Basket ful of Surprises....

Did that get your attention? The only surprises are: 1.) I've posted 2 days in a row and 2.) I started and finished a project within a couple days of this post. I got this tutorial from Splitcoaststampers. They provide full color, printable instructions for this fun project.

It is made from one sheet of 12 X 12 paper, brads, ribbon and glue stick. However, I think when I try it again, I think I will just use sticky tape. I am too impatient to wait for glue to dry. I want to keep on working. I love the fact that it looks like a Longaberger Button Basket.

For a first try, I think I did OK. I need to be a bit more careful with my measurement and recommend have paper clips on hand to keep the strips steady when you first start to weave. Typically, I am pretty fussy about showing my work after the first try. This time...I am pretty pleased. By the way, the bunny is optional! :)

Enjoy!!

PS Yes, it is easy enough for me to show you how to make it if the directions are overwhelming.

Outside my comfort zone...

This Christmas (I know right before Easter.), I wanted to make something very special for my mother-in-law. She is such a special lady. She's such a family oriented person and has welcomed me into her family with open arms. I should mention she is not Tyler's mother. His father passed away many years ago. Liz has ensured that Tyler and his siblings continue to be family. We are so lucky to have her in our lives.

I love my punches and my Cuttlebug. So, I created a wintery theme just using those punches surrounding and Acrostic poem I wrote for her. Liz loves wintertime. So, I know this will be prominent in her house. It was so fun and easy to make. But, this was a challenge as this was my first attempt as creating with just punches.

So, take a chance and do something out of your comfort zone. You might find you like it.

Going Bye Bye...

So, today is a big day. My oldest niece Taylor and I are off to North Conway for girl time. There is a Hampton Inn with an indoor waterpark and plenty of SHOPPING. Our original plan was NYC, but decided it might be better when the weather is less unpredictable (i.e. SNOW). I have to say, this 12 year old girl is easy to please. When I told her about plan B, her response, "YEAH, we are going shopping!!" She's been brainwashed since birth.

I am truly excited to spend this time with her. She's at an age where she still loves Tantie, but spending time with her friends is more important. I understand that as I am sure I was exactly the same way at her age.

I am off to pack, but wanted to keep up my momentum with the 'blog thing'. Have a great day!

Blog Banner

These images are courtesy of A*Muse Art Stamps 2008. I am working on the cropping of this photo as it is intended. I am doing my best during my vacation to be diligent about keeping up with this blog. Maybe learn how to use Photoshop and create a watermark. (Between "us", I've been ridiculously addicted to Facebook, but that's an entry for another day.)

Anywho, I have a modified creation in the works. Must check with the originator before I can post...it is in prototype phase. Driving me nuts actually. Still, changing the blog banner makes me feel like I have something checked off the list.

Hang in there, I WILL be back.