Cute Birthday Ideas

Here are two cute birthday cards made at our last gathering.  Too cute!

Wildflower Meadow

So, I recently attended my stamping class and we made a few cards.  We used a new Stampin’ Up stamp and embossing folder "Wildflower Meadow" to make a few and I’m posting them here.  It was fun to learn to use the folder and stamp in different and unique ways.  The first one direct was direct stamping and using the embossing folder.

The second card uses both folder and stamp, however, it is stamped in white craft ink on velum and then water colored.

The third card we stamped and then sponged the background.  I think they all came out great and I just love how they look.

Roni

Working In Clay

I've been working with a group of ladies from Katie's Acres, who share their images working in clay and doing it Christi Friesen style.  So much fun.  We've done dragons, hearts, parrots, cats and more.  Above are a few of the clay figures I've contributed to the site. 

Currently, we're working from Christi's book about "Down Under" and I'm excited to be a part of such a bunch of talented men and women, working in a common medium.

Of course, clay isn't my only passion, as my blog shows.  I've also been working on my "Song Journal" where I am sharing my favorite songs and artwork together in one place. 

Yesterday, I went to a card class, which was fun and I'm going to post the photos of them on here later.  I have to charge my camera batteries first. LOL! 

Anyway, working with clay is always relaxing as I mash and roll and shape it, then watch as it magically turns into something that may or may not resemble something. :)  And, if it doesn't, I can just squash it and start over. 

Once I've baked it up, I can't wait for it to cool so I can glaze it.  I don't know why; but I just love how it looks when it gets all shiny from the glaze.  I've tried the glaze that dries flat; but don't really care for it.  I just like shiny!

If you want to learn how do work with clay, why not stop by Katie's blog and check out her tutorials.

Faux Book

I went to my craft class and we learned to make "Faux Books".  It was fun and very enjoyable.  We made a super cute one and then I came home and made two additional books.  I just loved how easy it was and had to make one for Mom and the other for my sister for Mother's Day. 

This one we made in class: 

 

 



Then, I went home and made these two:

 These were such a lot of fun.  I want to make a few more for friends as well.  I so enjoy crafting when I learn a new thing.  Of course, I can easily get addicted to a style and then I make a bunch and then I move on to another one.  I think I may make a "Doctor Who" style one for my son.  He is such a fan.  Now, if I could just put a few cool things in it for him. :)
 

Rag Dolls

I have always loved rag dolls.  I loved Raggedy Ann when I was little and remember my cousins taking me to see the movie at the theater when I was little.  It was great.  I also had Holly Hobby's friend, Heather (another rag doll) when I was a kid.  As a matter of fact, I recently purchased a Heather doll to replace the one I once had.  :)

Anyway, I made a bunch of different rag dolls myself and love to make them in my spare time.  As one who is crafty, I work in paper, sewing, painting, clay, etc.  Anything I can do to create.  I made these:

These two gals (and the one in the background) I made in no time at all.  I also lucked onto a doll making software that allows the user to make clothes and adjust the size to the size of your doll.  It's awesome!!!  The styles are plenty and varied.  I just so enjoy the different things I can do with it. 

My first doll was one I made for my mother's birthday,.  She turned out really cute, too. 

 

This next one, I made for my niece's birthday.  I told her about the one I made for my mom and she wanted one, too, so I made her this one for her own. She loves it.  (Sorry, can't figure out why it would turn the photos)

 

 

Then, I made The Mad Hatter for my sister.  I just LOVE him.  He's a bit crazy and a bit fun and just a wonderful character to make, so I added my own twist to the famous Alice character.

I also made this little lady in black and white.  I used white fabric for her body instead of the standard muslin I had on hand.  I then put her hair in two pig tails (ala Abby Shuto) and here she is!!!!

As far as hobbies go, I do enjoy making dolls.  I've made a few teddy's as well and I'll post them soon.  These are just a few of my sewing projects.  I also have one in the making that is a inspired by my love of Doctor Who's "River Song".  She's looking really cute, too!  I even made her a pair of boots.  :)  FUN, fun, fun!

Flip Flop Album

I made this beautiful Flip Flop album using Stampin' Up papers and some other stuff I had around.  It is so simple and a real beauty.  I love it!

 

 

 

As you can see, I've added photos, embellishments and journaling.  I then gave it to my mom for her Mother's Day.  She loved it.  I included pictures of my son; but also a few of my niece and nephews as well, so she has a great collection of our Christmas together and a few snaps as well.

 

Okay, so I have NO IDEA how to turn the photos (they're right sided on my computer) and after struggling to figure it out for a while, I GIVE UP!  Anyway, you can click the photos and see an enlarged view.  Enjoy!!

 

Super Easy Tacos!!!!

I made these super easy tacos tonight and my son devoured them!  Just a pound of browned ground beef, taco seasoning, some "bowl" shaped tortilla chips and toppings!

 

Place cooked beef in tortilla bowls, top with cheese and bake 350 degrees until cheese melts.  Once you take them out, serve'em up.  We topped them with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, olives, or you can add any tasty topping you like to them.  They are quick, delicious and much neater than traditional tacos.  Tiny tacos in bite sized pieces.  

Don't forget the taco sauce!!!! Enjoy!