. Most times, just being in my craft room surrounded by all the various papers and fabrics and embellishments and tools makes the outside world go away and puts me at peace. Guess this time the plate was just a wee bit too full and I'm sad to admit that it really has affected my "mojo" but I'm slowly getting back on track. I've been creating, but sporadically, so I hope I'm not losing it.

I figured I'd better try getting back on track. Challenges always seem to inspire me, and where better to start than with a blog challenge. So off I went to find a challenge or 2 to get me started. I decided to work on the latest sketches from the Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge (see the sketch below) and the Fantabulous Cricut Challenge where the challenge was to "Bling it On" by creating a project with use embellishments, jewels and glitter, etc. to give your project some glimmer, glitz and shine ... (Hope y'all over at Fantabulous Cricut don't mind that I paraphrazed a little.)

This is Mojo Monday Sketch #131. and here's what I created from it for my submission to the challenge.

And this is the inside of the card.
It's intended for you to read: "It just wouldn't be Easter, without a chocolate bunny and you."

In the past, I usually left the inside of the cards "undecorated" and without any sentiment so that the giver can write their own sentiment. Then after a while, if I put anything at all on the inside of the card, it would most likely be a plain or "mildly" decorated piece of matching paper, however still without sentiment.

It was kind of funny though because everytime I showed one of the cards I'd created, the person would flip it open to see what was inside and seemed rather disappointed at the blank page. I would explain of course, and I believe the reasoning was understood, but there was still that disappointed look. So, I decided that at least on occasion and more often as I'd become more comfortable with doing so, that I would try adding a phrase or two.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
demarys

Mojo Monday #129 Submission

This is the sketch for Mojo Monday #129.

Here is my submission for this sketch.



I am out of town right now. Had to make an unexpected trip to North Carolina for family reason. I'm very grateful to be able to say that everything is fine (or at least will be) ... that's the good thing. The bad thing is that I don't have access to my craftroom hence no acess to my card making products and supplies and unfortunately therefore unable to give a full or better yet, an accurate descriptions of the various things I used to create this card. Even though I know many/most who look closely at my card will have no problem picking out what this or that is and maybe even who's product it is, I had decided to begin adding a "supply" list simply because i think it's a nice justure and it's helpful to have. [Side note: I think I miss my craftroom more than I miss my bed, when I have to be away from home -- even for short periods of time. LOL]

I almost wasn't able to upload this picture, but just before I had to leave to head back home, I got a break. You see, I had brought with me on the trip this bag I usually tote with me back and forth, to and from work everyday (mainly, because I'm not completely sure what's in it -- I sometimes tend to carry a few cardmaking supplies in it so that if I find myself with some free time during lunch break, I can work on a card element or two). Well, fortunately, I hadn't fully unpack it and that turned out to be a good thing. Although there was nothing in the bag to help me with the descriptions, my camera was in there and I was able to take pictures of the cards I had made for various challenges and upload them unto my daughter's computer. So this go round, once again, I'm posting just the picture ... but, I've heard it said that a picture can speak a thousand words. I hope my card is speaking to you right now. LOL In any event, the picture by itself will suffice until I am back at home -- probably sometime around 2:00am -- where all my "stuff" is.

I so apologize, but I'll probably not be able to post that info until some time tomorrow -- most likely during my lunch break at work.

De

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
demarys

My First Crafty Creations Challenge Card - Challenge #57

This week, I've found a few new challenges to participate in. This submission is for Challenge #57 over at Crafty Creations. No sketch or photo, just instructions:

"... to use all one color on your creations. You can use as many different shades of the color and the images [could] be colored any way you like."

I recently made this card and when I saw this challenge, I thought "Ummm, it could work ... so here it is.

To make this card I've used varying shades of Teal cardstock and a designer paper in a muted shade of teal with white accents. (I'm not in my craftroom right now and the name of the paper escapes me, but I'll check when I get home and update this link tomorrow. To compliment the white in the designer paper, I added very minor bits of white in the form of embellies, ribbon, etc. to allow the card to "pop". The cardstock has been dry-embossed using a Cuttlebug embossing folder, lightly "sponged" with a combination of colors I mixed together to create a "teal" compatible with the cardstock and popped-up with pop dots to give it dimension. The white ribbon is grosgrain ribbon by Offray. The sentiment is a clear stamp by Studio G that once stamped (with that same color combination) I highlighted with Dazzling Diamonds by Stampin' Up. I just love the sparkliness (is that a word ... oh, well now it is ... lol) of Dazzling Diamonds. I attached a flower also from Stampin' Up and in the center of the flower added a brad that -- you got it -- I colored with my same color concoction and then added Dazzling Diamonds. Did I mention, I love the sparklies.

If this card looks familiar, it's because I've also submitted this card for Mojo Monday Challenge #126.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
Demarys

I didn't know ...

Hey, y'all. First, I've got to beat around the bush a little here and share a little background.

A long ago, I saw a television program that showed how various Silicon Valley (CA)companies adopted the theory that it was beneficial to allow the their employees (computer techies, etc.) to "decorate" they cubicles as an outlet for all the brain power and intellectual energy that flowed in those tight spaces. The program in itself was rather interesting and to see just how the different ones "decorated" their spaces was amazing. I'm thinking there may be a similar kind of video on the subject on YouTube. I'm going to check and if I find it and can figure out how to attach it here, I will.

Anyway, as has become my habit since I began creating, I, from time to time bring in my creations (knitted or crocheted items, mini quilts in progress, dolls, and now my cards, etc.) and display them in and around my work space, because I'd also heard somewhere that since most people spend more than 1/2 of their waking hours away from home at at a place of business (including getting to and from), we should surround ourselves with the things we love in and around our work areas to enhance a feeling of familiarity.

Well, the office manager happened by my station and chanced to see my latest - a "milk carton" decorated for Easter. It was my "sample", but she loved it. And, as she was walking away, she commented: "I had been expecting to get a little Valentine Day gift, but I guess I'm going to have to wait for St. Patrick's Day. I had given all my co-workers little Halloween and Christmas Treat Holders with candy inside.

I thought they were cute, and that it was a nice jesture to give them as trinkets, but I didn't know, what an impact they actually made.

See, this is why I love creating so much. Not only do I get joy from it, and would do it regardless, but it's an extra special insentive that others appreciate my talents as well.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
demarys

I think I've found it ...

From my first creation for submission to a card challenge I have been wanting to create a list of the various challenges and even better, create a list of the challenges by the day.

Well, I may not have to because I think I've found just that kind of list over on Raven B's Blog, but I haven't had time to check it out fully. I will though, once I get off work.

Anyway, as part of her sidebar, she has quite a comprehensive list of different challenges that appear to be listed by the day of the challenge. I'm really hoping so, and if it is, I intend to make good use of the info. I'm so excited, I can hardly wait to start checking them out.( Thanks, Raven.)

Ok. (sigh) On to the other main reason for this post. Raven is having a blog candy give-away. She's been helping Spring along by doing some "spring cleaning" and has decided to give away a bit of blog candy.

Wouldn't you like to be the winner of this blog candy? You could if you follow a few simple rules. So, why don't you take a few minutes and check out the Blog Candy Give-Away over at "Love 4 Stamps" and while you're there, check out Raven's creations too.

Have a Great Day!
De

*FYI*

A short post today. Still tired and still stuff to do. Just wanted to share a little, hopefully useful, info. We had a mildly successful shopping trip. As always, I found tons of stuff that wasn't on my list [that I just couldn't live without], but this trip I found a lot things that I had been looking for on list once or twice prior. And what really makes that special is that I got those things on a "double" discount. How? Well, *I found out that if you use an AC Moore coupon at Michaels you get an extra 10% off -- 40% off becomes 50%, automatically.* Now, I don't know if that works for Joann's coupons, but regardless, I'm never using Michaels coupons at Michaels again. LOL

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...

You Can't Force Creativity ...

After getting my grandson settled-in and myself prepared to start a new day, Xavier and I retreat to my studio and both begin to pla ... he with his toys and me with my cards.

I spend the better part of the morning trying to finish the "Dream" card, but my mind just won't focus ... my mind just kept racing toward the tons of other things I've got to get done today.

I guess it's true -- you can't force creativity, it just has tao flow. And, that's exactly what happened. Try as I may to focus onthe "Dream" card, nothing I tried as inspiration helped me to figure what to do. Oh, I got ideas, but for a different card altogether. I tried to ignore it but finally went with the flow. [I'll post a picture in the next couple of days.]

Anyway, after a few hours of play, satisfied that I had at least created something, and with new ideas fresh in my head and listr in hand, Xavier and I are heading out to run my errands.

One Track Mind ...

I stayed to work late again last night, but this time for my own personal benefit. I needed to use the computer at the office top woprk on the internet because my PC is not working.

So tired as I was, I couldn't seemto stay asleep. I've been working on this card for challenge that is really giving me grief. Oh, not the challenge itself, but rather the colors and embellies I chose. See, beyond using sketch and/or color challenges, I have decided to give myself a personal challenge to work with colors I don't particularly care for to try something new to make myself step outside my comfort area to use(or maybe I should say "use up") some of the extras I have amassed in my studio.

Well there I was, laying in bed thinking of what I could do or shouldn't do to finish this card, I hear this pounding on my door. To my surprise, it's my daughter with my youngest grandson, Xavier. I've got babysitting detail ... on top of everything else I had planned to do today. Good thing I love that little munchkin so much. LOL

Woooo Hoooo, It's Friday ...

Well, I'm here at work early. I have a cardmaking get together this evening with my to-be daughter-in-law, Nikki, this evening and I want to leave work a little early.

I'm here, but I really don't know how I managed to do that. I didn't get to sleep until late. It seems my body's on some new kick where even once I finally fall of to sleep, I don't sleep well. One thing's for sure, if I don't start getting some sleep at night, I'm going to just keel over into my scrap pile.

Wait a minute ... on second thought, I don't know if that would be such a bad thing. Hahahahaha

Seriously, though ... this morning I'm extra tired. Yesterday was a temendously long and extremely busy day. Of course, I had to work my "9 to 5", but once I got home, I also had 2 card orders that I had to finish - and I did! Anyway, I wound up staying late at work, but on the upside, I received an order for 2 more cards from one co-worker, a request to make a "school girl"-type cloth doll from another co-worker, and it was also suggested/offered by yet another co-worker to host not one, but two separate "home parties" - one for my cards and one for my dolls. Wow! I didn't see that coming ... LOL

Strange how things happen ... Staying at work last night was on my own time (unpaid), but the day turned out to be quite "fruitful" nonetheless. I got some extra work done and I got requests to create.

I feel so blessed to have the things I love making praised and appreciated by others and I am going to receive monetary compensation for doing what I love: making cards and dolls. But you know, more than that (getting the money, I mean), what gives me encouragement and insentive to continue with what I do is the fact that people really like what I do.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
De

Mojo Monday #126

I decided to not just make cards based on various challenges but to begin actually submitting the cards I create at the time I create them. I had been a little hesitant, but I've shown my cards to family, friends and co-workers and they have greatly encouraged me. The confirmation that not just I think my cards are good, but that others like them and even have requested that I make some for them to give to their loved ones is inspiration in itself to continue doing this craft I love so much.

Here is the card I made for submission based on the February 15, 2010 Mojo Monday #126 Sketch.


I have to admit that with this one I am rather proud of myself. Although I love the color teal, it has always been a color I found hard to work with ... not just in cardmaking, but in area of decorating and even clothing. I tend to want to pair it with coral or peach. Yes, I know that's a dated combination -- used it way back in the day in my bedroom once. Then I could see the colors working together -- I actually did it much before it became trendy. But now, I have trouble with it. Plus, peach has become one of my least liked colors. So, trying to use teal had me really in a bind. I even had to stop working on this card, take a break (cat-nap) and then, voila. The light(s) went on in my head -- woke me in the middle of the night -- but I had to get at it right then and there (3:30 am). Monochromatic! That was the way to go. Some things are just worth the trouble.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by.
De

Here's the Picture for Mojo Monday Sketch #125

Here's the card I created from the Mojo Monday #125 Sketch.

Have a Great Day! and thanks for stopping by ...
demarys

Ugggh!

I was all prepared to upload my MojoMonday #126 card so that I could submit it, but wouldn't you know it ... I had the wrong USB cord. So, I'm going to have to wait yet another day. Ugggh!

"Dang!!!" that Snow Storm ...

Last week I created a card based on Mojo Monday #125 that I had planned to submit last night, but a series of mishaps -- one crazy snow storm/blizzard (more than 2 feet that put the town at a standstill), my laptop hard drive crashing, and yet another snow storm (this time only about a foot and a half LOL) managed to derail that train. But, I'm not discouraged!!! Especially after reading that I can still submit the card. Oh, I know it won't be in the running for a prize or anything, but no matter -- my work will get viewed ... and that's probably the more important thing,-- at least, I think so.

When I'm able to get to a working computer, I'll upload the card here and over at Mojo Monday (#125)for you to see. Maybe you can leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Until next time, Have a Great Day! And, thanks for stopping by.

This bright "Feel Better Soon" card is sure to bring a bit of cheer to that one feeling out-of-sorts or under the weather. And little Owlie is there with flower in hand to help the recovery along.

The inside has been left blank so you can add your own personalized message for that special someone.

Buy Now.

Get Ready for Valentine's Day ...

This OOAK (One of a Kind) Valentine's Day Card. measures 5.5” x 4.25’’ (A2 size) and was created by hand from red and white designer cardstock - the red cardstock was wet-embossed with gold over handstamped "Hugs & Kisses" (Xs and Os) images; the white was dry-embossed with hearts and has gold brads along the corner edge. For further embellishment there is a mulberry paper envelope with a loving sentiment printed on vellum paper. And lastly, to tie it all together, there is a key attached to braided cord tied in a bow.

Although there is a sweet sentiment inside the litte envelope on the outside, there is still an opportunity for a personalized message for that special someone because the inside has been left blank.

Buy Now

Get Well Card

A bright cheery card sending well wishes to that special someone who has been feeling out-of-sorts or a bit under the weather.

Buy Now

I Just Got A Call ...

Hi, again.

My son's girlfriend called me a few minutes ago. It's already begun to snow where I live, but it didn't appear to be snowing here where I work. Then, about 15 minutes after I hung up with her, the office manager came around saying the office would be closing early at 2 o'clock. From my workstation looking out the window of a nearby office, it didn't look like it was snowing, but when went to take a closer look ... OMG!

Well, needless to say ... I'm out of here. Sidenote: This will be the first time in all the years that I've worked for this firm that I am actually leaving at the time the office is closing early. I told you ... I don't play when it comes to having to drive in snow. The best place for me a times like this is snug at home.

Until next time, thanks for stoping by.

The Vigil Is On ...

Hi, Bleeps ...
I got myself focused and made it in to work (it's about 10:30 am). No snow, yet. Well, we know at least the forecast regarding the timing of the was a bit off. Now this may sound weird coming from one who doesn't like snow, but I wish it would start already. Reason: I'm afraid I'm going to have to admit it's going to sound a bit self-serving, but I'm at work and will have to stay at work until the snow begins and appears to be getting bad. If the snow starts or becomes storm-like too close to evening, it will already be dark and I don't do snow well in broad daylight, so there's no doubt I'll have a bear of time trying to make it home. [sigh]

Still Nothing ...

Well, I guess I'd better go on to work. It's after 9:00 am and still no snow. Don't get me wrong ... I not hoping for it ... quite the contrary. I really, reallly, realllly don't like the snow.

Truth told - I've never liked the snow. Not even as a child. It's pretty ... when the flakes are falling and when it's laying undisturbed on a lawn, but I live in a rural area - and that makes for not such a pretty sight.

Not Yet ...

Well, I checked at 7:30 and it looks and feels like snow, but nothing yet. I'm going to wait at home for a little while to see what's going to happen. I don't want to be on my way to work only to have to turn right around once I get there.

The Snow Is Coming ...

Well, they've predicted a really bad snow storm for my area. It went from 10-12" to 24-26". And from beginning sometime around 3-4pm tomorrow to starting aroung 9:00 am. I, for one, am not looking forward to either outcome.

I Evidently Didn't Move Far South Enough ...

I am a New Yorker transplanted (on purpose) to Maryland. One of the things I felt was so good about the move is that I wouldn't have to deal with the kind of crazy snow storms we always got in New York.

WRONG!!! The first winter here was a big storm! [SIGHHHHHH!] And, although we have had snow until now there hadn't been anything quite like it. But, it's baaaacccckkkk! And, woorrrssee! It hasn't even stopped yet -- and they say it isn't anytime soon -- and already there's more than a foot on the ground. It started yesterday afternoon and this stuff is supposed to continue all day until night (or longer). And, once it stops in a couple of days it's supposed to do it again.

All I can say is I'm glad I have the stash of paper and embellishments, etc. that I have, 'cause I'm going to be a card making somebody. LOL

Have A Great Day! and thanks for stopping by.

How Old Are You???

I have a few family members and friends (older and younger) with birthdays coming in the next couple of months. I even have a couple of co-workers in need of a birthday card or two, so I've been rather busy -- letting myself be inspired by almost any and everything I see or hear and even some of their suggestions and playing with many different ideas for creating birthday cards. This is one of a "bunch" that I've made.

Ok, I know the rule is that you're not supposed to ask once over the age of ... let's say ... 25. But here's a little card that's just cute enough that you may get away with breaking that rule. :-P I apologize that it's a little dark, but I guess being a newbie to all this, my lighting was off a bit in the first place which made it kind of difficult to get the computer to tweak the Black and White with the Red. I'll get better at this the more I do, I suppose. I hope you can make it out and even more, that you like it. Have a great day. And as always, thanks for stopping by.



Side Note: I believe this card was actually inspired by a card I may have seen on the internet. At the present time, however, I cannot remember just where or by whom. As a creative person (and I also work in the legal field) I understand the issues of copyright and truly do not wish to infringe upon anyone's right to credit for their creativity, so I offer that this design was not totally my own brainstorm albeit the execution is all mine.

Again, thanks for stopping by.

Just Because ...

It's always nice to get something special "Just Because". And what better way to tell that special someone that you feel good about them, about having them around and in your life ... "Just Because".

This is a card that can be used for most any occasiion. It is crafted of layers of designer cardstock (pink and teal) and designer specialty papers (pink/teal multi check and tone-on-tone teal circles). The background designer paper (circles) has been distressed to add a bit of texture and interest. The checked designer paper has been "popped-up" to give dimension. And lastly, to "wrap-it-up" all nice and neat, I added a matching pink grosgrain ribbon.

There is no sentiment stamped on the outside and the inside has been left blank so you can write your own personalized message for that special someone.

This card measures 5.5" x 4.25 (A2 size) and comes with a crisp white envelope and both are packaged in a resealable cellophane wrapper.

Have a great day! And, thanks for stopping by.

Starting Anew ...

I believe somehow I managed to compromise my origianl card blogspot, so I've decided to create this new blog.

Admittedly, I have always been and still am a "Fabri-holic" especially as it relates to dollmaking and quilting, but I now have to also admit that I have become a "Paper Junkie" - big time, at least as it relates to cardmaking. Hence the name: "Paper as Fabric".

I already have a blog to showcase my dolls, so I will be using this new blog to showcase my cards. Like before, I'm sure this new blog will have my occasional ramblings about what's happening (or not) in my world and there will probably be the occasional criss-cross of information or an occasional picture of a doll I may currently be working on, but this blog is to mainly showcase the cards I've created and "stuff" that's related to cardmaking.

To bring this new blog up to speed, I've already downloaded all the info from the blog-gone-bad onto an external hard drive and will be transferring those postings to here as time permits. It's a tedious task for sure, but I know of no other way than to move "stuff" over kind of piece-by-piece. It may take a little bit of time to recreate mainly because I work a full-time job outside the home and time is somewhat limited, but I'll do the best I can as quickly as I can.

Thanks for stopping by.