WoodINK

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #88

2011-01-27T13:37:00.001-08:00

Isn't he a handsome little fella, I just went all warm and squishy inside when I found him. I picked up this marvelous book at a thrift store for the unbelievable sum of $1.99 titled... ummm ... dagnabit!! I am in Portland at my daughter's house and the book is in Marcola in my craft room. When I get home I will contact anybody who wants to know with the name.

Back to where I was going. This book is a marvelous collection of photos taken by a local artist. When everyone else was taking very stern almost sad looking portrait photographs, his are more candid and relaxed. The photos are so amazing and such a slice of life. I picked it up to use the photos as I have done here but have only managed to remove a few from the book. It is just such a pleasure to look through it that I find myself thumbing through the pages and saying hi to my old friends.

I am entering this card in Priscillastyles sketch challenge #88. I used Hero Arts Butterfly Flowers to stamp a border along one side of this patterned paper. I then colored in the flowers with a water brush and distress ink in Victorian Velvet. I figured a Victorian photograph deserved a Victorian color...
I also used the stamp plus a few others on cream cardstock. After warming them up with vintage photo (again appropriate), I used the same water brush technique to add a touch of blush.
The butterflies are punched from scraps with a Martha Stewart punch and then glimmer misted. To give them a hint of a body, I used the water brush and distress ink down their backs. I think it helped define them a bit.

I taught a great class last night. Great because it was jam packed with a marvelous group of talented women. Just being around them made me feel alive and inventive. This morning I felt alive, stoved up and a bit grumpy... but that is quickly wearing off as the sun is shining brightly and I have another class tonight! I will post pics and a little more info if I remember. Last night the camera set on my table behind me all night... sighing, waiting to be noticed... coughing a bit now and then... clearing it's throat...ahem.. ahem.. alas... nothing. If I forget it again tonight, I am afraid it will divorce me. Some cameras just take it so personal. Geeze.

anyhoo.... This week party, next week doctors...ugh.

as always, ENJOY! the oz

Midnight Madness after midnight....

2011-01-20T03:07:00.000-08:00

Yes I was up way past my bedtime for this one but I am an adult now and should be able to pick and choose my bedtimes...right? Ok so not so right if I wanna get anything done the next day but the cut out idea slammed into my head right after my head hit the pillow. If you are anything like me, you might as well get up 'cause ya ain't gonna get any sleep now anyhoo!!!

The Midnight Madness Challenge over at Priscillastyles, is a weekly sketch challenge. This week the sketch look something like this. Not exactly like this but then you know me... not one for following the rules to closely. Priscilla gives you a choice of 2 sketches. Basically the same layout just one is fancy frilly and one is scaled down or "Clean and Simple". My card falls pretty much right smack in the middle... go figure.

I started out with the cut out idea alarm going off inside my head. Once I had managed to do that with an exacto and ruler, things started to fall into place. The pattern paper is an oldie but goody from the Current store days. I loved the bargains I got when they closed down but I kinda miss em. The kraft heart had to be stamped twice, my sister still has not returned my white ink pad and the cream just didn't show up as nice. I flipped it over and stamped it with Antique Linen distress ink. After I adhered it to the card, I remembered the cut out part. Truthfully, having the cream poka dots show through looks nice, so neener neener neener....

So this is officially my 3am entry for the MMSC #87.... now I can sleep. I hope.

As always, ENJOY! the Oz

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge

2011-01-15T19:05:00.001-08:00

I have a friend on the The (scrap)Beach who is all giddy about this Priscillastyles challenge site and her newly appointed design team status... can ya blame her? Congratulations Dawn, well deserved for sure. I told her I would try and play along with a couple of the challenges and here is my first entry.

My entry started with a plain white piece of card stock and their sketch. I just love to start that way, my mind starts spinning and smoke comes out my ears..it can be rather exciting! After cutting out a tag shape, I slapped some distress ink on my craft sheet and spritzed it with a little water. After cleaning up that mess with the tag, I set it aside to dry.

Ok, little less smoke now but still wheels are turning.... I grabbed up my cling vintage notebook and plopped it down on my workspace. It opened up to the page with the hot air balloons on it so I am certainly not one to fight fate. I don't believe in expending the kind of energy it would take for that battle. So I just grabbed up some ink and stamped away on the left over card stock. After playing around for awhile I just trimmed away everything I wasn't thrilled with and the rest is what we call background.

Warmed up the edges of everything I could get my hands on (including the cat) with walnut stain distress ink and started layering things up. I truly wish all cards were this easy.
The chain is a EK Success punch, sentiment is a $ stamp I liked and kept around and the flower is a left over from an album I am working on. This card just really wanted to be and who am I to tell it no.

So Midnight Madness people, I hope you enjoy this interpretation of your sketch #86 because it was completely out of my hands .....

as always, ENJOY! the Oz

keep on hopping!!

2011-01-14T05:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry no pic to post today but the Hero Arts blog hop is still going strong and I happen to know that today is gonna be the best projects ever!!! Hop on over to Hero Arts blog to start and prepare to be amazed!

I am at the hospital today having a battery of tests run. I am most likely being poked and prodded as we speak! Unpleasant thought that is! Please cross your fingers and toes for me. If they find gold, I will split it with you.

as always, ENJOY! the Oz

Happy Hopping Thursday My Friends ! ! !

2011-01-13T04:55:00.001-08:00

Welcome fans of Hero Arts! Having the honor of starting off Day 4 of this 5 day "Hop of Celebration" is so exciting to me. I have been looking forward to this since I first read the invitation in my email box. I saw Hero Arts and Tami and just knew it had to be good!

So far we have seen some amazing works of art. I have faith that this trend will continue!

Hero Arts is such a customer supportive company that they attract and nurture talented people. Over the last couple of years I have had the opportunity to watch and enjoy the process of learning and perfecting your crafting skills. I personally thank Hero Arts for letting me be a tiny part of that.

The blog hop starts here today with this card that I made using the most beautiful Bird Collage stamp #K5503. Hero Arts has so many wonderful collage style stamps in their catalog, but this one I am sure will be come a classic. The beautiful flowers and strong bird image are only enhanced by the vintage writing and graphic designed gracing the background. I have always been a fan of the etching style of illustration and this bird is no exception. I am glad it is now in my collection of stamps and I can assure you it will taste ink many times over it's lifetime.

I simply stamped the image 3 times and fussy cut out the bird, large flower and both leaf stems. On the "intact" image, I colored everything I was going to layer with grey and brown to enhance the shadow effect. I added a little extra shading on the branch and birds tail also. Then with just the lightest pencil coloring to the cut out pieces, I glued the parts back in place. The only item I used pop dots on was the large flower and that is just one very small piece in the very center. I am very pleased with the final look and I can only hope you are also.

Please remember to leave a comment or two in your travels as it means so much to those you visit and there are prizes to be won! Also if you happen along a broken link, please go back to the Hero Arts blog for the master list of sites to be visited. Then take a moment to contact Tami through her email tami@heroarts.com so we can get that fixed post haste!

This blog hop is in honor of our friend Mike who is battling cancer. The world is simply brighter with Mike in it and ours words can not express our appreciation to Mike as a business partner and friend. The Hero Hostesses will be sending Mike and his family some of the cards shown during this weeks blog hop.

Now it is time to hop on to Donna's wonderful blog and be dazzled and amazed....

Now be off with you and ENJOY your day!!! the Oz

a touch of shimmer....

2011-01-12T01:44:00.000-08:00

It is amazing what just a touch of glimmer, shimmer, shine will do for a person. Run your car through the car wash and see if it doesn't run just a tiny bit better. I know I could use a good buff and wax myself. Would cheer me right up!
The card is mostly muted soft blended tones but then there is just that touch of glimmer. A tiniest refraction of light... just a wink.... just a hint.

The Hero Arts Blog Hop is continuing through the end of the week and as impossible as it seems, it just keeps getting better and better. Tracey, V, Arlene and Sue are in line to amaze you with much more than just a hint of glimmer....

Start out at the Hero Arts Blog and enjoy your trip down Talent Lane.

as always, ENJOY! the Oz

Hop on hopsters....

2011-01-11T04:10:00.000-08:00

Oh my yesterday was so exciting! I am still beaming with the great job my hostess sisters did and there is more today !!!

I used the Hero Arts Find Joy clear set on this card. This set has some really interesting sentiments as well as the tried and true Happy Birthday and Thank you. I honestly think you could cover every occasion with this one set.

The gear under the paper rose is from a Sizzix die and the flowers are from Wild Orchid Crafts. I used a little glimmer mist to doctor up the gear, flowers and even the background. Thanks to my friend Kathryn over on the (scrap)beach, I now own several bottles of glimmer mist.

I want to thank everyone for all the comments left here yesterday... I was so thrilled to see everyone!! And Rosemary, I did fall off a bicycle just this last summer... lol

get out there and blog hop and I will see ya all tomorrow... as always, ENJOY! Oz

I love Hero Arts

2011-01-09T19:41:00.001-08:00

Hero Arts is hosting a 4 day blog hop this week and I am going to help!... You will need to check out the Hero Arts blog for all the details, but I can tell you there will be prizes, inspiration and more!!

Although it starts on Monday morning with 5 fabulous past Hero Hostess', my day will be Thursday. I managed to make more than one entry, so I hope to post something everyday. There is an entire weeks worth of unbelievable talent to enjoy, so be sure to hop on over to Hero Arts!

Here is my first project using the brand spanking new 2011 stamps! To create this gift bag I stamped the bottom section and tag with H5489 Butterfly Flowers. This is such a graceful flower design. Wanting to pick up the lighter color in the stripe paper, I colored in the flower design with a white colored pencil. It is very subtle, but made a remarkable difference in the overall design.

I hope you enjoyed my project and will come back Tuesday for look at another great stamp from Hero Arts.

as always... ENJOY! Oz

p.s. I am so out of practice..lol I hope by Thursday I can get my act together...cross your fingers for me.

just a hundred or so....

2010-12-02T21:36:00.000-08:00

There I am, teeny tiny hair and all, making up Christmas cards and talking up a storm.
I spent an entire week at my daughters house over Thanksgiving weekend and enjoyed every moment. Will never forget this time together.

My daughter designed these Christmas cards last year. Her inspiration came from Tim Holtz's 12 days of Christmas tags. We have been planning this out for basically the whole year. We forgot to plan in that I would be unable to lift my arms up and that she would have her gall bladder removed the Tuesday before...great planning.
Ahhh, it all worked out in the end and we really had a marvelous time. Nothing better than wearing jammies and making girly jokes while creating. Life is marvelous!!

as always, ENJOY! Linda aka Oz

Wow is it dusty in here.....

2010-12-02T21:32:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, I can't believe it has been so long since I posted anything on here. I know I have been a little busy and a few things in my life have been distracting to say the least.. but shame on me for not keeping this little bit of fun up and going.
Whata ya say we give it the old college try and pump some life back into it.

Enjoy, the Oz

Beastly Butterfly

2010-05-28T03:59:00.001-07:00

Well Barb has done it again..... how the heck do you make a butterfly Dark, dangerous and beastly? My answer was to have him threaten somebody. That is a beastly thing to do, don't ya think!
My high flying female, who is about to be dropped in this field of deadly shrink-ray violets, is from Scroll Works Rubber Stamps. If you haven't visited this site yet, you too may find yourself dangling above a dangerous situation!

I do hope you find a little beastyness to my butterfly and I hope you check out all the other fantastically beasty flutters at Haunted Design House.

till next time, ENJOY! Linda

that voodoo that yoodoo so well.....

2010-05-16T01:52:00.000-07:00

My sister Paula and I worked side by side in my little shrinky dink craft space and whipped up this creation for the current Haunted Design House challenge. Barb is testing our voodoo knowledge this week. Her instructions were as follows: Images and/or sentiments of the voodoo persuasion. Witch doctors, medicine men, deep south voodoo...

The first thing I thought about was women all dressed in white dancing and gyrating the night away. Stimulating and stirring up the blood. The second thing was a small table in the corner of the room covered in bottles, bowls, candles and chicken bones. Dried ingredients mixed to conger up the perfect spirits to protect your home. A blessing or two mixed in among a spell cast on that darling man who passes out the hymnals on Sunday. Nothing bad, just a nudge my direction.

My sister, Paula, had also thought of the shrine(although after I did) and so suggested me make it together. What fun!! I love crafting together! We will labor and work away making "MY" entry into Barb's weekly challenge.... whoo HOOo!
Now remember this is MY craft room, MY paper, ink, stamps, scissors and most tools!! Basically even MY idea!!!! So do you agree it should be my entry??
I even have the law on my side... Possession is 9/10th of the law...RIGHT!!

So when you stop by Haunted Design House to check out all the marvelous entries this week just remember, that one that looks like my card.... IS MY CARD!!

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

oh UP-DATE UP-DATE!! go here and see what Paula is saying about MY card now!

cheer up!

2010-05-09T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Hugs from the Oz. A quick up-date: I am still struggling with energy levels and clarity of thought. I tend to get very foggy and forgetful when the oxygen levels are low..... go figure! All these years of being an air head are not paying off.... hehe. Thank you so much for the continued love and support that I keep receiving. I know I am not around much but I will be as soon as I can. I PROMISE! I miss you all way to much not to be.
I also have a "beg for understanding" to ask. At first I was trying to send back thank you notes and such for all the lovely cards but I find myself strapped for funds. With the missing work and mounting doctor's bills. PLEASE, do not send me money, I am not asking for that. I do ask that you understand I really appreciate the cards, letters, emails and hugs, I just can't mail a lot of stuff right now. This is my problem with pride more than anything and I now that I have faced it, I will send more thank yous with email.

I started this project with blank cs and stamped tons of HA stamps on them to decorate them up. I used chalk ink for tone on tone colors. I have been wanting to make one of the little pennant banners for a couple of weeks now but I didn't envision making one quite this small...hehe

Please enjoy! Linda aka Oz

2010-04-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

I found the work of illustrator Travis Louis and just had to share. Some amazing work here.

till next time, Enjoy the Oz

divas and zombies and paperdolls ... OH MY!

2010-04-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

Once again the High Priestess Barbella (I bet that brings out a comment!)at Haunted Design House has tossed down her gauntlet like black lace glove. Those of us who could bend over (toss it on a table next time... please), rose to the challenge of creating a:

Walking Dead Divas

You are to create a dark, Gothic, or Halloween page, project or card using images/sentiments of o-so-girly zombies!! Blingy, pink, flowery (or not)... let's see those ladies of the day & night...
uh... I meant that in a totally non-hooker type of way ;)

So let me introduce you to my Zombie Zelda paper drool, I mean paper doll. She comes with 2 extra outfits and tons of accessorized body parts.

till next time, ENJOY the Oz

whirlwind...

2010-04-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

that is how my life is going right now, completely out of focus.

I am like this great big momma hen trying to get all my chicks back under my wings and just about the time I think I have them all tucked and filed away neatly I find that 2 or 3 have escaped and another is ready to pop out! Arrrgghhhh!! I am so not a chaos person. I like my schedules. I like my boring little life to be practically the same week after week! I like knowing what I am going to be doing in two weeks so that I can plan a little about how it will happen.

Please dear goddess all of things right and whole, put my life back on it little rusty track and let me ramble on.

My life now includes emphysema. What this appears at the moment to mean, is that I will never again not be short of breath. Ok, I can deal with that right. I now have a good excuse for not training for a 20k marathon. simple... right. No, apparently it means more than that. I don't have all the facts yet, but I will. I hope.

What I really need now is to know that this is it. This is wear it stops. This needs to be what I have and no more, "well we thought it was.........but now we think it is...." What has happened to me is I have gone from allergies, to worse than usual allergies... ummm.. to bronchial inflammation to congestive heart failure to ... (please be the last) emphysema. This has been in the last 6 weeks.

If anyone out there in blogland has the magical ability to make this dervish I currently am calling my life stop spinning... I beg of you.. please. Pretty please.

I know deep down in the dusty logical parts of my brain that I am still extremely lucky and should just be thankful I wake up above ground. Look at me for heavens sake.. I have and am typing on a computer and having it go out over the entire planet! I do know this ... somewhere, deep down there..... I just need a a tiny bit of focus to bring it back to the forefront.

Ramble, ramble... vent. Ok... done.

On with the show!

till next time, the Oz

photo credit: Églantine on flickr

Journey box

2010-04-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

Last weeks challenge at Haunted Design House was titled "Freakin Free For All!". Now doesn't that sound fun? And I am sure it would have been had I played along. But nooooo !!! I choose to lay around the house, gasp for air and whine about being tired. I tell ya it is all about the choices we make.
This week the challenge is Grim gift boxes that had a least one flower. Although this is not to terribly dark or grim, IT IS FINISHED!!!!
I am very please with this flower. This is made from 3 different dollar store flowers that I have torn apart. The flowers started out as red, pink and bright white. I used walnut ink antiquing spray, Color box chalk ink and Perfect pearls in water to accomplish this. Each layer is stamped, sprayed, inked, mussed and fussed to perfection.

I am now going to head off to lay down again, sorry but I am just so darn weak these days.

till next time, the Oz

funny bunny

2010-04-03T04:10:00.000-07:00

What do you call a desk full of bunny cards? According to Barb at Stamp It Crazy, that would be "challenge".

I have made these fun bunny shaped cards several times over that last few years and enjoyed them every time. They just come to life while you are working on them. Before you know it, you have cards hopping all over the place! .... but then there is those little unexplained raisins.....

Enjoy! till next time, the Oz

Somber Shakespeare

2010-04-03T02:48:00.000-07:00

Do you realize how often we use a Shakespearean quote without realizing it? Neither do I, but it is often!
This week on Haunted Design House, Barb challenged us to use a quote from the Bard in a dark and mysterious way. I believe abuse of power is the darkest of the dark arts.
The background was achieved by spritzing water on Ranger's Distress ink. The trick is that the cs has a glossy surface.

till next time, Enjoy! the Oz

Yes, she is sinister!

2010-03-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

If you don't think that sweet tiny little cat with those beautiful piercing blue eyes is not sinister, try living with her! I dare ya! Oh sure she looks all lovely dovey and cute. Oh sure she rubs her body and wraps her soft little tail around your leg while uttering those soft sweet sounding little meows. Sure she will even suck you in with her soft little purr while she nudges her face under your chin. Sure she does all these wonderful little things... while she is plotting her next attack on your ankle! OR WORSE!

Just how sweet would you think she is when she jumps up on your lap and drops a HALF dead mouse in your hand? Uh.. you still going "ahwwww isn't she cute"?

Well let me tell you, I love her and don't wanna be without her in my life right now but she is not the princess that she professes to be. But maybe part of her preciousness is the fact that she does profess to be a princess(a princess of the highest order in fact). So yes she is sinister and very precoioucs but so damn darling!!!

Haunted Design House

Till next time, the Oz

hold still dolly....

2010-03-17T01:42:00.000-07:00

or spanky spanky....

I do have a soft gooey center. I just could not make this any darker...

I will have another go at it. Maybe watch a scary movie first.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

to little.... too late....

2010-03-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

I was admiring (translates to pilfering) my mom's rubber stamp stash and came across this tiny little naked doll. I do so love dolls. And if you were ever a doll person you know that most dolls do spend a lot of naked time between outfits. Some dolls seem to spend most of their life naked.
I was so drawn to this lovely little image of this bisque type doll, I just knew I had to use it.

so that is the "to little..." part. Now on to "the so darn late on everything" part.....

Barb at Stamp It Crazy chose Favorite Song for her challenge last week. I was going to put this card up for "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns and Roses but between work and that boring old need of sleep did not get it posted in time. Miss #1.

Barb at Haunted Design House did the theme of Devilish or little devil... not an exact quote... but close. I wanted to finish this card and thought I could change her up just a bit to fit the theme. It turns out that today is Spring Ahead day and Barb lives in some other time zone... Miss #2.

Like a brilliant flash of an old friend... memory... I thought of another challenge it would fit and while it would have fit perfectly.... that challenge closed last Thursday... Strike OUT!

So while I love this little card, even with the smudgy dolly arm, she will not be out there in Challenge world for all to peruse. She will stay here in my little blogland planet answering the life long question.... "What in the devil are you up to child?"

"Nothing Mommy, just playing dolly."

till next time, Enjoy. the Oz

stuck inside ...

2010-03-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

but not pouting about it! And why you say? Well because I have a ton of product just waiting to get used up in the best possible way. Ahhhhh my kind of heaven! Time and craft crap!!!!!

Yesterday was a beautifully sunny day, I know that because I could see it through the window. Today is a beautifully hazy gray day and once again I know because I can see it through a window... but this is my craft room window and that makes all the difference in the world!

That little quivery shaking feeling that had you a bit worried that perhaps it was an earthquake... no need to worry. Is just me Happy Dancing !!!

till next time, ENJOY!! I am.. the Oz

do you remember...

2010-03-05T22:55:00.000-08:00

a time when all of life seemed to be a series of unanswered questions. Teen angst is the challenge theme on Haunted Design House.

All I could think of was confusion, anger, pain and more confusion. I don't think that was the best decade of my life.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

pat on the back

2010-03-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

My blogland friend Barb from Haunted Design House also sells "The Angel Company" products. She was just promoted to a Team Leader! To celebrate this awesome promotion, she is offering up some blog candy. All you have to do is leave a comment! Easy peasy!

Check out what we call her normal blog here: fosterdesignhouse

I am on the CASE

2010-03-04T22:23:00.000-08:00

Anne's blog is inspiring as-is, what an amazing photographer! But now she challenges us to C.A.S.E. one of her cards. CASE stands for “Copy And Selectively Edit” or “Copy And Steal Everything”. I prefer the old standard... "make it your own!"

I went over Anne's photostream, what a pleasure, I encourage you to spend a little time there too. Anyway, while I was there I noticed that Anne likes to make up the backgrounds with Distress ink as much as I do. Ah Ha!! Inspiration hits .... this will be a easy peasy one!

So I sat down to "whip" out a card for this challenge. Did my email. Wrote up my grocery list. Played with the cat. She always knows when to do a "rub by". Well, what's for lunch?

So that didn't work out very well. But when I did sit down later and I picked up this new butterfly stamp to put it away and remembered that my last card for Anne had butterflies on it. I brought that pic up and next thing I knew I was stamping and clipping and sponcing away.

Inspiration is a funny thing. It comes in waves, sometimes tidal, some times lapping at your toes. It recedes away but it comes back. You just have to remember to enjoy the times in between too.

Thank you Anne, for inspiring me, for sharing your marvelous photographs... for being you.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

well some of us have to look the same...

2010-03-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

or there would never be a crowd to "Stand Out" of.

Grandma Barb, at Stamp It Crazy, challenge this week is... wait for it... wait.... COWS!

What do you mean you guessed it already?

Well anyway, I made up this card with what turns out to be the only cow stamp I own. But as luck would have it, that is about to change. Grandma Barb is giving out a cow stamp to everyone that enters. Yep you heard it here first... that is unless you already knew. So then you heard it here again!

So I ask you, what is more fun that cow tippin?... why that would be COW STAMPIN!! Break out your COWs ladies, get a card made and entered! You have until the 6th of March to enter.

I double cow dare ya!

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Olá Blogland Friends and Family

2010-02-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

Now you know how to greet people in Portuguese!

If you have a Flickr photostream you will recognize this opening. Everyday a new greeting in a different language. My fave is OH HAI! that is hello in lolcat speak... hehe

If you are not familiar with that language, you are missing out on some of the most precious pet pictures ever! Go to http://www.icanhascheezburger.com/ and take some tissue as you will laugh till you have tears running down your checks. I promise!

Now for what I really came to talk about. Flickr. I joined Flickr as a way to share photos with my Oregon Country Fair family. I never imagined I would be using it on a daily basis. Just a once a year post of some pics I took so that others could grab them easily.

Oh silly me!

Then Jennifer McGuire came into my life. Most of you reading this know who she is, in fact I would bet all of you reading this do! When I became a fan of hers, she introduced me to the "lovely ladies on Flickr" I believe that to be a direct quote. After about the third or so time she linked to them, I decided to check it out closer.

Just what was this group all about. OMG!!!! Not only did they post pictures of the cards and projects they made but... and this is the biggest BUT of all... they left comments and supported each other.

They were like little mini "I UNDERSTAND" from all over the world!

I had to be a part of this. My heart, my head, even my stomach ached to be part of this network of fellow crafters that not only understood why we do what we do but wanted to encourage others to share and understand too. So many places were limited to just one style of crafting. Some, actually most, were limited to a very "advanced" group. Alot of places I had seen were only welcoming "ARTists". Crafters were ... well lets just leave it at ... unwelcome.

Now I know this is just one group of many on Flickr. In fact, this is the Hero Arts group on Flickr and Hero Arts is a wonderful company on it own. But there is something magical about this particular group. Some little spark that I have not found in any other group.

I was made to feel welcome the very first day and still feel that way every time I go there. I have not once witnessed anyone being anything but encouraged and praised for their work, time and effort.

I am proud to be a "Crafter" and I am so very proud to be part of this Flickr group.

Thank you to my Flickr friends and family. You make my life better, easier and so much more ENJOYable!

See ya round the pool, Linda aka Oz

Winner winner chicken salad..

2010-02-21T21:29:00.000-08:00

or something like that... I don't pay enough attention to somethings. What I did pay attention to was the names that said they would like to have the embellishments I made last weekend. And the name pulled out of the hat (well actually a cereal bowl) was.... BLACKDRAGON! whoo hoo!

This is what she won....

and all I need now to make this happen is a address. Congrats Lynx.

till next time! Enjoy, the Oz

my little home

2010-02-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

and me are such good buddies. I have managed to get my shrinky dink craft space organized enough that I can work in it anytime day or night. My kitchen is actually set up enough to make a meal. And I don't just mean the microwave is plugged in... although it is.
My bed is so comfy cozy and the morning light shines on my face just enough to wake me.
My bunny likes his new blankie I made for him and my cat loves to cuddle with me at night.
Ya know... life is good.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

CLOWN ALERT

2010-02-15T19:40:00.001-08:00

I know that some of you are not exactly what you would call a "HUGE" fan of the clowns. So I am letting you know right now... DON'T GO ANY FURTHER INTO THIS POST! THERE WILL BE CLOWNS!

Ok, now for the rest of us... Send In The Clowns!!

These forlorn looking funny guys have been around for awhile. Just hanging out, doing two shows a day and eating popcorn. Waiting for their chance at the Big Top. Well their shot at the center ring is here! Barb at Stamp It Crazy has issued a clown challenge.

I used the Build A Clown set from Basic Grey Cupcake collection. I always felt that these boys were a little "MUCH" for a childrens birthday card. I had that "what were they thinking" look on my face when I first picked them up, but then I fell in love. After all my dark side is not that far under the surface.

I do hope you ENJOY, and sleep well tonite... hehehe
till next time, the Oz

may I buy you a drink?

2010-02-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

if I had a nickle for everytime a handsome fellow asked me that question, I would be ... ummm 25 cents richer? LOL The guys in my neighborhood were more likey to say... "hey, get me a beer while you are up".

That brings me to this handsome dude. All decked out in his evening wear, slicked up, bright eyed and ready to PaaR-Ty!

This happens to be a sticker from a Miss Elizabeth collection called "Cats & Vats". I picked it up at the Dollar Store a hundred years ago and stashed it away with the rest of my hoard! Oh if you could see my filing system, shudder! But lucky for me, I do have a couple of brain cells left in the "where did I put that" section of my grey matter.

I am putting this handsome fellow up for the challenge of becoming the most "Victorious Vampire" in Barb's Haunted Design House Vampy Vampyress challenge. Know I now you are saying to yourself, "that Oz has slipped a cog, doesn't she know that Vampyress means female!" Well yes I do know that, but my Vamp and I feel that is a bit sexist on Barb's part. We hatched a plan to crash this little prissy party in protest! We stand before you and declare that we plan to show you that men can put the "VAMP" back in "VAMPIRE"!

So BRING IT ON all you VAMPRISSES! SNAP!

I am feeling a little drained now, I think I will take a nap.

till next time, the Oz

to my Valentine

2010-02-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone in blogland is having exactly the kind of Valentine day they dreamed of.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

eerie inspiration

2010-02-14T04:27:00.000-08:00

Using this photo of the entrance to a corn maze as inspiration, Barb at Haunted Design House challenged us devoted followers to dazzle her with our brilliance. Well she may have not said that but I am sure she really feels that way about us.... or should anyway.
After a shudder or two from examining this marvelous photo, I realized that what truly inspired me the most was the rich luscious colors. I prowled through my patterned paper stash and found this gorgeous rich deep brown that I then sent through a Cuttlebug embossing folder for a little more texture.
After stamping the Hero Arts Scroll Tree on pieces of Papertrey Ink vanilla cream card stock (highly recommend trying some), I tried my best to recreate the warm but vibrant golden oranges of the photograph using several colors of Ranger's Distress Ink.

I have a tradition of sorts when ever I use distress inks. As part of the clean up, I like to use scraps and bits for possible future use. I have a flimsy cutting board that works great as a craft sheet for the inks. So before I wipe off what ever left over ink, I spritz it with water and drag a tag, scrap or what ever bit I have laying around. I usually just set these aside to dry and then use them up later as backgrounds or punch stock. This time I futzed a little more than usual and made up 3 embellishments and a small note card.

If anyone out there in blog land is interested in having these in their home to use on cards or projects, please let me know in your comment and I will let Mr. Random Number Guy pick next Sunday Feb 21st who they go home with.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

double duty

2010-02-05T00:28:00.000-08:00

I don't often combine challenges but this time they kind of fell in together. Everything But The Kitchen Sink's challenge was to use box tops. Box tops to me just scream KRAFT!! and I love working with kraft. So I knew I wanted to play along with this one.

The current Card Positioning System's sketch #152 was a real puzzle to me.
When I look at it, I see a hour glass shape. This shaped seems to be the top layer of the card. Then I checked out what the DT had made so far and they seem to be wrapping triangles around the sides of the card and having that be the top layer. So curious that I see the opposite.

Soooooo, being me, I decide to go with what I saw first and made a great big X to represent Hugs. I put this as a top layer and added a wee bit of Kisses off to the side.

Since I needed something to make my big ole hour glass shaped X out of... I ripped up a crackerbox and viola.... 2 challenges in one.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

sweetheart challenge

2010-02-05T00:15:00.000-08:00

Barb and Dale, at Stamp It Crazy, came up with a romantic challenge for February that includes hearts and candles. Ok so the candles stumped me a bit. Hearts and romance I can do but candles...

I thought about picking up a candle at the Dollar store and decorating it, but I didn't get to town this week so that was out.

Then I remembered that I had a chandelier stamp. Dug it out but it is so tiny.

Then one more memory happened... (and that is a big deal at my age) I have a die cut for my Sizzix that is a chandelier... ahhh haa!

I hope this is romantic and candle-riffic enough for you Barb and Dale... cause after all that I forgot the hearts. oops.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

U turn

2010-02-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I had played along with Card Patterns sketch challenge, but I thought I would give it a go again.
I had this card all set in my head using these bright bold colored flowers to go along with the new monthly theme at Hero Arts blog.

I have no idea what happened... don't ask.
yeah, I am with you.. I don't see any big bright bold flowers either... oops U turn!!

I was just working away and this is what happens all the time in my little Shrinky Dink craft room. I tell ya I am not the talented one at all. I am channeling some crafter from another dimension that just takes over and makes whatever she dang well pleases.

I was going to bring in a medium and see if we could exercise the demon but she makes such cool cards. I am kinda afraid of what I would make without her.

Anyway, this is my submission for the Card Patterns sketch #49. Maybe she will be in the mood for bold flowers next time. I wish she would clean up after herself...

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

fun with purple

2010-02-02T03:34:00.000-08:00

this week at Haunted Design House, Barb is making us abuse the color purple. Well maybe she didn't say abuse.. I might have added that in... but she did "suggest" we use tons of it in all shades.

I didn't really get in to tons of it, but I did get to playing around a bit. The first thing I did, which is unusual for me, is pull out purple ribbon. I am a patterned paper girl. When I need inspiration I go for the paper first. Not sure why I grabbed the ribbon but it is way to late in the process now to question my brain waves.

I came up with about six different cards using purple ribbon and trim. A few don't have anything to do with Halloween at all. Interesting turn of events there since I was suppose to be working on my challenge project. But I am way to old and slow to stop the flow ......

This one incorporates some trims that I have picked up here and there. The cord with the spiders has been hanging out at my place for several years now. The sequins trim is not quite as old but close. I also used my spidey embossing folder. Love that one.

This next card fostered a whole line of cards. Once I got started with the legs... well I don't want to give away all my secrets.

It doesn't seem to show up as well as I thought. Dagnabit. The legs are purple and black striped. You will just have to take my word for it.

Funny thing is, the project that I decided to entry into the challenge doesn't have any ribbon on it at all. Things that make you go .... mmmmhhh?

till next time, enjoy the Oz

purple haze

2010-02-02T03:24:00.000-08:00

and there it sat,
that purple box.
tied up with chains
and locked with locks,
and labeled
"Kindly Do NOT Touch, it's WAR" my entry for this weeks challenge at Haunted Design House

till next time, enjoy. the Oz

just me

2010-01-31T16:16:00.000-08:00

I kinda threatened to break out a picture of me in my wedding dress but couldn't find one. But in the process of looking, ran into a couple of others that I am convinced you don't wanna see...LOL

It all started here..I am the little one on the right.

I think that is a bit of ink on my fingers....yep I believe so.

At six months I was already starting to ham it up a bit.

At 5 years old... gosh I am so darn cute....

Can you believe I am only 12 in this one.. My older sister did my makeup and the guy taking the photos flirted with me and ask me how I liked high school. I am sure he was just doing his job but I was walking on air when I left the studio.

First day of high school. I remember that dress so well. The same day that I bought it, one of the stars on Laugh-In was wearing the same dress. I was so thrilled. I think it was Ruth Buzzy. Many years out of high school but still got the legs. My friend Dee is now gone, boy was she a cut-up in her day!

This is pretty close to present... but none of that color left on this head..

And this my blogland friends, is my Robert.

I love you Mr. Hanks and I miss you every day.

Thanks for letting me share a little of myself. Sometimes ya just need to let your grey hair down...

till next time, ENJOY, the Oz

dark bride

2010-01-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

a friend just told me that I fall on "the lighter side of dark". After thinking it over, I think that could be just about the sweetest thing anyone has ever said about me.

This weeks challenge on Haunted Design House was titled "Bridal Couture from the Darkside". I am the sponsor again this week, so my entry doesn't qualify but I wanted to play along anyway. I mean really... where's the fun in sitting it out... geeze louiseeee

I wanted it to look like the back of a wedding dress. Low back with pearl buttons and a bustle just where a good tramp stamp would sit...

After running the paper through a Cuttlebug embossing folder (sidebar.. can't wait to get see t!m's new embossing folders from Sizzix... love that man's products!) I spritzed it with water and perfect pearls. I spritzed the white layer also. This really gives it a beautiful shimmer.

I made the bustle with several different ribbons and a black satin ribbon rose for the very center. Applied some of my old hair bow techniques to layer the bows. I still have some hair bows if anyone is interest in purchasing one... or 20!

Although it is not my all time favorite card I have ever or "ever to" make, I think it turned out pretty good. And definitely on the lighter side of dark...LOL

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Big Big BIG news

2010-01-29T04:34:00.000-08:00

One year ago I discovered the Hero Arts Flickr group. It seemed to be a delightfully fun group of extremely talented women who wanted to share their work, ideas and love of the process with each other. I was thrilled to discover that my first impression was correct. A year later and it has practically tripled in size and yet still has the same goals and beliefs that were and are being practiced on a daily basis. I consider myself very lucky to be an active part of this group.

Several months ago the Hero Arts company saw the need for a hostess program to aid in the daily functions of their ever rapidly growing flickr group. They named several very deserving members to be their first group of Hero Hostess'. These members pioneered the program and helped set some of the guidelines and obligations for the current hostess'.

This week Hero Arts is announcing the names of their current Hostess and today it is my name on their blog. My name will be added to the list of 20 other crafters, all of which I admire greatly. I am touched deeply by this honor. Terribly proud to know my name will forever be part of that list.

We all know that soon I will be cracking jokes about this, because that is what I do. But for today, I am a teary eyed and a bit speechless.
Thank you to Hero Arts. I wear my apron proudly.

ok ladies ...

2010-01-28T23:21:00.001-08:00

I know that all of you are sitting around saying to yourself "ummh? What should I buy for my friend Linda this week?"

Ok, ok... stop laughing now, you could soil yourself laughing that hard.

But just in case you haven't heard and did want to know what to get for your darling friend...

OMG... can you believe this. 12 more delicious colors of that most marvelous ink product. I am in heaven!!! I can not wait to get my hands on these...

Oh and ladies, since you are all whipping out your credit cards as we speak... make sure that t!m himself delivers them...ok... pretty please...

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

so much missed...

2010-01-25T16:33:00.000-08:00

As some of you have already learned, my computer became very ill and spent some time in the intensive care unit at the Puter hospital. I almost lost it. My puter I mean. Although, I did come very very close to losing my mind completely while it was away.

My computer is more than just a fancy solitaire game. It is my TV, radio, personal shopper, birthday reminder, phone book, recipe book, mail box, ego stroker, photo album, telephone, bulletin board, bill payer, tax accountant, and so much moreeee!!!

I was lost in a very sad, grey existence. I had to resort to washing dishes and scrubbing floors to keep myself busy! Ladies this must never happen again, EVER!

I did manage to make some cards up and I am sure I will post those too, but first I wanted to post some challenges that I missed out on.

Why you ask? I am not sure, I just want to.

Stamp It Crazy has a brand new blog and her first challenge was to make a Pepsi card. This was my inspiration.

And this is the card I created from it. I wiped the blue card base with white ink on a makeup sponge. With every wipe the sponge turned more blue. I guess that paper is not exactly "set". I was really surprised how easily the color came off. I liked the end results but it sure did make me wonder about the paper.

Haunted Design House had "Fallen Angels" as the theme last week. Inspired by my cat Baby Girl, who can go from angelic to demonic in 2 seconds flat, I created this card.

Lucy's super sweet blog had a monochromatic challenge. This was to be my entry.

Everyone has current challenges going and I so encourage you to check them out and play along. I for one will be jumping right back in and posting away.... as soon as I catch up on my 206 emails....

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Ding Dong.... Round 3 ends with a big KO

2010-01-12T18:20:00.001-08:00

I have truly ENJOYED this little challenge between Hannah and myself. It is hard to make up as many "things" as possible with supplies from someone else. If I had to put the package together... well I would like to think I would have been able to put ... well maybe not. I guess it is hard no matter what end you are on.
I was getting a little discouraged towards the end. I had originally planned to make a candy box and maybe a bag and tag but I didn't plan ahead enough.

What I did plan on was having fun and that I had tons of! All together I made 13 cards. Wow, really? 13? That is pretty impressive if I say so myself...and I do!!!
I do have some advise for those of you thinking of doing something similar. DON'T! No just kidding. My advise is do a "plus 2" card bases don't count. Hannah and I did a "plus 1" and it is very hard. As soon as you stamp something you have used up your one. whew, tough. But FUN!

Thank you Hannah. Can't wait till we spar again!!

till then, ENJOY! the Oz

eerie elegance

2010-01-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

As my BFF's (best faithful followers) you know that I have been having a lot of fun playing over at Barb Fosters' blog called Haunted Design House. Her weekly challenges are fun and a bit quirky. That fits me to a "T".. I have the honor of sponsoring this week's prize. Now doesn't that sound like I have passed into the big time? I am so fancy smancy and all. What it really means is that I found some really good deals after Halloween this year and I love sharing!

So my dear BFFs get out your stash out and make a card to entry this week. All the details are here and this is an challenge that everyone can sink their teeth into. Show me some love ladies.

Although I can't win, it would save me postage but it just wouldn't be right, I have made up an entry. Ya know 'cause I just love to play along.

I was trying to make a duplicate of the card I made for Lucy's wedding only in black. But there was no way to photograph it. I am just not that good with my camera... at all! So I played with some gray on gray and this is what grew. Never meant to go all Valentine-y but these cards have a mind of their own. I just sit and watch it happen.... all zombie like... slacked jawed and drooling.

Now doesn't that draw a glamours picture of me!

Check out the details and play along. See ya on the dark side...

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

trouble, trouble... boil and bubble ...??

2010-01-10T00:28:00.000-08:00

That's not quite how it goes but you know what I mean. This weeks challenge at Haunted Design House is Violet, blue and copper with ribbon, flourish and image of your choice.

My image of choice was one of my favorite flourishes from a Fancy Pants set. After stamping the flourish on patterned paper, I heat embossed with clear powder. This allowed me to darken the paper with black and purple ink while not losing the original colors under the embossed flourish.

My touch of copper came with the orange-y colored gems. Wait I meant to say COPPER colored gems!! Yeah, that's the ticket!

Barb has made some marvelous tweaks and additions to her challenges. One change is the addition of prizes. Who doesn't love to win goodies! If you haven't checked out her blog yet...why not? Get in on the fun and play along. It only hurts for a sec...hehe

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Ding Ding... Round 2 Oz vs Hannah

2010-01-06T18:39:00.001-08:00

This will be possibly my longest post to date as I managed to make several cards for the challenge. I may not be able to sit for a week, but I mostly stand at my job anyway.

As a reminder, this challenge is to make as many "things" as possible out of one prize pack that Hannah and I received. We can add a plus 1 per "thing" and card bases do not count.

My "plus 1" for the round scalloped card is the bow. I played a little with my sisters Copics on this one. I need to spend a lot more time on the "learning curve" ride with copics.

The heart with wings was fun. The white wings are the backing paper from the copper sticker sheet. The copper stickers are embossed and so is the shiny backing paper. I figured why not... it is everything in the package ... right? But the paper is shiny, it will not hold ink, chalk, not even alcohol inks were playing nice. Then I got the bright idea to turn in over. Hey debossed is a good look too! And the back held the ink like a champ! But then I remembered what the shiny side was for.... NON STICK backing for stickers. Guess how had it is to glue.....

The "plus 1" for both the heart with wings and the big butterfly cards is the ribbon.

The little 3x3 note card has a pretty little copper butterfly sitting atop the bow. Of course it doesn't show up well in the pic, but it is very sweet. I punched it out after sticking some of the bigger letters on card stock. I didn't want to damage my punch.

The Super and stars are more of the shiny backing paper from the stickers. You can see the embossing now. I punched the stars from where the swirls were on the sticker sheet. Made cool looking stars... don't ya think?

A little paper piecing for her dress... ab fab darlin...

This little scrapling has a hank of ribbon added for it's Plus 1. I just felt that roan colored gingham was a perfect match.

As for my last entry to the challenge... for today.... I have a little vintage. The Plus 1 for this card is the stamping on the circle piece. The circle piece is an old spool top from something Deborah purchased. She wrapped the ribbon she sent us on it. I stamped and distressed it with chalk ink. Pretty cool uh? Yeppers...I think so anyway.

Ok my butt and I have a little time away from the Shrinky Dink room. I promised it. Pretty sad when you have to promise body parts to get things done...!! But that is my life. Or should I say... BUTT that is my life...wink wink!

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Drop the tude dude!

2010-01-06T18:24:00.000-08:00

I am working away at this fun challenge I have going on between me and my friend Hannah when I notice that I am not being as careful with my punches and starting to throw away bigger pieces. What is up with that?

Well I can tell you what is up with that in two words.... BUTT HURTS!

I broke my "sit and spin" chair. I am trying to work while sitting on a folding metal chair. It is not the same. My butt knows what it likes and it does not like this chair!

As I am trying to make something out of this prize package, my butt is talking to me.... loudly. Now the hips are chiming in and the small of my back has it's 2 cents!

Jeeze louise....somebody is cranky!

And to top that all off, I don't believe the pile is getting any smaller!

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Ding Ding... round 1 Oz vs Hannah

2010-01-04T02:07:00.000-08:00

My friend Hannah entered my name in a contest as someone who inspired her. Isn't that just the sweetest thing ever? Then when her name was picked as the winner, we both received identical prize packages. We decided to have a little bit more fun by challenging each other to see who can make the most of their prize.

Now we slip the gloves on....

The challenge is to see who can create the most from the contents of the prize. Each creation can have a "Plus 1" and card bases don't count. The rules are pretty simple and the fun is the main objective.

Han is way out front in cuteness though, her first entry in the contest is just to die for. You must check it out on her blog

These are my first two entries. I had better get on the ball. I will need lots of fast footwork and a helluva right cross to win this match!

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Moonglow

2009-12-31T12:49:00.000-08:00

"The soft glow of the moon caused her to cast misty shadows on the grave sites of lost loved ones as she walked through the grave yard. She had no purpose for being there, yet somehow compelled to continue on."

Happy New Year to Barb and all my challenge buddies at Haunted Design House. So looking forward to a new year of fun, frolic and fantastic entries!

till the next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Wintery Wraiths

2009-12-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

Generally I think my cards look better on the computer screen than in real life but this one is the exception. This is my entry for Haunted Design House challenge #18 .

Barb wanted us to come up Wintry Wraiths this time. A wraith is something that is shadowy or insubstantial, ghost like.

I wrapped the grey card stock in this green shimmery tulle that gave it a very interesting texture and airy feel. I then stamped "her" face on the vellum strip with grey chalk ink. Very soft but so visible at the same time. The Believe was stamped in Versamark and embossed with a translucent satin pearl embossing powder. After tearing the vellum strip, I adhered it to the card with glue dots, then hide the glue dots by adding pearls on the top.

This card is so eerily beautiful in real life. The slightest movement makes "her" face appear and disappear. The tulle glimmers, sparkles and changes color constantly. The sentiment, being in a pearl finish, goes from matching the green of the tulle to a brilliant cream and back to all most clear with just the slightest movement. Very interesting effects.

I am so pleased with the card just not my photographic achievements...oh well next time!

To Barb, thank you for giving us another week. To Lynx, did you tell me to get my finger out of my...?? ROFL!

Apologies, analogies and Applets... oh my!

2009-12-25T21:08:00.000-08:00

Apologies first: Thank you to everyone for sending me so many beautiful Christmas cards this year. The love was oozing out of my mail box and coating everything thing in my life in sparkle and light. And that was a good thing!!!! I had so much fun the last few weeks just trying not to curl up into the fetal position and lay on the floor of my closet with the door closed until it was all over. Every card I received helped me stay upright.
And yet.... I did not mail mine.
I have this box (on the right of the photo) ready to mail, each envelope filled with a handmade card, no two exactly alike, everyone with a hand written note.. and there they sit.
I know this was part of my stress. I can't exactly explain it. Money was part of the issue, time was another. I have thought hard the last 24 hours as to how I am going to handle this and I have decided that I am first going to say I am sorry and then I am going to mail them as is.
I know that you will all be receiving them way after Christmas... hell some will be after the first of the year but that is how I am going to do this.
So, I am so sorry. Please know that your kindness to me was so important in my life at this time and so well received that I can only hope to repay you at sometime in our relationship.

Analogies: I think the first woman who every had water running up to her home started the idea of Heaven. I am sure that some of you have never had to live anytime at all without this convenience and count yourself lucky now. When we take things as precious as clean running water for granted for as long as I have, it is no wonder that life seems to stop dead when it is ripped from our grasp. Do you know that toilets don't flush well without water? Did you know that dishes requires up to three trips to the outside faucet (where luckily water still existed) in 20 degree weather!! Did you know that washing your hands in freezing cold water does not fell good!!!!! Did you know that I can be such a WHINER!!! well yeah I bet you did know that already...hehe
Well good news is that I know have a dry floor, hot and cold running water and a much better attitude towards life once more.

Applets and Cottlets: I love certain foods. I am not a huge fan of sweets but some sweets are perfection. Once a year I treat myself to Applets and Cottlets. Not the chocolate covered kind, although those are marvelous too, but the original confection. Ladies, this is decadence in a tissue lined box. I only bring this up because I needed another A word for my title but you should truly try them if you haven't yet. ahhhh love that taste.

till next time, the Oz

the great storm of '09

2009-12-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

I waved goodbye to my dreams of making all 12 for Mr. t!m this year. Well not really waved, more like mopped out!

When I arrived home, arrived safely I might add since it was ice ice baby all the way home, I was greeted at the door with a strange hissing sound followed by a heart sinking "SLOSH" as I stepped in.

Yes ladies, the dreaded "PIPE BROKE" sounds of disaster! One little tiny split in one little tiny pipe in one little tiny space that flooded one little tiny trailer...
my little tiny trailer.

So as of right now my "to do" list that did look like three days of creative heaven now looks like this:

1. Go to hardware store and stay the heck out of paint chip isle. Pray that someone who actual knows how to fix a pipe and doesn't mind sharing, is working. Purchase parts for pipe, new insulation and plastic garbage bags ONLY. Don't get anything that has the "oh I could store my ...." with it.

2. Laundromat for 3 loads of every towel I own, cat bed, throw rugs, and those 2 sweatshirts that were in the back seat of the car.

3. Grocery store for paper plates (in case this doesn't work)!!!

So ladies, tomorrow afternoon I will be sitting crosslegged on the floor of my trailer with my little trusty toolbox by my side. I will be talking, out loud, the entire time. I am sure that at some point I will be bleeding from at least one knuckle. But, I will not give up! I will have running water, from my faucet, before I go to bed Monday night or my name is not Soggy Sally!

I know that is not my name, but let's not get to carried away. I may have to bat my eyelashes and get some guy to fix some part of it.... I am not crazy! LOL

till next time, ENJOY (the sound of your toilet flushing)! the Oz

spooky sprites

2009-12-10T00:58:00.000-08:00

Spooky because mischievous doesn't start with an "S".

I found a sprite stamp right off the bat.. but now what do I do with it? It is a delicious little stamp. Looks like something off of a 1930's candy wrapper. But again, what do I do with it?

Then the "Fickle Finger of Fate" happened by. I was making these Bag-n-tag sets for a video I am doing and there was that little stamp. Just laying there. Just wondering why the heck I had not used him yet. Just kinda sighing now and then, tapping his toe a little, clearing his throat....

OK ALREADY, I GET THE MESSAGE! Geeze these little guys can be soooo annoying!

So, One more Bag-n-tag won't hurt anybody right? So I am entering this into Barb's Challenge for Spooky Sprites. Lucy's challenge for Wings and Strings. And it counts towards my Tag-along with Linda score. This is #5!
WHOO HOO!

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Video time!

2009-12-10T00:25:00.000-08:00

I can hold my head up high and declare that I made and uploaded a NEW video. But then I have to turn right around and hang my head in shame as I tell you that I have several filmed and not edited yet. I suck at editing. I like to hear myself talk. I like to talk even when no one, including me, is listening... I talk in the car all the way to town. No body is in the car with me but still I will talk...out loud. OK so now you know I am crazy. Like there was ever a doubt!

When teaching classes, I quickly learned that you have to say the same thing at least three times. You have to say this at three different times and in three different ways but you do have to repeat yourself... a lot. I fall right into this mode of communication so easily.

When making videos, you should only have to say something once because the student, or video watcher, can replay the video as many times as they like. This mode is not so easy for me to fall into.

After all that, basically what I am saying is "I suck at editing!"

But the good news is I have another video for you to watch! Link to Video
I so hope you like listening to me talk 'cause I am a talker. You know how everyone has to have a "Thing" that makes them stand out. My thing is gonna be long talky, gabby videos...hehe

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

and the crowd goes wild!!!!!

2009-12-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

as I march up the center isle with my crown and scepter... nodding to the crowd, waving wrist, wrist, elbow, then elbow! The cheering, the thunderous applause.. so overwhelming and yet... so damn delicious! As I slowly ascend the steps to the stage, I reflect on the other people who helped make this all possible. Barb, for hosting the site. Lynx for showing me what "dark" is suppose to look like. Charlene, for nudging me on while still giggling side by side. The bugs, Glow and Lady, for their fabulous contributions... ah the list goes on. I am standing at the microphone now. Shaking slightly, so excitedly short of breath, trying to concentrate on the crowd while repeatedly reminding myself..."act humble, act humble"
I have practiced this a thousand times in the mirror. Always perfect coiffed, calm but with a slight blush and glow. Take a gasp and put a hand to your chest to show your sincerity. Now, just before the crowd completely sits down... opening my mouth to speak the words I have rehearsed... "I would like to thank the academy..."

uh what...oh damn .. wrong speech!!

Ok, so I am not 18 and writing country music and I don't' have anyone jumping in and saying I don't deserve it... well maybe a few but they are so much more polite about it. I am still so damn tickled I could piddle!!

I was picked as MASTER OF MACABRE for November 2009!!!
Thank you, thank you everyone for making this possible! Especially you Mr Random Generator. You wonderfully sexy number picking thingy you. I will save you a seat at the head table..maybe afterwards drinks...ummm??

on a more serious note.. I am pleased and having so darn much fun. I encourage everyone I know to check out Barb's challenge and play along a few times. It is fun to let your hair down and stretch your boundaries. Stepping outside the box is relaxing, tax deductable and calorie free! You never know, maybe you won't bumble your acceptance speech as much as I did!

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

The Tim-ster had me at day 1

2009-12-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how but I am going to move bridges, mountains and train stations if I have to make a project for all 12 days of t!m's tags. I just love his tags. He always puts fun in his tutorials also. If you haven't been there, you should treat your self. You can also see the tags from the last two years.

I know that a lot of people say he is just selling selling selling his stuff. I DON'T CARE! I love his stuff anyway. The products that carry his name deliver the goods. I have not been disappointed with any of the products that I have tried. I can manage to get the stuff I make look darn close to the stuff that they advertise with and I can assure you that is not the case with a lot of the products out there.

This card is inspired by Day 5's tag. I don't have any of the fragments so I used UTEE on the three elements. I have ideas sketched out for three of the days, whew this is gonna be tough. Cross your fingers for me.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Tag #4

2009-12-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

Good things can come in small packages. This sweet but small tag is really just a miniature card. It has a huge heart though, don't dismiss it just because of it's size. Oh no, for shame. This sweet little tag could make a small package become the largest gift under the tree. Just with the right contents and a kind and lovely note written inside... ahhh present bliss!

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Tag-a-long with Linda

2009-12-04T00:23:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are tags 2 and 3 of the 12. This paper is from Cosmo Cricket's Lil Man line but it just smacked of Christmas to me.

With all the Yee Hawing I can muster, let me introduce you to My lil Buck-a-roo! I used one of my all time favorite K&Company lines for this tag. It is called Kazoo Kids. I purchased this years ago but have used almost every inch of it. I just love the rich colors and the retro designs. Great collection.

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Witchy Women Unite

2009-12-04T00:06:00.000-08:00

...Or at least get together for tea or something. After all we all have a little bit of witch in us. I believe I have a little more than most...hehe

I made up this card for the current challenge at Haunted Design House. This card came together so crazy backasswards. After stamping, embossing and coloring in the little witch, I cut several pieces of paper because I had it set in my head exactly how I was going to lay up this card. I had this large orange checked background with a rectangle of purple and green striped paper off to the side, then a piece of kraft with a scalloped edge and then the witch just high right center. Do you see any of that??? yeah, me neither...

The large orange check paper happened to be double sided ... I liked the other side better when I got it all ready to glue... thankfully before I put the glue on it. In fact it was when I flipped it over to apply the glue that I did the ... hey, ummm?

Well once I changed that, I couldn't put two stripes together.. well I could... but not when they are going the same direction!! So that piece got tossed. I am not sure where the kraft got lost but let's just say he didn't survive the shuffle.

Anyway, here is my entry this week. Exactly as I planned her out...sort of!

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

This is cool!

2009-12-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

I had the honor today of being picked for 1st place of the Color It challenge on Caardvarks. This is so exciting for me. I am rocking out my little RV with happy dancing and whoop whoop whooping!

I had a lot of fun putting this card together. The stamps are from a older Christmas set from Close To My Heart. It is a really sweet set but I always had a little trouble with the scale. The set has 3 different sizes of elves. Makes it hard to mix and match them. What I think helped me pull this together was when I decided to outline the card with the same style as the lines of the stamps themselves. If you look at the stamps closely, they have this little added dots and dashes throughout. Once I started matching that style, the little tingle of magic happened.

Thank you Cardvaarks. I really love being mentioned with my friends and fellow Flickr mates Tracey, Virginia, Vanessa, Jane, Scrapflower, Nina, Lea and Vera. Massive talent in that last sentence... massive amounts!

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Tag your it!

2009-12-01T23:48:00.001-08:00

It seems like tags are on every one's mind lately. From the Hero Arts challenge, t!m Holtz's 12 days of deliciousness, and my friend Elise coming down with Snowman-itis, everything is Tag, tag and TAG!

Now don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. Not one little bit. In fact I am celebrating! I love making, using and swapping tags. They are such a fun useful item. Just practically perfect in every way.

Tags can be used in so many applications. Everything needs to be tagged. I have boxes filled with useful goodies but when the lid is on them... who knows what is inside. I tag that box and a miracle happens. I now know not only what is in the box but I also know what I haven't used in the last six months because it was shoved in that box in the back of my closet.

Why tags are so useful and important they will put one on your toe when you die. Now you can't get anymore important than that! Oh no-siree-bob!

So, in honor of all this tagliciousness, I am going to try and do my own "Tag-a-long with Linda" celebration right here in my own little space I have created. My intent is to post 12 tags between now and Eve-eve (Dec 23rd). I will be making each tag new and sharing with you, my most favorite blog-land buddies, how I managed to get it made.

Now, I am off to check out day 2 with the t!m-ster! And remember.. this is the most wonderful time of the year!

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Happy Turkey Day!

2009-11-26T08:23:00.001-08:00

till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Break out the POPCORN !!

2009-11-26T07:50:00.000-08:00

I did it! I made my first video!! Me, Paula and BG! I am so GIDDY!! It took me way to many hours to film, edit and upload but I DID IT!

I can not find a way to upload it here to the blog yet so I am just giving you a link to Youtube. It is there and working and at this point that is a miracle.

The video is in 2 parts, it seems that once I start talking I can't stop. Please take the time to leave a comment letting me know what you think. I would like to make more and I am sure they will get better, but I need your input to help improve.

4 Step Background Stamping Part 1 & 2

Paula did a video too and I will give you the links to that as soon as I get them. We had a good time, very good time, you will hear us cracking up on her video.

This is how supportive BG was.
>

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Back to Normal

2009-11-23T11:05:00.000-08:00

... whatever that means? Normally crazy around here anyway. But I do feel like I can breathe a little easier this week. ... so far.

The orders are filled... YAHOO! I now have time to do things that I want to do again. I have a really problem being creative if I have to do repetitive things. I could never do a job that required me to do the same task over and over. My quality control issues suck! I have to change it up on a regular basis or I am in fog land.

I was hoping that by doing some of these challenges online that I could temper that a little. Naaahhh, just made it worse. I know now that I can just make and go any direction I want and then search for a challenge that it will fit...LOL I dont' do that but I know that I could, very easily.

I am finding that my favorite challenges are very loosely based. I do best with just a suggestion or two. Like a color, theme or object. Give me a tiny clue and let me run with it. That seems to be where I thrive. The sketches are more limiting but I still am ok if that is all it is, a sketch. When they throw in a sketch, 2 bows, a button and this stamp.. forget it sister! I am outta here!

I also find that when I get to "clogged up" in the creative side, I do the "oh that's good enough" thing. I am not happy or satisfied with the work but put it out there anyway 'cause it is close enough. Bad Bad Oz. It you are thinking of going this route... don't! This is a very bad habit and one that is harder to quit than smoking... I know I have quit smoking!

But being so much older and wiser now.... cough, cough, ahemmm I am able to recognize and embrace my faults.. or perfections as I like to nickname them. I know how best to get my juices flowing again in the right direction. For me this is as simple as completely cleaning up my work space and then thumbing through my papers. Beautiful patterned, textured paper gets my mojo in high gear. Mixing up patterns and colors. Petting them, talking to them, just loving the fact they are in my collection. Remembering when and where I purchased them... although this part is getting harder to do...ummm? I love this process. Spending time doing just this will get my mind racing with ideas. So many in fact that sometimes I get nothing accomplished ..EXCEPT the fact that I get all creative juices flowing again. Unclogging those channels is the most important thing I can do for myself these days.

I am important. Doing something that I love and gives me pleasure is important too. Paper crafting is something that gives me enormous amounts of pleasure. Evidently rambling on a blog diary does too! wink wink.

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Ghastly Gravesites

2009-11-22T23:39:00.000-08:00

It is 2o minutes until the clock strikes 12... am I in bed safe and sound...am I out on the moors, lantern in hand, shivering with cold and fear... nahhhh I am desperately trying to get at least one challenge up this week.

I have been so busy this week I have basically been working backwards getting nothing done! The hurried I go, the behinder I get!! wheww... spell check is gonna hate me tonight!

This is my entry for Barb's marvelously fun weekly challenge on HDH. Although, I owe my blog a weeks worth of catch-up, I am going to run and post this challenge before the clock hits the big 12!

edited to add: Oh dagnabit! The cutoff time was 5pm not midnight. Oh well I managed to go a entire week with out entering any challenges...poo! Look out for me next week, as I got some catching up to do! Oz

Till next time.. ENJOY! the Oz

Bizarre Beauty School Dropout

2009-11-13T16:13:00.000-08:00

You know not all makeovers are worth the money. This gal got gyped! Of course you know her only questions was "Does this card make my butt look big?"

Over at one of my fav HAUNTS, we are all trying to come up with some Beauty School Dropouts without posting pics of ourselves! That would just be wayyy to easy... oh I shouldn't really speak for the others ... should I? Bawhahahhahahhaha

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

An Award with a string attached!

2009-11-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

A string of questions that is. Sue (Stampin Sue) blessed me with an award for my little blog. This award comes with 35 questions that you have to answer with ONE word only. This is not an award this is a torture device!! Only ONE word per question. I read the question and have a paragraph or two ready to type out. How could she do this to me....

I know, quit your whining and post the list..hehe

1. Where is your cell phone? Dash
2. Your hair? Grey
3. Your mother? Pistol
4. Your father? Missed
5. Your favorite food? Cooked
6. Your dream last night? Scary
7. Your favorite drink? Cola
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. What room are you in? studio
10. Your hobby? Creating
11. Your fear? Loneliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Alive
13. Where were you last night? Asleep
14. Something that you aren't? male
15. Muffins? Apple
16. Wish list items? Numerous
17. Where did you grow up? Oregon
18. Last thing you did? Type
19. What are you wearing? Nothing
20. Your TV? Dusty
21. Your pets? Spoiled
22. Friends? Great
23. Your life? Good
24. Your mood? Pleasant
25. Missing Someone? daily
26. Vehicle? Broom
27. Something you're not wearing? Watch
28. Your favorite store? craft
29. Your favorite color? Rainbow
30. When was the last time you laughed? Everyday
31. Last time you cried? Everyday
32. Your best friend? Sister
33. One place that I go to over and over? Bathroom
34. Facebook? Nope
35. Favorite place to eat? couch

If you made it through all 35, leave a comment with this word in it (clown) and I will pick one lucky winner and send them some goodies! If you didn't make it all the way through...enjoy your nap...hehe! Thank you Sue, was fun.

Till next time, The Oz

Color Throwdown #68

2009-11-11T19:22:00.000-08:00

With all the fabulous inspiration and color combos that the ever so talented ladies at CTD "throw" our direction, I can't believe I didn't play along sooner. But then look how long it took me to start a blog.... hehe

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Starting at the top....

2009-11-11T18:14:00.000-08:00

When I posted this card on my Flickr group, I received a lot of requests for a video. Now wouldn't that be cool! Yeah I would love to do a video, more than one even. But.... I don't have a camera that will do video except for my cell phone and it was pretty lame. Yes I tried it.

So, in a effort to make myself expand and learn while I am saving up for a video camera, I have put together a tutorial. This is my first ever online tutorial, but since it is also my first ever blog...I say what the heck.. go for it!

I started out with a plan white card base, this happens to be A2 but size is not important. A piece of thin copy or printer paper (tear a strip off) and black ink. Ranger's Distress ink will work also but remember it is formulated to stay wet longer so it is even messier than pigment or dye ink.

Don't forget the application tool. For this I use a piece of makeup sponge. You can use a dried out wipe-up, piece of cloth, felt or purchased foam applicator. All of these will work but I like the make-up wedges just fine.

With something protecting your work surface (I use the rest of the copy paper) lay your torn strip across the top of your card base. I dab the sponge onto the ink pad and blot off a bit (look at the rectangle at the top right corner of this pic) just to keep from getting to strong of a line on my card face. Then with a wiping across action, I just basically swipe the sponge across the copy paper and onto the card face.

This pic shows the torn edge of the copy paper moved down a bit after I have finished my first row on the card face. Move the torn edge side to side and tilt a little as you work down the card. This will give you more visual interest.

Here you can see where I have worked my way down about a quarter of the way on the card base. I am only using one color of ink but I have achieved all these light and dark shades. I am doing nothing special. Each time I move the torn paper I dab in the ink, blot off a bit and then starting at one side, swipe across the torn paper onto the card base. That's it.

This is the entire card face completed with this method. Can you see the highs and lows, where it almost looks quilted? It is completely flat but it really does look like puffed up clouds. You do not have to use black, any ink color will do.

My next step is to mist with Perfect Pearls or Perfect Sparkles in water. This mister was purchased at Walmart for 50 cents. I then added water and some bronze Perfect Pearls. It has never clogged and has lasted me for ages. I use it a lot too. If left alone I would more than likely mist everything within reach as it leaves such a lovely soft glimmer on the surface... hey wait, I live alone, I can glimmer anything I want! Where is that cat?

After letting the glimmery mist dry, you can then stamp, glue, write upon or even spill pop (soda) on it if you want. Since you never tear your paper the same way twice, your backgrounds will be so different each time. The fact that they are different but never disappointing is what makes me a huge fan of this technique.

I swear these cards were never wrinkled, folded, creased or cussed at in any way! Cross my heart! What ever dimension you see is purely trick of the eye!

I so hope you have not only enjoyed this tutorial but that I made it understandable. Please take a moment and let me know. I can only improve with knowledge and practice...

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

With just a litle help from a friend... we can do everything!

2009-11-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

I made this card for the "Win a day on the Blog" at Hero Arts. 3 or 4 times a year (didn't do my research here) the fine folks at Hero Arts pick 4 or 5 (again with the lack of research) extremely talented folks to feature on their blog. They pick these folks from their Flickr group. All you have to do is submit your work by tagging it correctly. The current tag is "blogday2009". Easy peasy! The current deadline is Nov 30th, so I still have lots of time. Nothing to it...we are talking breeze through...

Did I happen to mention that you may only use stamps that are in the current Holiday and Cling catalogs? Ahhh, forgot to mention that part... Well up to a few days ago I had 3 stamps that fit that bill. Now, because of a lucky 2nd place win, I have 8 stamps that qualify! Whoo HOO! Now we are cooking with gas!

Did I forget to mention that 4 of those 8 are Halloween stamps???? Boy am I forgetful these days...hehe

Doesn't matter a bit! I can do this, I can do anything! I have talent, insight, tenacity! I am gonna knock their stamp making socks off!

Oh and if I don't....well I just won't get picked like the last 2 times I tried but I will have some damn interesting cards to show off!!! OH YEAH!!

till next time... ENJOY! The Oz

Support your local "GIRLFRIEND"

2009-11-08T14:01:00.000-08:00

My blog-land (but oh so much more) friend Elise has the honor of being the guest designer on The Color Throwdown for the month of November. I, wanting to do whatever I can to support her, am submitting this project for CTD challenge.

I have a friend who is under the weather, like almost everyone I know, so I made up this "Chicken Soup Makes Ya Better" gift pack. Please note there is no chicken soup anywhere close to this package, but it does have these delightful chickens that I think fit the color challenge perfectly. The colors in SU language are Dusty Durango, Always Artichoke, Soft Sky and Kraft. Perfectly yummy combo.

I covered a General Foods International coffee tin and then filled it with cold remedies. I started with some Bazzill textured cardstock. Still #1 IMHO! After treating the top with a Fiskars edge punch, I adhered it to the tin with Terrifically Tacky (TT) tape. Then I layered on some Little Yellow Bicycle pp which I "Durango-ed" up with distress ink. Here comes the chickens and some Offray ribbon. I used an Nestie to cut the ovals. One from kraft and one from them chickens. Little more distress ink and a few pop dots later, you have yourself one delightful container.

For the sour cream container, I starting with a 4x6" piece of double side pp. A light cs or double sided pp seems to be the best weight for this project. This happens to be the reverse side of the "Durango-ed" check I used on the tin.

Using the TT adhesive tape again, I made a tube. Then (and this is the trick to know part) keeping the seam about 3/4 of the way across one end, I closed up the tube. If you put the seam in the middle, when you do the other end it will be on a edge and this does not work nicely. I then filled it up and pinched the other end closed being sure to turn it halfway.

Then with a little crimping of the ends, I have one very sharp looking but unusual gift container. These are fun to give. Everyone always has to turn them over and over in their hands. A bowl of them on the table, each filled with oh... M&Ms lets say, makes for a great display and crowd pleaser. Listen to me sounding like a Martha Stewart wanna be...

Anyhoo, this is my entry. Hope you ENJOY! cause ya know I did! And to Elise... Way to go Girlfriend! YOU ROCK! http://mamacowcreations.blogspot.com/

Till next time, ENJOY! the Oz

Garishly Gleaming Glitter

2009-11-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

The name of her challenges alone sucked me in! I am speaking of the very talented Barb of Haunted Design House. http://haunteddesignhouse.blogspot.com/ She has a weekly challenge that I happily found just before Halloween. Being as I love Halloween and all things Halloweenie, it was a perfect match. You really should check out her blogs (yes that is plural!), as she is such a positive fun person that oozes through in her posts.

This is my entry into the current challenge. I named it "JUGGLING LIFE". I tried to capture the copious amounts of glitter but I am not the greatest photographer..yet.
I am also not the greatest blogger and so I am still figuring out how to put pics where I want them...sigh. Soon my darlings..soon

This clown has been in my family for years and has always brought me the best of luck. I have met quite a few marvelous people from conversations started over this stamp. I used tons of stickles to bling this baby out. I also tried to make it look like he was juggling in a spotlight. I think I accomplished that, looks like it from my end anyway.

Till next time, ENJOY! Oz

Ben Franklin Card Club

2009-11-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Paula (my sister) and I have been attending the lss card club for a couple of months now. It is the basic store club, they show you new product, discuss up-coming events, and demo a technique. Most clubs run the same, some better some worse. All of the clubs have one thing I am interested in, the people. I want to meet and get to know other crafters. This group seems to have some really fun gals that I am looking forward to getting to know better.

Last month I was a little late in arriving and tried to sneak in quietly while destroying and entire display rack at the same time. Don't try this at home unless you have really good insurance. Of course, I stopped the class and got every ones attention so I introduced myself! What the heck might as well make lemonade right! But the icing on the cake was when Paula arrived right after I had cleaned up my mess and just got the meeting calmed down and everyone looking at Laura (the instructor) again. Paula trips over the chair leg and falls on me. I am thinking this is a joke and how the hell did she find out that I had knocked down the display,what is she psychic or something? so while she is in distress I am introducing her to the crowd and saying things like ... "ho ho really funny sis, I get it!" "Ok so now you have met the dork sisters..lol" I am yucking it up big time and here is my poor sister trying to get her twisted ankle righted up and in real distress. OMG! I really did say some funny stuff cause the whole group is cracking up and my sister is begging me to understand she is really in need of help!

Needless to say, when we went to card club this last Monday, everyone already knew our names and were so glad to see us! I guess my evil plan worked 'cause everyone wanted to sit next to the funny kids. But not to worry, I didn't totally turn off the instructor..... yet!

Paula and I invited a couple of our friends to go with us and everyone is suppose to bring six cards for the exchange. I made up these cards for them so they could play along and take home cards too. Thank you Sharon and Shirley, I know being seen in public with us is not easy!

Till next time, ENJOY! The Oz

Happy Birthday day to me!!

2009-11-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

So many of my friends have a blog and feel that I should have one too. At least that is what they (most everyone I know)keep telling me. Get a blog, you need a blog, do it dagnabit! So, I now have a blog, on my 55th birthday I am starting a blog.
I will be posting pics of my cat, cards I make, projects ... and I will be hopefully sharing my thoughts and random utterings that some of you seem to enjoy. I will not be advertising this until I get it going a little better but I do so hope that it fills the NEED that so many of you think I have.
I do have one more comment. Be careful what you wish for my dear friends, because you may just get want you think you want! LOL Linda aka Oz