Oliva's Creative Quest

ABC's of Life...

2012-01-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

Bit of Wisdom vis Pinterest

Winter Swaps

2012-01-21T21:23:00.001-07:00

January so far has been a very busy month, and fun coming home to find happy mail! I signed up for several winter altered art swaps. Fun!

The following swaps are mostly from The Altered Paper hosted by Tee. She has really neat ideas for swaps...always something new to try out!
I received this ATC from Victoria at Things I Learned From Bear. The theme for this swap was flowers for every occasion.

Victoria was so generous and added extra goodies with my ATC, which I can't wait to play with!

Another fun swap that I participated in for the very first time was to altered 3 stick pins in a winter theme. My swap partner is Fran at The Bagg Lady. Her blog is all about primitive art work, and can't wait to see her creation.

We were to create a holder to house our stick pins in...our choice. I came up with this idea after seeing it in on Ceekay's at Thinkin' of Home.

This beautiful ATC card is from Melanie at Rabbit Hole Art, and she was my partner.
Now this last swap was hosted by Wendy at Blissfull ATC Swap, and the theme was the world of Jane Austen.

And this was my Jane Austen ATC to Melanie.

So far now, I will take a little break until the end of the month and do some stamping!!!

Altered Art Swaps

2012-01-12T18:38:00.001-07:00

I have discovered a great blog by Tee called The Altered Papered. She has all kinds of different swaps that get your creative juices going! For example: tag a month swaps, ATC swaps, pin cushion swaps, stick pin swaps, ...

I signed up for several swaps for the month of January. The first one is called Tag A Month: January-New Year: Winter, Snow, ....

You are assigned a partner, and mine was the uber talented AmyJo at Art From the Heart.

Isn't it beautiful! I love the tree and snow!

This is the tag I made for her. This picture shows you the tag without the pom poms. It was a last minute decision. To see the finished product, you have to visit AmyJo's blog.

The second swap I signed up is for a Vintage ATC: Flowers for Every Occasion. I have never ever made an ATC in my life. I didn't quite grasped the whole concept of an ATC, until it finally hit me. I am actually very pleased with my creation.

My partner is Victoria at
Things I Learn From Bear. Bear is her doggie. Isn't that the cutest!

New 2011 Christmas Ornaments

2012-01-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas are the new ornaments we get or we're given. Especially those that tell a little about our life or about the recipient.

We are kitty lovers.

I love Charming Tails!

An Arleen ornament. Arleen is my BFF!

I love Nutcrackers!

Another kitty kat!

Thank you friends for thinking of us!

A tad late to the party...

2012-01-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am participating in Liz's Rose Vignettes' Fresh Cut Friday's, and yes I am very late to the party!!!

When I saw these huge bright Spider Mums I knew I had to have them to brighten up my day.

For the last 2 weeks I had been sick over my 2 week vacation, and I needed some cheering up. Even though I'm feeling much better, I kinda have the blues now...

Looking at them, they make me happy.

Thank you Liz for hosting this wonderful party!
Please stop by Liz at Rose Vignettes, and visit other bloggers' beautiful fresh cuts!

Christmas Card Challenge 2012

2012-01-05T00:00:00.020-07:00

Last year I signed up for a Christmas card challenge over at Splitcoaststampers, and I ended up with a fair amount of Christmas cards at the end of the year. It was so nice to have my cards ready to go. So from this wonderful experience, I have decided to do it again this year.

Here's my first set of cards for the month of January:

The stamp image is from Stampin' Up! Christmas Classics.

All cut up and ready to go...

I ended up with 14 cards. My goal for each month is to make 10-12 cards. It seems like a lot, but I give some as gift sets or thank you cards, and hopefully, I'll have enough to donate to a charity.

Hugs, Oliva

New Year Printable

2012-01-03T00:00:00.002-07:00

I'm loving Pinterest, and I'm amazed at all its beauty it has to share!

I found another neat printable, and decided to make this my monthly printable frame.

Every evening before I go to bed and every morning when I get out of bed, I will be reminded that the beginning of 2012 doesn't end with the passing of January 1st.

Sorry about not making my bed this morning, but couldn't wait to take a picture of my new printable.

Printable via: eighteen25

Winter

2012-01-02T00:00:00.042-07:00

Resolutions for the new year? Stay positive and healthy!

...and productive, too!

I had not been at my messy crafty table for a while, and I could tell I had lost my crafty creative mojo!!! Even though I struggled to come up with something decent, I kept going on...

I came up with something clean and simple. I embossed the front of the card using my Northern Flurry embossing folder, and a simple snowman tag.

For an extra touch, I embossed the envelope flap.

A quick peek at the inside of the card. I am sure the receiver can use this set of cards as thank you cards, or anyways she needs them.

Now going back to resolutions, do you usually keep them through out the year?

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T00:00:00.009-07:00

Picture via: unknown

Another Year

2011-12-31T00:00:00.015-07:00

Picture via: HELLO, FRIEND

Winter Garland

2011-12-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Amazing how this year has flown by...or so it seemed to me! One of my resolutions for the 2011 year was to be a little more productive and step outside of my comfort zone. I think I accomplished it, even though it was hard to find the time and simply immerse myself in my passion: stamping, card making, swaps, ...

After a long week of being sick (bronchitis & nasty upper respiratory infection), I managed to play a little in my crafty messy corner.

Ending 2011 with a little gift for a co-worker who I happened to be her Secret Santa, I made her a winter garland. I tried so hard not to give her anything handmade by me, so that I wouldn't give myself away. I finally finished this winter garland for her.

I love making garlands! They're so easy and fast to make!

But for now, this garland will hang in my living room for a week, before I go back to work, and present it to Christie.

Stay healthy!
Hugs,
Oliva

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T00:00:00.008-07:00

Our hearts grow tender with childhood
memories and love of kindred, and we
are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Busy, busy, busy...

2011-12-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Christmas is almost here!!!
Even though I had everything so well planned, I don't have enough hours to do it all. For example, I had made plenty of Christmas cards, but I guess not enough since I had to make 25 quick last minute ones!

This year I put up the lights all by myself, and see how even they are! Hubby's shoulder is still giving him issues.

Finally the trees are all trimmed and ready for Christmas!

Last Saturday I paid a visit to the Post Office and mailed several packages and our cards. I have one more package to mail out for a swap partner, and it will be my last visit to the Post Office...woohoo!

Tomorrow night, I'm baking 6 dozen cookies for a cookie swap for Tuesday night. I haven't yet decided what to make. Well, at least I have tons of butter!
My To Do list is getting longer rather than shorter:

~grocery shopping for Christmas dinner

~Christmas gift shopping for our teenage nephews and niece

~baking

~clean house

~shopping for Hubby's gifts & birthday gift 01/03

~blah, blah, blah, ...

"Calgon...take me away!"

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Matchbox Swap

2011-12-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

I received this beautiful Christmas altered matchbox from Tee at Creations by Tee.

The box is filled with lots of treasures!

...and more goodies...
Sorry about the blurry pictures...I wasn't wearing my glasses, and my camera's batteries were about to die!!!

Isn't this altered notebook just darling! Not only is it beautiful but it has this precious handmade stickpin that Tee made!
Thank you Tee! I love my matchbox!

Bloggerette Christmas Ornament Swap

2011-12-04T19:31:00.000-07:00

The mail carrier has been busy lately! I received another package. Debi at Bloggerette Sorority hosted a Christmas Ornament Exchange and we were to make a homemade Christmas ornament and the other store bought. My partner is the ubber talented Kim at Tabby's Place.

She made this beautiful unique Christmas ornament using a tin mold. Wow!!!

...and also this gorgeous silver spoon!!!

I am one lucky girl! Thank you Kim!!!
Yours are on its way to you. I hope that you'll like yours as much as I love yours!

Days 1, 2, 3

2011-12-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Christmas Advent from my Secret Santa

Day 1: green Christmas glitter

Day 2: hot tea to keep me warm while crafting...

Day 3: teeny tiny House Mouse stamp...

Isn't he just adorable! Which leads me to...

...a little Christmas cheer around the house. I am displaying my House Mouse Nativity scene in our dining room. So sweet!
I found the milk glass over the summer at one of our local thrift stores. Love those stores!

Enjoy your day!

Fresh Cut Friday

2011-12-02T02:00:00.044-07:00

When I think of Christmas, I think poinsettias and at this time of the year you see them everywhere! What's so interesting to me is that in the last several years different kinds of poinsettias have been introduced. For example, couple of years ago, there was one that came out and it look just like a rose or peony. Now for the first time I have seen the following poinsettia...

It's not your typical red. I don't know what they call this one, but its colors are more fallish/autumnal. I received this beautiful poinsettia for my birthday.

Over 20 years ago, my Hubby and I visited Guadalajara (Mexico)during the month of July, and it seemed that just about every one's gardens had poinsettias. I thought that it was the most beautiful sight I've ever seen.

I actually like the Spanish name for this flower: Flor de Noche Buena (Christmas Eve flower or Holy Night flower).

Please stop by Liz at Rose Vignettes, and visit other bloggers' beautiful fresh cuts!

Altered Art

2011-12-01T02:00:00.028-07:00

I received this beautiful altered art treasure box from the very talented Mercedes at All Things Pretty.
I participated in a swap and I was very lucky to have her as my swap partner.

Sorry about the blurry picture, but this gives you an idea of what I found inside this precious box. Not only did she decorate the outside, but she also beautifully did the inside. And of course, every treasure box must have a key to unlock it!

Through Mercedes I have been introduced to the world of vintage altered art. I have not yet grasp it completely, but I'm learning.
Thank you Mercedes!

A Little Christmas Humor

2011-11-30T02:00:00.003-07:00

Picture via ?

25 & Counting

2011-11-29T02:00:00.010-07:00

I had always wanted to make a Christmas Advent calendar, and finally had the opportunity to do so. I made this advent calendar at a stamp camp about 2 weeks ago.

Now...I have all the materials to make one for my 2 young nephews. Let's see...I have what 1 day to make one and deliver it all the way to Yuma!?! I think this is a summer project...

Secret Santa Advent Christmas Swap

2011-11-28T02:00:00.063-07:00

The mail carrier rang once and this is what was waiting for me...my much anticipated matchbox Advent Christmas Swap from my Secret Santa!

Nicely wrapped in linen and tulle...

Monogrammed just for me!

The BIG reveal! A beautifully decorated box.

Two slide boxes to pull that holds 25 tiny gifts! One for each day until Christmas!

I get to find out on Christmas Day who my Secret Santa is!!!

This swap was hosted by JoAnne from Vintage Dragonfly.

I have mailed mine out last Saturday, and should arrive at its destination sometime tomorrow Tuesday!!!

Post It Note Holder Swap

2011-11-27T02:00:00.024-07:00

I participated in a Post It Note Holder Swap hosted by Tee at Creations by Tee. We were paired in teams and my swap partner was Karen from Karen's Monday Musings.

Karen is a fellow Arizonan from Tucson, and she is one talented lady. Take a look at what she created for me...

Once I untied the ribbon, it opened up to this...

Every single touch and detail was well thought out. It's a little square treasure.
Thank you Karen!

It's starting to look like Christmas...

2011-11-26T08:38:00.005-07:00

I can't believe the Christmas Season is here...and to start it off just right, I have put up my first decoration up...

I put together this quick frame using a printable that Rita shared with us last year. Isn't it perfect for Christmas!

I will read it before I go to bed and I will read it first thing in the morning!

Thank you Rita for sharing such neat cooking recipes, decorating ideas and so much more!

Printable via Betty Crocker Wannabe
Linking to Seasonal Sundays

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T06:08:00.002-07:00

Picture via Clearly Vintage

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T06:03:00.001-07:00

To our men and women in uniform...
past, present and future,
God Bless You
and
Thank you!

Picture by Clearly Vintage

Napkin Rings

2011-11-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

I received these handmade napkin rings from Mercedes. How can one person be so talented!

They remind me of mums...my favorites.

I paired them with Ann's napkins she made for me from last year's cigar box swap.

Thank you Ladies! My dining room has a touch of fall this year

Fashionista

2011-11-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

I had fun making 3 cards using the same stamp set, especially the use of the ribbon and buttons.

I stamped the image on designer paper and then cut out the dresses. Sort of like playing with paper dolls. This technique is called paper piecing.

Of course I had to use a little sparkle.

Which reminds me, I have to re-stock the button jar!!!
Have a great day!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T06:03:00.000-07:00

Calypso Flowers Note Cards

2011-10-29T22:37:00.001-07:00

I made a set of 8 cards for a co-worker's birthday this past week. I love the name of the inks: Calypso Coral & Pool Party. It makes me want to take a dip in the pool and have a fruity drink with a little umbrella!

I was happy to hear her say that she is always in need of these type of cards!
To celebrate her birthday in our Department, we sang "Happy Birthday" and I made her favorite dessert from scratch: Peach Cobbler and served it with French Vanilla ice cream!

Simple Cards

2011-10-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

I made 4 quick simple cards to have on hand jsut in case I needed one...and sure enough, I've used 3 so far!

If you notice, all 4 are based on the same sketch/theme.

Somethimes easy peasy cards take a lot of thought...

and it's a great way to use bits & pieces of left over ribbon.

Candy Corn

2011-10-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

What a cute little jack-o-lantern candle! Check out the price below! Thanks Mercedes!

Now some fun facts about candy corn:
~October 30th is National Candy Corn Day.
~A cup of candy corn has fewer calories than a cup of raisins.
~Candy Corn was invented by George Renninger and produced by the Wunderlee Candy Company in the 1880's. In 1900, the Goelitz Candy Company, now Jelly Belly Candy Company, started mass producing the candy, but, due to the lack of machinery, it was only made available seasonally from March to November. Its recipe has remained unchanged.

And these candy corn potholders are calorie free!

I found the right place to display them in the kitchen.

Just lovely! Great treat Mercedes!

Listen Honey...

2011-10-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

I think this is a fun card, and I just love Emerson Quillin's humor stamps! This one is called Worth It!

Listen Honey-
God didn't promise it would be
Easy-
He just promised it would be
Worth it!

October

2011-10-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

I am sharing with you today a little surprise I received in a swap I participated in. Mercedes from All Things Pretty was Secret Swap Sister. She tucked this little china plate amongst my many treats! She's the best!

October's birth flower is the calendula.

On display for me to enjoy!

The Zodiac sign for those born in this month is either Libra or Scorpio, depending on which day you were born.

October's birthstone is the opal. It is said that the opal will crack if it is worn by someone who was not born in October.

Thank you Mercedes! From you I've learn to start collecting pretty little special treasures for my next swap.

Homemade Pesto

2011-10-22T12:02:00.001-07:00

I finally made it into the kitchen and made something from our very own garden...homemade pesto!

It's been several years now since I made a homemade batch of pesto!

I start with my very own basil harvest...

This is our basil plant after I chopped it up...maybe I might get one more crop before the cold gets here...

My favorite recipe for my homemade pesto...easy, simple and fresh. I found the recipe from a cookbook that my sister-in-law Cheryl gave me for one Christmas. It's a recipe from Betty Crocker's New Cookbook, Everything You Need to Know to Cook.

2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Place all ingredients in blender or food processor. Cover & blend on medium speed about 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrap sides, until smooth. One batch makes about 1 1/3 cups sauce.

The end result...3 batches! Makes fresh tomato soup taste delicious, great on pizza, foccacia, grilled chicken, spread on sandwiches, mixed in salads, ...

Three containers to freeze for future use, and one for tonight's dinner: Pasta!!!

"Something's Brewing" Halloween Swap

2011-10-19T20:09:00.001-07:00

I participated in a Halloween swap called "Something's Brewing" hosted by Debi over at Bloggerrette Sorority Sisters. We were to decorate or make a Halloween goodie bag, and fill it up with lots of "Hall-o-weenie" goodies for our Secret Sister.

I came home to find a huge package wrapped in the most beautiful paper!!! It was too pretty to open, but finally I carefully opened it and found amazing treasures!
Take a look at the beautiful bag that my Secret Sister made for me...

Amazing...huh!
My Secret Sorority Swap Sister is Mercedes from All Things Pretty! She is amazing! She put so much thought and work into everything she chose and made for me. I am speechless and feel so blessed.

Isn't the other side of the bag beautiful too! She's so talented. I love all of the crotchet doilies and how she made those gorgeous gauze flowers!

Take a look at the many things she packed into my beautiful bag! I don't know what to touch, pick up, admire, look at, ... It feels like Christmas!

I love this beautiful Jack-o-Lantern wooden basket/box...which was filled with the most yummy looking confections from Lunds/Beyerly's...my favorite grocery store in the Minneapolis area.

This is the paper that Mercedes used to wrap my package. It's actually wallpaper! Beautiful! I am saving as much of it as I can. I already have plans for it!
In the next several days I will post some more gifts that Mercedes made for me, so that you can admire her artwork.
I am so happy that I had the best Sister I could have ever wished for! Thank you Mercedes!

Thank you Debi for such a wonderful and fun swap!

Peach Parfait & Pool Party

2011-10-16T22:18:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful Sunday playing in my craft room! I made these 2 cards for today's Featured Stamper challenge. I chose this card by Dawn. The technique is called embossing resist.
I ended up making 2 cards using the same technique.

This card was my first try, and you can see all of my...hmm...mistakes...!!! The background color is called Pool Party by Stampin' Up! Isn't that a cool name? I had been saving the velvet ribbon for a long time, and finally had an opportunity to use it.
Have a wonderful week!

Less Is More

2011-10-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

No, it's not Valentine's Day yet...LOL!
I ran across Less Is More stamping challenge, and this challenge caught my eye...using hearts. How easy can that be!
I made a set of 8 "thank you" cards for a co-worker's upcoming birthday.
Have a restful day!

Treat Yourself

2011-10-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

Doesn't this card make you want to go and get some gumballs? I do!
I used my Treat Yourself stamp set, and the balloon buttons which I had been saving for awhile. This card was fun to make and easy!

Flower Layers & Thrifty Find

2011-10-04T02:00:00.053-07:00

I swear this will be my last card using red gingham! I just couldn't help myself! I made this card for Queen for the Day Challenge, and the Queen for this week is Dawn Mercedes. I chose this card to case. Hers was a Christmas card, but I can't even think of Christmas yet!

Now for Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays' find of the week:

I am always amazed what great finds Marty finds at Goodwill. So last Sunday I decided to give GW another try, and I was not disappointed! I found this teak wood tray for $2.99, minus 25% discount with my school ID. I thought it was a steal, since I have been looking for a wooden tray just like this for the longest time. I got home and immediately cleaned it and oiled it. By the time I was done, it hit me that I had not taken a before picture.

I have to thank Marty for introducing me to Old English's scratch cover oil. I love this stuff!
Now...what to do with this tray... I have to find a home for it!
Please stop by Linda at Coastal Charm to visit others' Nifty Thrifty finds!

Autumn

2011-10-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

I think it's going to be true that Autumn is finally here for us!!! Yeah! About stinking time I say!!!
Apple cider, baking cobblers, stews, bread baking....yummy...and fall stamping in rich warm colors!

Have a great week and stay crafty!

Flower Pot Pocket Card

2011-09-27T02:00:00.011-07:00

I think this is the cutest card I've made so far! It's called a flower pot pocket card. I guess because I love gardening, and can't wait to start my spring gardening going! My God, we really haven't had a true taste of fall here in AZ, and I'm already talking about spring!!!
Anyways, this was a fun card to make!

PS: I am still working on my Google comments issue! Argh! Pretty frustrating!!!

Table Top Tuesday

2011-09-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

Little by little I am bringing fall into our home.

I added a little pumpkin patch on one of our living room side tables! Years ago I found these ceramic pumpkins at the Dollar Tree now the Dollar Store.
Using Marty's cloche inspirations, I created my very own. I turned a fishbowl into a cloche, and placed the bigger pumpkin on a amber glass saucer. Clever huh?

Now please stop by Marty's A Stroll Through Life for more beautiful table tops!

Pinwheel Card

2011-09-26T02:00:00.005-07:00

Happy Monday!
Isn't this card colorful! I learned to make a pinwheel, and it was easy to make by watching Dawn's easy step-by-step tutorial.
I had made one before using this technique at a stamp camp, but had forgotten the steps. I used a drinking straw for the handle, and I found a piece of ribbon that I had saved from a previous project.
I really love how this card turned out!

Hello

2011-09-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hello!
It has been a great day today! Stamping, relaxing, reading, napping, and some more stamping!

This card was fun to make and sort of playful. I had a stash of Rolodex cards that I had been waiting to use, and finally had a chance to.

I really love these snails and the designer paper...colorful!

BTW...just to let you know that I've been having issues posting comments onto several blogs that I follow. I can't figure out what I have done. I have a Google account and it has been acting up, or more likely it's probably me. So please don't feel like I'm neglecting you...it's simply technical difficulties!!!

Have a great week, and have fun enjoying what you do!

Featured Stamper

2011-09-23T02:00:00.025-07:00

TGIF!

This was a long week long days kind of week!

This week's Featured Stamper at Splitcoast is Linda, aka morningsun47! She has an amazing artwork gallery, and it was so hard to pick just one card, but it in the end I chose this one.

I really didn't change much, but I added an extra layer, less ribbon, and it's red. It was fun embroidering on paper. It reminded me of when Mom taught me to embroider. I think I was in 4th or 5th grade. Thank you Linda for bringing back good memories for me.

Have a great weekend!

Birthday Card

2011-09-22T02:00:00.026-07:00

Doesn't this card say summer? Now that summer is almost over for us here in the desert, I seem to be making summery cards. What's up with that?!

I made this card for a co-worker's birthday. She likes polka dots and looks great in red! In her office she has a children's book displayed in her bookcase called Olivia in English and in Latin, and this card reminds me of Olivia. I chose these colors in honor of her favorite book.

I wish I could say I created this card, but no, I was inspired by Marisa's card.

The stamped stems are from my new Stampin' Up! Touch of Kindness stamp set.

Grateful

2011-09-21T02:00:00.019-07:00

It finally feels like autumn here, even though our days are in the 90's! Our mornings are so cool and fresh that's is so hard to leave home for work. I just want to stay home and craft while the house is all opened up and the morning breeze goes through and freshens everything up.

I made this card for this week's Queen For The Day challenge. This week's Queen is Dianne, and chose this card to case. I think it's sweet, clean & simple! She has an amazing gallery and it was hard to pick just one card!

I actually made two. The acorn stamp comes from Stampin' Up!'s Autumn Fest.

A quick look at the inside!

And this is my table!!! Eeek! Why...oh why do I create such a mess?! I wish I had taken a pic of the floor below the table...yikes!!! Thank God the new vacuum is on its way!!!

I was in the middle of creating a birthday card for a co-worker...and I mean just ONE card!

I am linking to Julia's What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday.

3 x 3 Note Cards

2011-09-20T02:00:00.004-07:00

After a long summer of no stamping, I sure am making up for lost time!

I placed a BIG Stampin' Up! order and have been playing with my new stamps!

Over the summer I ran out of birthday cards, and since I didn't have time to make any, I am trying to make and have a nice stash for the future. I had been wanting to make 3" x 3" note cards, and here they are!

I made a set of 8 using my new Button Buddies stamp set! I just love cherries!

Tabletop Tuesday

2011-09-19T19:16:00.001-07:00

Slowly but surely, I am finally bringing fall into our home. I am hoping that by bringing in some autumn into our home, maybe our weather will get much cooler.

This sofa table is in our family room, and I love how the afternoon sun hits it just right and makes all the colors so bright and warm.

I topped this wooden box with a sparkly little pumpkin.

This big wooden bowl is one of my treasures, and is filled with giant ponderosa pine cones.

Please stop by Marty's A Stroll Thru Life Tabletop Tuesday and visit some amazing bloggers' fallish tabletops!

Fancy Fold Card

2011-09-19T03:00:00.001-07:00

I needed to make a special card for someone special!

And thanks to Tracie's beautiful card, I was able to make one.

This fancy fold card is called Center Step Card. It was actually very easy to make. I shy away from making these fancy cut cards, because my cuts are not accurate or even.

Just a quick look at the inside.

Stamp: Stampin' Up! Bella's Bloom

Ink: Perfect Plum

Have a great week!

French Script Flower

2011-09-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

I had a "stamper's mental block" all summer long, but have finally gotten my fingers inky and my craft table is a mess! I think I'm back to normal...Hooray!!!

In getting back to stamping, I was inspired by 365Card Challenge Pattern Frenzy. The challenge was to use 6 different patterned papers on our card.

I was not very creative because I was very literal. I used the same sketch, and instead of 6 different patterned papers, I only used 3 coordinating ones.

I needed a simple card and theme to create a card after a long break. My brain was pretty mushy...even coming up with a color combo was difficult!!!

I am back!!!

Finished Baby Star Blanket

2011-08-07T10:07:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the Baby Star Blanket!

Now we have to wait and see who will be next in getting a visit from the stork?

This is my first shape baby blanket ever, and I am so happy with the end result! Now I'm planning on making one each in pink/white, yellow/white, & blue/white.

I hope these are good pictures...I noticed that I might have to get newer and better eyeglasses.

FYI...my bed is a queen size, so this might give you an idea as the size of the blanket.

Now for my next project: a bulky chunky poncho for me. Believe it or not, our winters get pretty chilly.

Have a great week and make the most of it!

Thrifty Find

2011-08-01T18:00:00.002-07:00

I have a thing for linens...hehehe...!!!

Friday morning while waiting for my prescription to be ready (an hour wait)...I walked over to Eve's Place thrift store and found a really neat painted Battenburg pillowcase for $1.00!

I came home: washed it, starched it and ironed it...and voila...on the bed with the others!

On the other side, I took out my mother-in-law's embroidered pillowcases.

...and the current star of all pillows: my mother's crotchet pillowcase.

Keepsake Baby Blanket

2011-07-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

I am finally finished with Kelsey's baby blanket!

It took me a little over a week to finish, and she will receive it this coming Friday. Our Department is giving her a surprise Baby Shower!!!

I'm pretty sure she's going to love it!

Now on to my next project...a Star Baby Blanket! 4 more rounds and I should be done soon!

Baby Boom

2011-07-23T07:35:00.002-07:00

Babies Galore!

Lately, babies are being born or coming soon in our neck of the woods. There had been a recession of babies, and I had stop making (crotchet, knit, quilt) baby blankets. I decided to start making them again so that I could have a nice surplus for the unexpected arrival!

Think pink!

This pink blankie will go to Kelsey (co-worker) and her baby girl due in August.

I like making this pattern because it's fast and easy, and can be finished within a week!

Several babies in our family, friends, co-workers, ...have been recipients of this baby blanket pattern.

As soon as I'm done with this blankie, I'm ready to start a Star Baby Blanket for another arrival from the stork very soon...!!!

Marty's Summer Cloche Party

2011-07-18T17:35:00.001-07:00

I am participating in Marty's Summer Cloche Party!

To me nothing more says "summer" than being by the beach surrounded by seashells! Here's one of my most beloved Charming Tails figurine called "You Sizzle".

I improvised by using one of my small cheese plate domes over a milk glass plate...which fits perfectly.

I then raised the figurine over a floral frog, and surrounded it with Hubby's collection of seashells.

I'm displaying my summer cloche on the living room coffee table.

I wanted to show you the shell legs on the silver dish. How appropriate for my summer theme! Unfortunately, no one can see them.

Please don't forget to visit Marty at A Stroll Thru Life and see hers and other wonderful bloggers' summer cloche vignettes.

Thank you Marty for hosting such a fun party!

Thank you for stopping by!

Summer Front Porch

2011-07-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

I think I finally got back my green thumb...LOL!

Since we moved to this home over 3 years ago, I really didn't want to start a garden or have lots of outdoor plants, like we did in our old home. We wanted to keep it a simple AZ desert landscape with no high maintenance work, but I just couldn't help myself...I love plants!

I want to share with you the front porch of our home in AZ. I am finally satisfied with how it now looks. I got all of these plants from our neighbor Linda, who about 3 weeks ago got married and has moved to WA State. Thank you Linda and congratulations!

This is a beautiful gardenia. When I brought it home, it came with its last very fragrant blossom.

Look at this fern! It's so lush!

I thought that the plant in the black pot was a spider plant...I was wrong. I need to find out the names of these two plants.

...and finally these 3 hanging asparagus ferns!

This is the view as guests walk up to our front door...

I hope the pictures are good...I wasn't wearing my glasses!

Every other morning I make sure I water the pots so they'll stay alive over our SIZZLING HOT summer months! So far so good!

Have a great day, and thank you for stopping by!

SCORE!!!

2011-07-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

I'm back from my very short trip (2 whole weeks) to our summer home in Minneapolis. It was the best trip I've had in a long time! I feel relaxed and stressed free! It was a fun busy 2 weeks spent with Dear Hubby and his family.

One of the best parts of my trip were all the freebies I got from Hubby's cousin Laura. Last November she got married and she and her husband have combined one household from 2...and lucky for me...I got several things that I really needed...well a few that I wanted and now have!

Exhibit A:

An extremely huge and very heavy 2-piece punch bowl. Love it!

Exhibit B:

Laura's mother's 3 piece turquoise mixing bowl set!

Exhibit C:

A 3-piece brand new Paula Deen pot set. Laura's hubby kept the skillet :-(

Exhibit D:

A settee that will eventually go on my brand new built in back patio deck... Laura & her hubby will be delivering the chair set that goes with this settee. Hopefully, for my next visit in October it will be there...

Exhibit E:

...and last but not least...this gorgeous very comfortable chair! I insisted that I should have it by the front of the living room window so that I can read and look out the window and enjoy the great view!

Of course, Hubby agreed, but the minute I would leave it would be moved to the basement until my next visit :-(

You see Hubby is now retired and is spending his second summer in MN, while I am still working here in SUPER HOT Phoenix area...4 long 10+ hours days! I retire in November 25, 2012, and my summers will be spent with the Hubs :-)!!!

4th of July Parade in Apple Valley, MN

2011-07-06T14:28:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite holidays is the 4th of July! RED, WHITE & BLUE!

This year I was able to make it to Apple Valley's 4th of July parade. The weather was sunny, cool and perfect!

Afterwards, we had a family barbecue at my brother-in-law's...hamburgers, hot dogs & brats...yummy! Jan, sister-in-law, made delicious Piña Coladas with this really good coconut rum she brought from the Bahamas and her super moist Rum Cake!

Hubby and I brought a Roasted Red Potato Salad to share, which was super easy to make and best of all was super good!

I didn't follow a recipe. I tossed about 9-12 small quartered red potatoes with Italian olive oil, coarse sea salt, black pepper and about a tablespoonful of minced garlic. I roasted them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees. I roasted them for about 15-20 minutes on one side, and then turned them over and roasted them for another 15-20 minutes or until done. The kitchen smell so good!

I cooled the the potatoes once they were finally roasted and put them in a mixing bowl. I added about 1/4 cup finely diced onion, black olives, and cooked eggs. I then added about 3/4 cups of Best Foods sandwich spread and mixed all ingredients until well coated.

Once all was blended well, I transferred the salad to a clean salad bowl and added sliced cooked eggs on top and sprinkled with lots of paprika. I used a total of about 10 eggs, and one 15 oz. can of black olives.

If you decide to give this salad a try, just remember that all of the seasoning were added to my taste. I like it garlicky and a bit salty!

Table Top Tuesday

2011-07-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

I finally have a chance to participate in Marty's Stroll Thru Life Table Top Tuesday. This is her 72nd. one!

This shelf is in our guest bathroom, and I finally feel that it's completely done and I will be keeping it this way for awhile.

I arranged a collection of seashells and glass...

That seashell ball was made by Marty...

The little glass tube is filled with more seashells and it was made by Mary.

I always feel that something is missing between the shelf and towel bar...but can't figure our what...hmm?...

On the shelf of the toilet (French accent here please...LOL!) I spray painted the wire basket with silver, and put a Longaberger basket filled with guest paper towels, and a glass jar filled with lavender bath salts.

Please stop by Marty's to read all about her next Cloche Party and giveaway. Also don't forget to visit other fabulous blogger's Table Tops.

Thank you for stopping by!

God Bless!

Happy 4th of July 2011

2011-07-04T00:01:00.003-07:00

'Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and
their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in time of need. I ask this in the name
of JESUS our Lord and Savior. Amen.'

Blooming In WI

2011-07-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

I want to share with you a few of the flower pictures we took on our trip to Bayfield, WI. Every garden was in full bloom with gorgeous bright flowers.

The poppies were huge and beautiful...

Lupine was everywhere to be seen...in the open fields...

Look at those huge hostas leaves! Hubby took this picture from one of the local B&B's garden.

For someone from the desert...this place was like a secret garden.

Fresh Cut Friday

2011-06-30T18:30:00.001-07:00

Peonies

Hi!

It has been awhile since my last post. I am feeling better and on my way to recovery. I am learning to take care of myself slowly but surely, which is a new learning experience, and now on to something that I really enjoy...flowers!

I am participating in Liz's Fresh Cut Friday at Rose Vignettes for the month of July. Liz was kind enough to send me an email reminder about this month's Fresh Cut Friday. Thank you Liz!

I want to share with you our peonies here in our home in Golden Valley, MN.

These are blooming peonies here in MN from about 2+ weeks ago. We just got back from Bayfield, Wisconsin, where they're just about ready to bloom. Talk about a late spring around here. I'll be honest with you, the first time I saw real peonies, I thought they were roses. Obviously, I was wrong.

These peonies belonged to my mother-in-law that she lovingly cared for.

Dear Hubby made a floral arrangement of beautiful peonies for our dining area. By the end of the day, the windows were wide open due to the strong peony fragrance throughout the house. I never get tired of them...I just wish I could enjoy them more than just a week or two a year.

Please make sure to stop by Liz's Rose Vignettes Fresh Cut Flowers and visit her beautiful post on larkspur, and visit others' beautiful fresh cuts!

Thank you for stopping by, and remember to be kind to your yourself and take care.

God Bless!

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

A day to of remembrance...

Thank you!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

A Happy Mother's Day to all the sweet mamas in my world.

I love you Mom!!!

A Joyous Easter

2011-04-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.

-Robert Flatt

Heart Wreath

2011-04-10T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I'm feeling much better! Yeah!

I made this card a couple of weeks ago, and finally here it is. I borrowed the stamp from a friend who was into stamping, but hasn't done much in a long while...which reminds me, I need to return it!

I'm casing Bridget's card Flower Tapestry.

Stamps: Friendship Flowers, Beyond the Basics, heart wreath

Paper: Stamping Up! card stock, designer paper
Ink: mellow moss, barely banana, ballet blue, old olive
Accessories: stickles, fine glitter dust, handmade tea stained ribbon

Have a great week and don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

I promise to take a better picture of the cards as soon as I get a chance...

Bliss

2011-04-08T19:28:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone! It has been busy around the Ohlson home lately. I had a little...actually a BIG SCARE this week. I ended up at the emergency room due to high blood pressure. I completely ignore all of the signs of hypertension, until I had really bad chest pains and lots of pressure. I was having a hard time catching my breath...so off to the ER I was rushed and had a stay at the hospital for observation. I'm finally home resting and making sure I follow doctor's orders to a "T"! It's time for me to wake up and smell the roses!

This card is another one of my Featured Stampers Challenge, 214. When I saw Bridget's card I knew I had to case it since I had exactly the same designer paper. Thanks to my Big Sister, she had included this paper in a packet of assorted 6" x 6" designer paper I received from her.

Bridget called her card English Garden. I had the flower lace for a while, and I knew that eventually it would come in handy.

Stamps: Bliss

Paper: DP; assorted CS
Ink: basic black, craft rose red
Accessories: pearl sticker, oval scallop punch, large oval punch, organza ribbon, flower lace, piercing tool
Techniques: piercing

Please take care and think of you first!

God Bless!

XOXOX

April Blog Candy Giveaway

2011-04-04T20:02:00.002-07:00

Welcome to April's blog candy giveaway!

Here are these month's cards:

So please join me for April's giveaway!

Rules...

1. Leave a comment ON THIS POST.

2. Please make sure to leave me a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner!

Giveaway is open until Saturday, April 23, 2011, midnight.

I will announce the lucky winner on Sunday, April 24, 2011.

Good luck!

You are more than welcome to grab my button and post it on your blog :-)

Featured Stamper

2011-03-21T01:00:00.002-07:00

Happy Monday!

I discovered a new weekly challenge at SplitCoastStampers called Queen for the Day. Every Friday, a "Queen For The Day" is selected from amongst the SCS stamping community.

Weekly "Queens" are selected using the following criterion:

1. Stampers that frequently participate in SCS challenges

2. Stampers that leave supportive and encouraging comments on fellow stampers' cards. (more than 2 or 3 words)

For QFTD50, Kim, aka Luv Flowers, was bestowed Queen for the Day! I chose her card called Simple Flight to case.

I love playing along these challenges because you always learn or the opportunity to try something new.

Stamps: Garden Whimsy

Paper: SU! cardstock & designer paper

Ink: Buckaroo Blue

Accessories: rhinestone stickers, embosslit Beautiful Wings, ribbon
Techniques: embossing

Hope your week is a good one!

Blog Candy Giveaway Winner!

2011-03-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

Our March Blog Candy Giveaway is...

Patricia!

Congratulations Patricia! I will mail your happy mail out as soon as possible.

Thanks to all of you who stopped by and participated in this month's giveaway. I will be posting April's giveaway on Sunday the 3rd.

~Oliva~

I used Random.Org to get the winner.

Featured Stamper

2011-03-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hi and hope everyone is doing fine!

It has been a couple of busy weeks here in my neck of the woods...let's see: Hubby's broken shoulder and he has been a "bear", plus he has had the worst allergies since I remember...poor guy! My mother's and niece's birthday, my hay fever attack, ...

LIFE Happens!

I made this card over 2 weeks ago, but had not had a chance to upload. I participated in SCS's Featured Stamper Challenge 213, and the featured stamper was none other than n5stamper aka Queen of Combos. She is amazing at creating one card using several challenges! Congratulations Neva!

I chose this card to case. I did not have any designer paper that would come close to hers, so I created my own using Seeing Spots stamp set.

Stamps: Seeing Spots, Whimsical
Paper: SU! cardstock
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Orchid Opulence, Pink Passion, Yoyo Yellow
Accessories: ribbon, corner punch, brads, silk flower, foam tape

Have a great week and don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

Here's wishing you

a bright and happy

St. Patrick's Day.

Picture via: Clearly Vintage

Just when you think....

2011-03-13T08:47:00.001-07:00

Just when you

Think you have seen it all...

You try on your bathing suit!

For this week's CAS challenge #109 was to create a card that tickles your funny bone. I immediately thought of this stamp by Emerson Quillin (American Art Stamp) called Bathing Suit. I think it's hilarious and I really relate to the sentiment at the beginning of bathing suit season! Argh!!!

I used Clean & Simple's sketch #129.

Have a great week and don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

Clean & Simple

2011-03-11T02:00:00.025-07:00

TGIF! Woo...hoo!

This week has been like the longest ever! Hubby had a little accident while playing tennis, and now has a broken bone in his shoulder. Today he meets with his Doctor again and will find out if he needs surgery...of course we're hoping for no surgery!

While he finally had a chance to get a little relief and rest, I was able to sneak into my craft room...hehehe!!! I made this card for CAS's challenge #1 silhouette. I'm hoping for another guest designer spot!

I used Of the Earth stamp set from SU! I heat embossed the image using black embossing powder. I wasn't planning on adding the black pearl stickers, but I thought it needed a little pop.

The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Feeling Blue

2011-03-08T01:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite colors is blue. It makes me feel so calm and relax.

I had borrowed this stamp from a friend of mine and had not had the opportunity to use it until now. I thought it would be great to ink it in blue. The truck reminds me of my Dad.

I made the card for CAS's challenge the Great Outdoors: CAS108

I want to share with you a little corner of blue in my world. The table is actually from an old sewing machine which I turned into a night stand, and it had the right height to match our bed. The plate is actually Japanese. I bought it from a couple who had lived in Japan for several years.

Now that I'm looking at this pic, I notice that this corner needs a picture or frame on the wall so it doesn't look bare...what do you think?

Please stop by Marty's 55th. Table Top at A Stroll Thru Life to visit others' gorgeous table tops.

Don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

Seeing Spots

2011-03-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a great and restful weekend. Mine are always too short, but it was a very nice one. It was warm, sunny and clear! Perfect for getting some sun and getting my legs tanned!!!

I had a chance to play along Clean & Simple's weekly sketch challenge #130 and Ways to Use It challenge #312 at SplitCoastStampers. The challenge called for polka dots.

I used mostly scraps from my scrapbox, which I'm trying to clean up. I added a cordurouy button from Stampin' Up! which I bought when they had their last big sale. The sentiment is from SU!'s Sweet Little Sentiments inked in Old Olive, and the label is from the Frames With A Flourish inked in Chocolate Chip.

Hope you like it!

BTW...I did not make the CAS Designer Team Spring 2011 spot, but I did win a Guest Designer spot which I'm very happy about. The competitors are extremely talented and creative. I will try again for their next challenge. It's all a learning experience, and I felt very honored just being able to make it the finals.

Have a great week!

Clean & Simple Challenge

2011-03-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

TGIF and tonight is the big reveal for the 3 team Designers for the Spring 2011 Clean & Simple Card Challenge at SplitCoastStampers!

I just hope I can stay awake that late...

This is my card for the last and final challenge:Ways to Use It: Flowers

Spring showers bring May flowers!

I made my own flower using ribbon, and ribbon for the grass. I used to 2 different stamp sets for the stem and petals.

I just hope it's good enough against all the other ladies' cards!

Wish me luck :-)

Fresh Cut Friday

2011-03-04T02:00:00.040-07:00

Azalea

You know its spring

When azaleas start to blossom forth

In hues of white, reds and pink

Among the greenery of the north

Scents of azaleas fill the air

As the earth brings forth its new

Gardens bloom in rainbows

Bringing in a new season - right on cue.

~Frances Stanford

For Valentine's Day Hubby gave me 2 azaleas...one white & one pink. I kept the white one for home, and the pink one for my desk at work.

I keep the white azalea close by my craft table and take in its beauty.

Please stop by Liz at Rose Vignettes and visit her Fresh Cut and other participating bloggers' entries.

Because I Care

2011-03-03T06:17:00.000-07:00

Good morning! One more day closer to Friday!!!

Here's my second entry for Clean & Simple's Designer Team Challenge search for Spring 2011. It was good enough to be selected for the final challenge.

I tried to keep it as simple as possible!

Well got to run and get ready for work. Have a great day!

Clean & Simple

2011-03-01T21:15:00.001-07:00

I have not been here lately due to work and not feeling too good, but have been able to do a little card stamping.

SplitCoastStampers' Clean & Simple Challenge is conducting their Spring 2011 Design Team search. I decided to give it a second try.

Last summer I tried out, but sadly did not make the first round. Here's my ABC card for that challenge.

This is my card entry for the first round of CAS's Spring 2011 Design Team challenge, and the good news is that I made it to the second round.

I was ecstatic and still am!

A little peek at the inside of the card.

Tomorrow I'll post my second card entry, and then on Thursday I'll post my final card entry. Finally on Friday the finalists will be announced. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

Blog Candy Giveaway

2011-02-28T19:16:00.001-07:00

Welcome to March's blog candy giveaway!

Here are these month's cards:

So please join me for March's giveaway!

Rules...

1. Leave a comment ON THIS POST.

2. Please make sure to leave me a way to contact you if you are the lucky winner!

Giveaway is open until Saturday, March 19, 2011, midnight.

I will announce the lucky winner on Sunday, March 20, 2011.

Good luck!

You are more than welcome to grab my button and post it on your blog :-)

PS: Babe I'm getting your cards in the mail!!!

Ahoy Matey

2011-02-24T02:00:00.041-07:00

Children's cards are not a type of cards I make often. I usually make them at stamp camps, and save them for later use to give to my nephews and nieces.

I made this card for a challenge called Kinder Birthday. I had bought this stamp set called Ahoy Matey thinking of our young nephews.

We have one 6 year old nephew who I know will like this card!

Sketch is from Stamping 411

Have a great day!

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday?

2011-02-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday?

I am working on a set of 10 cards for February's Cards for A Cause. This month's organization being featured is the Humane Society of Concord and Great Cabarrus County Harrisburg in North Carolina. We are to make thank you cards or blank note cards to be used to send to families that have adopted a pet to thank them for making their home the start of a new life for an animal in need.

I am using my Loads of Love stamp set for the very first time! I knew that someday I would finally had a chance to use it!

Please stop by Julia's Stamping Ground What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday? to see other bloggers' creative desks.

PS: I was asked if I only use Stampin' Up! stamps and the answer is mostly yes. I do have an assorted collection of other stamps that I use as well.

Featured Stamper

2011-02-23T02:00:00.001-07:00

This week's Featured Stamper at SCS is Cookie, aka StampGroover. I chose this card to case.

Congratulations Cookie!

I added a background paper which I embossed with one of my Cuttlebug embossing folder. I love the soft colors of the card stock and designer paper.

I just love how simple and pretty it looks.

Thank you for stopping by and have a great day!

Featured Stamper

2011-02-22T04:00:00.040-07:00

I was so happy I had a 3-day weekend, because it gave me the opportunity to play in my craft room, and catch up with some challenges!

Last week's Featured Stamper 210 at SCS was Charlene, aka Willow01, and I chose this card to case.

I actually made 2 cards, but used different ribbon. I actually like the top card better. I think the ribbon gives it a better finishing touch.

I think these cards make good masculine cards.

I like to give the inside of the card some personality as well. I don't like stamping the inside with a message or sentiment, that way the sender can write it's own personal message.

Congratulations Charlene!

Stamp Sets: SU! Seeing Spots, Vintage Labels

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Yoyo Yellow, Cranberry Crisp

Accessories: CB Spots & Dots EF, ribbon, small & medium circle punch, scallop punch

Homemade Laundry Soap

2011-02-22T02:00:00.072-07:00

Last month there were several posts about making your own homemade laundry detergent, that I was interested in making it myself. It seems that all of the ladies who made it and used it were very happy with the results.

Well I finally rounded up all of the ingredients and made a small batch to try out, and I'm happy to say that I love it! I did 4 loads of laundry last Saturday, and the clothes were really clean and fresh smelling! One of the things that prompted me into giving it a try was that Hubby and I have very sensitive skin. At first I thought it was the weather, since we live in a desert.

If you are interested in making this laundry detergent, you can get the recipe from Elaine at Sunny Simple Life.

Now that I have tried it and really like it, I will go ahead and make a huge batch.

You can read more about it here:

Rose Vignettes

Some Days Are Diamonds

The Beehive Cottage

Thank you ladies for sharing the recipe and for letting me know what a good thing I was missing!

Table Top Tuesday

2011-02-21T22:00:00.024-07:00

It's Table Top Tuesday at Marty's A Stroll Thru Life.

It has been a long time since I participated, and today I want to share with you one table I use a lot to take pics of my cards.

When we first moved to our home over 3 years ago, I had decided that I wanted glass side tables for our living room. So far, I haven't gotten around to getting them, and I'm stuck with this cheap 3-legged round table. I covered it up with a round tablecloth.

This silver shell dish belonged to my mother-in-law. I wish I had taken a picture of its 3 little shell legs. I cleaned it up and polished it to a gleam.

The crotchet round doily also belonged to my mother-in-law. I don't know it it was hers or it was given to her by her mother. The cute little flower pot is from Safeway. I don't like fake flowers in my home, but our living room is very dark to have real plants, and besides these flowers were just too sweet looking.

Please stop by Marty's where you'll see much more impressive table tops!

Easter Blessings

2011-02-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have to share with you one of my new stamp sets called Easter Blessings!

I think the image of this little girl is just precious, and just says spring all over!

A tiny peek inside the card...sorry it's too dark...I was still sleepy when I took this pic...LOL!

I made this card using:

Stamping 411 sketch challenge 191

SCS Ways to Use It Challenge 310: Stunning Silhouettes

PS: Designer Paper is from my Big Sis! She sent me a nice little package of beautiful 6"x6" scrap paper that I 'm playing with! Thanks Big Sis!

Presidents' Day

2011-02-21T05:00:00.001-07:00

The best leader is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.

-Theodore Roosevelt

February's Blog Candy Winner!

2011-02-20T09:45:00.001-07:00

Our February Blog Candy Giveaway is...

Babe!

Congratulations Babe! I will mail your happy mail out this coming Tuesday.

Thanks to all of you who stopped by and participated in this month's giveaway. I will be posting March's giveaway on Sunday the 6th.

Patti I hope that by now you have received your happy mail...

~Oliva~

I used Random.Org to get the winner.

Junkin Finds Friday

2011-02-18T09:16:00.001-07:00

Hi! It's Friday and I have a four-day weekend!

You probably have noticed that this week I only had one card post. For this week's posts I had decided that I needed to broaden my horizons and venture out of my craft room!

So for today's post I'm participating in Linda's Junkin Finds Friday, which is a first for me!

So let me share my Junkin Find with you...

...is this silver plated butter dish which I found at a garage sale about 2 weeks ago. Our neighbor Mary has moved to Seattle, and had a huge garage sale. I got a chance to stop by at the end of her sale when they were cleaning up all of the items that didn't sell. They were packing everything up to donate, when I spotted this really tarnished looking butter dish. I asked, "How much?" and the answer was "Free." I took it!

About a year ago I had found this $1 glass butter dish, but Hubby never liked it because it was hard to lift the lid. So when I saw the lid to this butter dish, I said, "Perfect for Hubby!"

Swing by Linda's Junkin Finds Friday to see other bloggers' great finds!

Have a great weekend and don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

On Going Project...

2011-02-17T02:00:00.009-07:00

While visiting Nancy Jo's blog, and reading this post, it reminded me of my on going crotchet afghan.

This winter has been a good one for me so far. It has given me the opportunity to work with yarn, and keeping me warm at the same time.

Besides card making and scrap booking, I enjoy knitting and crotchet. This afghan has been an on going project over the past several years. I have crotchet one row at a time using a different color yarn from leftover projects such as baby blankets, afghans and sweaters I've made as gifts.

So...while I was watching the Grammy's on Sunday evening, I decided to add several more rows, but I found out that I need more yarn...See...that's why is taking me so long to make.

Thank you Nancy Jo for giving me the inspiration to continue to crotchet.

You just never know what you'll learn or be inspired by when you visit other talented bloggers.

Don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

WOYWW?

2011-02-16T02:00:00.034-07:00

What's On My Workdesk Wednesday?

Are you ready for a glimpse of my desk? Beware...

I'm embarrassed to share this picture with you.

This is what my work table usually looks after making a card or project at the end of the weekend. I make most of my cards on the weekend since I have a very busy job that demands a lot of my attention. This week is going to be a busy one for me since I have my monthly Bunco night on Tuesday, and I'm taking Friday off from work which means I have to cram 5 days of work into 4! So my work table will stay like this until this coming Saturday morning! I'm currently working on a set of quilted cards for a friend.

I need more hours in a day!

Let me list some tools of my so called trade: small paper cutter, large paper cutter, embossing folder, stamp pad, tweezers to pick up small tiny items, ribbon, lace, ...

This is my first time playing along What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday hosted by Julia at Stamping Ground. Please stop by to get a glimpse at what other creative bloggers' desks look like!

Don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

Quilted Card

2011-02-15T02:00:00.002-07:00

This card is called a quilted card. It is a new technique I learned over the weekend from SplitCoastStampers. I would love to learn to actually quilt using real fabric, but for now I think paper is easier.

If you like to learn how to make one here is the tutorial, and if you like to see other quilting block patterns go here!

Don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

Happy St. Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T05:00:00.001-07:00

Picture via: Marie's Freebies

My Favorite Kitchen Gadget Party

2011-02-13T22:53:00.004-07:00

I am participating in Lynn's, Happier Than A Pig In Mud, party called I Love My Favorite Kitchen Gadget!

This sounded like a great party, but I had a hard time deciding which is my favorite kitchen gadget since I have several! My most favorite one is my Kitchen Aide stand mixer, but who doesn't love it!

Well I narrowed it down to 2 of my most favorite gadgets.

The first one is a measuring cup from Pampered Chef. The reason I love it is because it's a breeze to use when a recipe calls for peanut butter, Crisco, butter, or any other sticky gooey ingredient. You simply fill it up with the ingredient being called for, and then you push it right out. The best part is that it is so easy to clean!

The second gadget is this.
I called it a scraper. I can't remember it's real name. Whenever you chop onions, tomatoes, celery, etc,...you use this gadget to pick up your chopped ingredients from your cutting board, and easily transfer them to the pan for cooking or bowl. My Hubby does a lot of cooking in our home, and he's always reaching out for this gadget. I wish I had a before picture of our kitchen floor when he did the cooking before we had this scraper...ugh!!! Not pretty!

I hope with have another party like this so that I can share my other favorite kitchen gadgets that make cooking so easy to do!

Please stop by Happier Than A Pig In Mud to visit other blogger's favorite gadgets. You never know what you'll find that you can't live without.

Don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

Rosette

2011-02-13T02:00:00.033-07:00

A week ago I learned to make a rosette out of paper. It wasn't difficult once you're shown how, especially when it's this size. We used a quilling tool to hold the center of the paper while rolling it around. I don't have one so I used my needle nose pliers.

You can see the tutorial here that shows you step by step on how to make this rolled flower.

I used a strip of this beautiful rose petal designer paper, and I ran the background through the Cuttlebug using my Houndstooth embossing folder. I added a little red half pearl sticker to give it the illusion of a ladybug.

Honestly, this card was an "oops". It was going to be a totally different card, but I ended up with this!

Don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

Warm Fuzzies

2011-02-12T09:57:00.002-07:00

One of my Christmas gifts from Hubby was a heavy thick white spa robe. I love it! It's so thick and lush, and it makes me feel so extravagant!

So while I was going through my collection of Bella stamps, I came across this one. I called her Spabella.

Now you can picture my weekday morning look...but a little bit more plump...LOL!

I made this card for a challenge called Warm Fuzzies. This challenge was inspired by our colder than usual winter weather this year. In making our card we were to use a warm color and something fuzzy. My warm color is this deep dark pink background card stock. For my warm fuzzy, I used this felt ric rac ribbon. It almost has the feel and textured of my thick robe.

Well lucky for us here in the Phoenix Valley, today we are expecting sunny warm weather in the high 70's!!! Love it!

Don't forget my blog candy giveaway!

Featured Stamper

2011-02-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! I was hoping for a warmer day today, but I guess my wish didn't come true. You're probably thinking, "What is she complaining about being from sunny AZ?" Well, I don't care for cold mornings at all! My blood is too thin for this harsh weather! Yes, I am a wimp when it comes to cold weather...LOL!

Sorry...I just had to gripe!

Well moving on to the real reason of this post...Featured Stamper, FS209, Lori, aka 3Bugs&Me . I chose this beautiful card of hers. She's a very talented lady.

Once I was done with my card, I really fell in love with the color combination.

I hope you all have a great day and stay warm.

Don't forget my blog candy giveaway!