Origami, what?

Only truth on this blog, the following is a case in point.

I think everything looks a little better with some Cosmo, and I often will see things out and about that I think should/could look really cute covered in it. A few nights ago we were waiting for our food from a local restaurant Noodles and Company. I spied the take out containers by the drink machine and decided that I had to have one of those. Dh asked the man at the cash register and he said we could  have it. Of course I got the crazy look for dh for wanting something like that.

I took the take out container home and cut it open so that I could see how it was assembled. The first big problem I encountered was that the now open container (template) was bigger than a piece of 12 x 12 paper. So, I decided to cut the bottom of the container out first, and then piece together the top flap. I traced the template with a pencil on the paper, then I cut it all out with a craft knife, and did the same for the top. 

The next problem I discovered was that I needed to fold it, which I put my cut out paper up against the template and folded along the template lines. However, this is paper. Not glossy chipboard or cardboard. The stability of the design was inherently not as good as the template because it was paper. I had a great deal of difficulty lining up the edges, and making the folds. Securing it with very tacky tape also proved a challenge. I finished the top very simply with a tag and embellishment. I filled it with cookies, which I promptly had to consume in mass quantities to calm myself down. I don't have a background in origami. I think that was key. So, my recommendation if you are so inclined to try this: get your own take out container to use as a template and load up on some patience. And have a cookie, it will help.

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy Merry & Bright paper (2 sheets); plus Martha Stewart bell and leaf embellishment and Christmas tag by Carter.

Instructions: Use take out container as template. Trace, cut with craft knife. Fold paper along template lines, secure with strong tacky tape. Embellish the top as desired.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm thankful for my dh, J, my pug, my parents and my sister; thankful for our health, happiness, love, shelter. I could never list all my blessings, I know that there are some I don't even know about. I'm grateful just the same though. 

I'm grateful you stopped by today too.

Tuesday, can't even blame Monday

I'm always late posting on Tuesdays because we go to the food store in the morning. And oh my, what a crowd it was! We were in line for at least 30 mins to check out. Wow!

I forget the most exciting part of my weekend. I had my wedding band cut off. Yes, I said cut off. For Christmas, I asked dh to get my anniversary band re-sized. I can't wear it since I had the baby. And I like to be able to wear the wedding band and the anniversary band and not have to worry with the engagement ring. We went to the jewelers to have that done. He asked me to take off my rings and I replied that I haven't been able to get my wedding band off in years. A very worried look came over his face. He went on to tell me about interosseous muscle atrophy (my words, not his), deformation, nerve damage, etc. That sounded bad I admit. So I let him cut the wedding band off and re-size that too. You should see the indentation on my finger. I suspect it's permanent. I honestly thought they would cut it off after I left this world, it feels so weird not to have it. By the way, in case you think I've got big fingers, they re-sized my rings from a 3.5 to a 4. The cost is negligible because so very little gold is required to make that jump. Dh is overjoyed, he thinks it means more Christmas funds for him. Ha!

Here is a layout I did in 1 hour yesterday. I decided at the last second that I wanted to enter the Cocoa Daisy Diner Scrap-off. It took me less than an hour to edit/print the photo and journaling, scrap the page, photograph and upload it. I also had to register for the site too! Everything from the Studio Calico November kit:

And I made it, I'll be heading to round 2 next week. The second recipe calls for a sketch, paint and hand journaling. What was I thinking? I just thought it would be fun to do something different, didn't bargain for all this. A sneak peak of tomorrow:

Happy Tuesday!

P.S.  crowdSPRING, hire kelly purkey for your new community marketing manager! 

The highlights from the weekend, mostly random stuff.

Friday afternoon: We got J's big gift on sale at Walmart. Love rollback.
Friday night: It was cold, like 14 degrees. Yikes! Still no snow or snow flurries for me though. I never did my Christmas card photos either.
Saturday morning: We hit the sale at Toys R Us. We only got 2 toys though. J is very into Thomas the train and there are better deals on line.
Saturday afternoon: Went to several bakeries trying to order a Firetruck birthday cake for J, no luck.
Saturday night: Complained about the cold again. Tried not to think about the thermostat at 69 degrees. Wanted to cry about the thought of having to use the bathroom, the toilet seat was like ice!
Sunday morning: Rough, no sleep for me or J. Lots of tantrums, J's too.
Sunday afternoon: Finished this layout, called around to bakeries. Decided to give up, and make cupcakes myself with toy firetrucks on top. Apparently a firetruck cake is really, really stinking hard to come by. Note to self: research cakes next year first before deciding on a theme.
Sunday night: Cold, decided to bundle up in 2 sweatshirts and pants with 2 pairs of socks and the heating blanket on my lap while I scrapped. Discussed personal space heater with dh while he laughed at me.

The only thing I finished this weekend:

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Patterned Paper Oh Joy in Yuletide and Merry & Bright, Cosmo Cricket Jack Black board buttons; White Bazzil Cardstock; plus American Crafts thickers and ribbon; Maya Road Chipboard Hearts; Colorbox Scarlet ink; Sukara white gel pen.

Instructions: Cut Patterned paper and arrange on white cardstock. Apply ribbon, then add photo to the top. Secure ribbon with buttons from Jack's world Blackboard. Detail buttons with while pen. Ink chipboard hearts in red. Apply thickers as the title.


I'm off to do some laundry, since now I have to wear multiple pairs of clothing once the sun goes down. I want to make sure I have enough. Anybody else's dh into having the house as cold as a fridge? I hope you have a great Monday!

Grey Friday

So many things going on, and yet it doesn't seem like much is happening. Dh came home from his trip late Monday night. We have been trying to catch up, finalize our holiday plans and lavish attention on our toddler. We also found time to make a batch of guacamole. Life is good. 

I was so happy last night Grey's Anatomy is on. I normally hate medical shows, too much like work you know? But I've watched it for years because I love the drama, and that cast is all about some drama. I have to say though, I do not understand the Izzy/Denny storyline at all. I'm totally lost/clueless. Is she nuts? Bad timing for Alex isn't it, I mean didn't he just go through crazy with Rebecca? Just saying. 

Anyway, I love Grey's because Thursday is the one and only night I sit and watch tv. And I do all kinds of stuff during the commercials. I finished a lot of things off my to-do list that way. That makes me happy! I have ordered one thing for J's birthday day, nothing for Christmas. I keep wondering if the prices will be lower after Thanksgiving. What do you think? Do you think there will be better sales on or after Black Friday? 

Here is a quick layout, photo taken during the fall:

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Chemistry Patterned paper in Forget me not (front and back) and Head over heals (front and back); plus Bazzil Black, white and Kraft cardstock; Maya Road Chipboard Borders, Catseye Ink Creamy Brown; Me and My Big Ideas leaf with rhinestone; and Scenic Route Rub-on Title. 

Instructions: Mat white cardstock with black. Cut Square out of Forget me not patterned paper. Add stripes of patterned paper in layered fashion. Ink chipboard border (even though it doesn't look like it). Print journaling cut into stripes. Add leaf embellishment. Apply Rub-on title.

I'm considering doing a Dec daily album this weekend before November gets away, but I don't know that I want to commit to doing a page in the album everyday next month. Maybe I could do a Dec weekly album? It's going to snow flurry here today, hope to get some pictures (as I am deficit on snow pictures). Have a wonderful weekend!

S(no)w Motivation

I don't feel much like blogging today. I feel like I can't get through my to-do list and I'm frustrated. The sun goes down and it's just so cold that I just don't feel like doing much. It always amazes me, at the end of summer I have the same re-occuring fantasy that someday dh and I will live in New England, in an old farm house and we enjoy the fall there. Except, I'm pretty sure after Halloween that the whole day dream would go sour, as I really, really despise the cold. I saw some snow flurries yesterday while I worked on this layout. Appropriate I thought.

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy Patterened paper: Frosty (front and back) and Reindeer Games; Cosmo Cricket Buck Naked Ornament Chipboard Snowflake; plus White Bazzil Cardstock, Creative Imaginations Rub-on, Making Memories Cream paint, Colorbox Blue ink, and Ranger Bridal Embossing powder.

Instructions: Cut Frosty patterned paper into a square (front) , and then a 4 x 8.5 stripe (back). Print journaling on white cardstock, adhere photo and mat with Reindeer Games patterned paper. For the snowflake: paint first with cream paint. Then stamp with blue ink, leaving the edges with a little cream paint showing (distressed looking). While the ink is still wet, coat with embossing powder and shake to coat evenly. Let dry and adhere. Apply Rub-on.

I thought it was hard finding embellishments for little boys, but it's really difficult for a guy. I didn't want my snowflake to be really, really glittery so the technique I found above makes it look a bit more muted, more flocked looking, less girly. I hope.

I should put J in an outfit and take some Christmas card photos, but I'm not sure I feel like fighting with the light in the house, and it's too cold to take him outside without a jacket. This time of year is really tough for photos. Are you struggling too? With light or motivation?  Happy Wednesday all who stop by!

The Girls (a boy and a dog)

We had lots of rain all weekend. At one point me, J and Sami were caught in a cloud burst when we took Sami out for a walk. I almost couldn't see it was raining so hard. And we were moving slow, the 3 of us. Now it is very cold at night, freezing. I don't know about you, but I can't stand for my hands to be cold. I can't decide if I am better off making something to keep them warm, or if that makes it worse. I don't know, you know?

I made these cards for my grandmother. She sent me a box of China via my parents this weekend and I wanted to do something for her to say thank you. My grandmother is an interesting woman. She talks in a very small little girl voice, but she will curse like a sailor if she loses at cards. She cracks me up. These are just her sense of humor too.

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Chemistry Patterned paper Flirt and Wink (front and back); plus Bazzil brown and white paper and Creative Imaginations Girls stickers.

Instructions: Cut each Patterned paper to 4.5 x 6.5. Print text via computer or you could add rub-ons if you had some that would match.  I wanted some classic timeless girl quotes, like some from Mae West, etc. Cut white cardstock with text to 3.5 x 5, mat with brown cardstock. Adhere all layers and then add Girls stickers in any configuration you choose.

I'm thinking I might pick up a frame at IKEA the next time we go for this, I like the cards all together and I think my Grandmother would love to put something like this in her bathroom. My Grandfather died this time last year and I know the holidays will be hard for her and I want to cheer her up.  Anyone up for bring sticker sneeze back? Just checking.  Happy Monday!

If I didn't love him so. . .

Been so busy the past two days. I took Sami to the vet yesterday, for the $700 ear infection part two. This time it only cost $200. Can anyone tell me if these vet prices are unreasonable? I just have to know (appt $60, ear cytology $30, ear cleaning $25, various medications including oral and external antibiotics plus a course of steriods $75.) I love this dog, I just keep telling myself that. And I keep trying to forget how far $200 would go at this time of the year. He is resting comfortably, for a dog so nearly done in by ear infections:

I'm trying to think of a good thanksgiving post to go along with this new Scribble Scrabble layout, but I don't think Cynthia will mind me posting it early here while I think about it. The little cross stitching element was inspired by SS girl Stephanie Garbett. So talented that girl, recently won Scrapbooker of the Year UK. Such a fun little touch I think. Using the Autumn Afternoon Scribble Scrabble collection:

I've been cleaning up this morning since my parents are stopping by for a little bit this weekend on their way to visit my aunt. An interesting thing happened this morning while I was cleaning with J. I have these marble coasters (a wedding gift from my sister). I guess J went over and took the coasters and put them in his ride-on toy, in the compartment last night. Well, he broke one of them in half. I don't know how or when this occurred. I am guessing though that he must have done it taking the coasters in and out of the toy, that the weight of the other coasters flung on top of it must have done it.

Anyway, he comes over to me and takes me by the hand this morning and leads me to the riding toy. He opens the compartment and very slowly takes out one half of the coaster. He hands it to me and very sheepishly says "Uh oh." I say, "oh J." Then he digs through the compartment to find the other half. Does the same thing "Uh oh." Now, I knew at that point I had a choice. I had to choose between getting really pissed that he did this or really thankful that he told the truth. I decided to go with the latter. Since I didn't see him break it, it didn't seem right to punish him now for then, whenever then was. So I picked him up and hugged him and I told him thank you for telling me the truth. I wish it hadn't been broken, but I'm happy you told me the truth. I think that was the right thing to do, it felt right. Not bad for a little guy, he's only 23 months, and does not really having a vocabulary to say I'm sorry yet.

Happy Friday. Hope your's isn't full of rain.

In case of emergency. . .

I think there are different types of people in the world with regards to Christmas. There are beer Christmas people--oblivious, blissfully unaware, unfazed by the holiday. There are whiskey Christmas people--the holiday is just painful. There are shooter Christmas people--those that just want it over quick. There are margarita Christmas people--people just looking for an excuse to party. And then there are champagne Christmas people--those people that bubble with Christmas enthusiasm from Oct. 1. I don't know what I am. Heck, I don't even drink. But I did work as a bartender for a couple of months after I graduated college so I know about, um, people.

My sister is unequivocally a champagne person. And she demands my Christmas list earlier and earlier every year. This year the pestering started Nov. 1. More than mine, she wants J's list. Like yesterday. And this interferes with my mojo because now something seemly urgent has risen to the top of the to-do list and I can't think about anything else. So the last few days, as I am researching what to do for J's list, I decided to make Becky a present. It's just a little something I'm going to put on her package like a tag, even though here it's like an ornament. I was inspired by something she said to me while I was being bah hum bug-ing, "I wish I could bottle the Christmas spirit." Here you go love, bottled just for you:

The back says: In case of emergency--if urgent Christmas spirit needed, break ampule.  No, I don't have my Christmas tree up yet either (I would have to bathe in beads and glitter to pull that off), just lucky to have a nice pine tree in the backyard.

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Die cut ornament; Cosmo Cricket Buck Naked ornament, Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy Ribbon; plus Scrapworks watch crystals, rhinestones Michael's and misc. beads/sequins from my mother's sewing kit.

Instructions: Run the white side of a diecut ornament through printer with text. Adhere the text diecut to the back and the front diecut (a separate ornament diecut). Add beads, rhinestones/sequins to the insides of 2 watch crystals. Take the two sides of watch crystals and adhere together using strong glue adhesive, wipe off excess. Adhere to center in front of diecut.

My sister loves shiny things, but if you have someone with a sweet tooth, you could fill the ampule with holiday sprinkles in green Christmas trees, red holly berries, and white shiny looking snow sprinkles. The list is still a work in progress, I will finish it by the end of the week. So if you are reading this Bec, it's coming. Don't be mad with me. "Thrilled to be here, love you, love everything about you, thinking of being you for Halloween." xo Dani 

Happy Wednesday, hope you don't need to break the ampule today. But it's here just in case. 

Clearly

I meant to post this last night, but J didn't finally give up and go to sleep until 9 pm. And I wasn't far behind by that point. Otherwise, J really is doing so much better with sleeping. It's been quite a few weeks since he has woken me up at night for anything but a few moments. As he approaches two, I find that I am really enjoying him at this age. He can communicate a little, walk/run and feed himself. But he still loves to snuggle. His temper tantrums seem to be improving as well. Or maybe I just know what to do know so it doesn't seem like a big deal. He seems happier lately then he had in the previous couple months. I think he was begging for limits, but I didn't realize it. At 18 months, the last thing I would have thought was that he needed firm guidelines but I guess he did. 

I think this week is going to go by fast and the weekend/next week even faster. This gives me stress about the old Christmas/birthday to-do list. Here is a layout along those lines:

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy Patterned paper Wrapping paper; Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy Buck Naked Ornament Stocking; Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy Stocking die cut; plus White and Black Bazzil, an old Me and My big ideas transparency and Making Memories Ribbon.

Instructions: Print journaling and green part of title on white cardstock. Add transparency 12 x 12 cut into a rectangle. Add photo on top of transparency. Mat with Black Cardstock. Add  Ribbon on top of Wrapping paper patterned paper. Add matted Title/journaling/photo block. Tie and add bow of ribbon. Assemble Cosmo cricket die cut stocking and adhere. 

I took the picture, it was for my christmas cards last year. I was playing at the Color Me Daisy tranparency blog challenge. I love transparencies, I have a ton and I need to use them more often. I just feel like lately there are so many things I want to do, and create scrapwise. I think it is just this time of year that makes even the most organized person feel overwhelmed. Here is a peek at something I am working on today:

Hope you have a great Monday!

Weekend again

Just finished cleaning the living room. I put a hurt'in on the vacuum cleaner. I got my Studio Calico November kit Thursday, finally took it out of the package last night. I love those letters by Sassafrass Lass, those are wonderful for Fall. I took lots of Fall pictures yesterday, the leaves are almost completely down here. I know these are the end of the Autumn pics, now onto winter. The weather only gets worse from here. That's ok though, I only have 4 snow pics from last year. Where I live, you would say that is ridiculous. But we were in the middle of moving during the last snow storm. Anyway, here is a pic or two and a new layout.

And here is a new layout with Cosmo Cricket's Oh Joy line:

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy Patterned Paper Yuletide, Wrapping paper and Merry and Bright; Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy Die cut present; Cosmo Cricket Buck Naked Chipboard present; plus Black Cat's Eye ink and White and Black Bazzil Cardstock.

Instructions: Print title on white cardstock. Arrow was added in photoshop, but you could use a pen/marker.  Add patterned paper in piece meal fashion. Print journaling on white cardstock and adhere. Assemble Cosmo Cricket die cut/chipboard present and adhere. Ink top of present black. Mat with black cardstock.

It's pretty weather here, so after we run an errand this afternoon I hope J and I will have time to take advantage of it. Hope you are having a good one!

TGIF

The weather is so pretty here, I can't stay inside long. I can tell J is itching to go. I actually shut off the heat and opened a window. 

I finished this yesterday, but with all the computer trouble I set it aside to figure out how to get it into the computer. I can't decide if I want to bring the printer/scanner/faxer (beast) up here, in addition to the photo printer, or what we are going to do.  So I just took a picture for today, and the rest will work itself out later. 

I was tired of waiting for a photo of us, so I took a pic of our cake topper from our wedding. I can't believe it has survived so many moves!

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Chemistry Patterned paper Togetherness and Forget Me Not; Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy Die cut sticker leaf branch; Cosmo Cricket Rub-ons Brown "Blessings" and bird; plus Basic Grey Offbeat Chip stickers.

Instructions: Print text out on white cardstock, adhere photo and add "blessings" rub-on. Turn a square piece of Togetherness patterned paper into a diamond position and adhere on top of Forget me not patterned paper. Adhere chip stickers and Mr. Campy leaf.

I am so in love with that brown paper from Cosmo Cricket, such a  great color for this time of year I think. So muted and wonderful! The whole line is just amazing, you have to see it in person to appreciate the subtle detail in the papers. I wish I still had a LSS. Do you still have one? I only have Michael's here and I'm a little concerned. They give you 20% off your entire order (at least, last time it was 50%).  And I read in the Wall Street Journal that Michael's took out a very large loan recently. I don't know if they were doing it as a preemptive strike in the frozen credit market or if they are really in trouble. I don't want to spread a rumor or anything, that's all the paper said, was that the parent company of Michael's took out a large loan.

Have a great Friday! I'll probably be updating this weekend, I am behind in posting projects due to the computer trouble.

What a day.

I'm having an awful day, the electrical problems continue. This time my PC crashed. I'm debating even replacing it, I only use it for the scanner and to dump my web mail. Everything was backed up, save a few important emails, but the addresses are all backed up so. I'm just upset that it's one more thing that I didn't need to happen/deal with right now. 

But I did want direct you to the Scribble Scrabble blog to see how this:

Becomes this.  Scribble Scrabble blog. Hope your day is going better.

5 Random things

On my mind:

1. I think I have some sort of crazy static electricity problem. In my house 3 light bulbs have burned out in the past 2 days, and the battery in my remote control to my car is dead. We are going to Walmart today to look for replacements.

2. I am actually this far behind-still scrapping photos from my pregnancy with J. But I finished this one with the new Chemistry from Cosmo Cricket:

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket Chemistry Patterned paper Togetherness; Cosmo Cricket Chemistry die cut heart; plus White cardstock; Heidi Swapp Felt flower; Scenic Route Rub-on; 7 Gypsies photo turn; Prima Urban Cosmos Brad; Rhinestone from Michaels.

Instructions: I would call this a hybrid layout, only because instead of using black cardstock (which you totally could) I made my black box on the computer with the shape tool in photoshop. I also printed out the text via the computer. I then cut the Cosmo Patterned paper to size. You could instead mat patterned paper with white cardstock and layer over black cardstock rectangle. I used the pre-cut die cut Chemistry heart that came with the papercrafting kit, layering the rub-on and flower over it. Then I used a Making Memories piercing tool to add the brad and photo turn.

3. Debating starting my Christmas shopping, but I'm in denial about how much it is going to cost. But my neighbor put her Christmas lights up yesterday, holy crap! I got J's holiday outfits, looking forward to the photo shoot for Christmas cards.

4. I don't like matte or soft gloss photo paper. I like the look of traditional photo-type paper. This is a problem since I picked up two packages of the soft gloss on sale. Thinking of exchanging one for the photo paper. Do you have a preference?

5. Thinking about CHA. Have you been? What was your experience? Is it worth going for a designer? Looking forward to your opinions. Have a great Wednesday.

Weekend

Our Halloween was short and sweet. We waited for the sun to go down, and then J and I made it up one side of the street trick-or-treating. After that J laid down on the driveway and I took that as a sign that he had had enough. All the houses here have at least 1 story of steps to each one, so it really is a work out to go up them. J did good though, he caught on quickly to the concept. His little plastic pumpkin is half full, almost exclusively with chocolate. No skittles, sweet tarts, or gummy anything. I'm just saying.

Earlier Halloween afternoon I decided I was feeling a bit sorry for myself that dh wasn't there for the holiday. I quickly decided to douse my pity party with guacamole and we headed to Chipotle. When we pulled into the parking lot it was pure chaos. Teens everywhere, yelling back and forth to each other. Teens running out of Safeway with Reynold's wrap. Teens wearing said wrap in a bizarre fashion. They hurried past J and I into Chipotle, where apparently if you were dressed in a costume that resembled a taco or burrito your meal was free. Genius, love Chipotle. Next year I'm going to find a way to go as guacamole. Or at least a taco. I am.

Saturday I decided that I needed a flu shot. J already got his earlier in the month. I'm not sure why I thought that would be a good idea, it ended up being a weekend killer. If you haven't had it yet, a couple of points about the flu shot. I've had them every year for almost 10 years now and this one was the worst for me yet. The worst arm pain, instant, unable to lift my arm over my head for 24 hours, still sore now 72 hours out. Major arm pain. Second point, this is not the shot you want to get first thing in the morning. I was exhausted instantly, like before I ever hit the door to go home. I don't know how I made it through the evening, and I was passed out in bed at 7:45pm, about 15 mins after J. I felt better after sleeping for 11 hours, but still. Brutal, that's how I would describe it this year. I looked it up in my Rx resource and they changed all 3 flu strains in the vaccine this year, a first for them. But all that said, it is important so don't let any of this deter you, just get it in the afternoon.

Here is the layout from Memory Makers Magazine Nov/Dec. :

I know it looks digital, it's not. I used the whole page of rub-ons from Scenic Route. Have a great Monday!