Flip Flops & Pop Tarts

Harmony Garden Girl and Laundry Girl Journal Page

2012-01-25T11:31:00.000-05:00

A journal page of one living in harmony, this past weeks LifeBook workshop. This is also my first so called real watercolor. Using the Prang watercolors. I have been so inspired by Alisa Burke from her beautiful watercolors and sketches. It just kinda fell into the LifeBook class. At first there was only a PDF on the drawings from a tutorial from Bonnie Rose Bryan well I printed them off and yes there was a video on shaving cream marbling which I have done for many many years. Then I went back and there were videos, so perhaps I would have done better if I had watched the videos first??? Anyways it is what it is....

I love sunflowers, so I drew this one

Here is the sketch before the painting and there are some black pen highlights in this photo

Say It With Letter's You & Me So Happy Together w/ a Tutorial

2012-01-21T09:47:00.000-05:00

Are you thinking of Valentine's Day?? If not then you need to.....it is less than 24 days away...and you know how fast that will come!! So start thinking of that special one......by making them this wonderful MDF cut-out of You & Me found at Say It With Letter's Etsy Store I have these sitting above my bed which is a brand new painted headboard that my husband made and is so beautiful. Just perfect! I love how they turned out....I cut the little couple out with the Silhouette SD and the tiny heart. The tutorial below will explain some of the easy steps to create this same look. Photoshop brushes used to edit picture.

Photo 1 Gather supplies, I used Wilton parchment paper to keep the gel medium from sticking, you could use your craft mat or wax paper. Golden Gel Medium, Tim Holtz tissue paper (ok I'm lovin that stuff) once again Thanks to Tim and Idea-ology. I also used a cheap black tissue paper found from Wal-Mart just to add texture under the paint this was used on the &
Photo 2 Using the Tim Holt tissue wrap begin placing the Golden Gel medium down than adding the tissue paper, cover again with gel medium...I am using the matte gel medium you can use gloss or whatever you like.
Photo 3 I found it easier to cut the whole amount of tissue paper out to cover each letter, then wrapped and cut excess, you will need to coats of tissue paper for the light colored papers. The black covered in one coat.
Photo 4 You can use small pieces to cover any missing spots.

Photo 1 Here the & is covered with the black tissue paper, since it was so dull looking but added great texture Photo 2 I then added a coat of Tattered Angels Glam Glitter Paint in Stiletto this stuff is great if you haven't tried it...you should. It coats great and dries quick and covers well.

Photo1 Here while the Glam was still wet I sprinkled silver hearts just to add that "Bling" Photo2 Now take the music covered letters outside and spray the Krylon Webbing Spray in Silver (this needs a well ventilated area) This stuff is fabulous....it makes the coolest texture and is so easy to use just make sure you are at least 8-10 inches away from your item you are spraying. I have used this in Halloween cards...etc.

You can see here is where I added all the little embellies....of your choice. I cut the SO HAPPY TOGETHER from the Silhouette SD. To make the glitter paper I use regular smooth white cardstock spray with Krylon Super Qucik Spray adhesive then sprinkle on ultra fine silver glitter, allow to dry then sprinkle off excess glitter.

The little couple and heart were also cut from the Silhouette SD

You & Me

These ready to craft letters are available at Say It With Letters you will find wonderful shapes for any and all arts and crafts. These make awesome mosaic bases.....so go check it out! Also please check out all the inspiration offered at the Say It With Letters Blog

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend, it is raining here.....the boys are not so happy about that but I told them it would be a great day to catch up on their school projects. Have a good one! Hugs to all, Dawn Gallop

Celebrating Your Inner Goddess Superpowers Week One of LifeBook

2012-01-09T13:37:00.001-05:00

Celebrating my goddess superpowers, a year long journey of Life Book by the very talented and wonderful Tamara Laporte. She has amazing classes, and so very talented. Look I was able to paint this portrait for the first time while watching her video, which I have drawn things but just doing not really knowing what I was doing.....trust me you learn quick when your kids have what seems like a million projects....LOL!!!

The theme is great and as she put it very uplifting.....and therapeutic. I had a ball making it and I was proud of myself!! Thanks to TAM!!! The hearts are Ice Resin Paper from vintage music sheets.
I used several stamps and KaiserKraft rub-ons.

My husband was so proud of me...LOL!

I added brown eyes to match mine. If I could only have her lips.

Well hello again, I have a busy week.....well back after Crystal's party the end of Oct. 2011 we started painting the house....well its three stories and the bottom floor has like 16 ft high ceiling in places...alot of paint! We have just finished the second floor and now are going back and adding carpet...etc...hardwood floors, etc....well we are replacing the tile floors for hardwood and some of the existing hardwood floors with carpet...which before now we have not had carpet in this house. We are excited and trust me it has been a journey and a half. Right now as I type this I have two guys in my kitchen tearing up the whole floor and is it noisy!! When my husband builds something it is solid and that porcelain floor has cement backboard too, wow what a mess, but it will be all worth it in the end. I am pretty much confined to one room in the house because we have the rooms covered with plastic....so much dust!!!! Can't wait to share the picture with you guys. Have a good day, cyber hugs, Dawn Gallop

A Recipe for Chicken and Cheese Rotini

2012-01-05T12:06:00.000-05:00

Chicken and Cheese Rotini an easy nutritious meal for feeding the large family, although the recipe can be cut in half to feed the smaller family, or you can use this recipe and have left overs and even lunches the next day. So easy and quick using basically four ingredients five if ya include the olive oil, six the salt!! LOL!

The ingredients are as followed:
2lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast
Barilla Whole Grain Rotini
Kraft Philadelphia Cooking Creme Italian Cheese and Herb
Live Smart California Blend Vegetable mix from Schwans (you can use any mixed vegetable blend)

Fill your large pot half with water and a few sprinkles of salt allow to boil and then turn down the heat to medium pour in the entire box of Barilla Rotini Noodles

Mean while cut the boneless skinless chicken into bite sized pieces

Spray your large skillet with olive oil (I pump my own with the sprayer from Bed Bath and Beyond)
turning on the burner on medium high heat

cook chicken on medium high heat until white

Now that the water is boiling in go the noodles cooking until desired tenderness (my family likes theirs firm not mushy) approx. 7-9 minutes

You can cover the chicken if you like and may add a 1/4 cup of water if sticking

continue cooking until done see next pic

here the chicken is done

add mixed vegetables, I add my Live Smart Schwans vegetables at this time the whole bag

the noodles are cooked now drain in your sink allow to sit until vegetables are cooked

Here the vegetables are cooked and ready to add noodles

Now add the noodles

Now add the Philadelphia Italian Cream Cheese and Herb containers both of them.

ENJOY!!!! Dusty sure did!!

Chicken and Cheese Rotini
2lbs of skinless boneless chicken breast
One large bag of frozen mixed vegetables
2 containers of Kraft Philadelphia Italian Cheese and Herb
One 13.25oz box of Barilla Whole Grain Rotini
Olive Oil for skillet and salt for noodle water (optional)

Fill your large pot half with water and a few sprinkles of salt allow to boil and then turn down the heat to medium pour in the entire box of Barilla Rotini Noodles. Mean while cut the boneless skinless chicken into bite sized pieces.
Spray your large skillet with olive oil (I pump my own with the sprayer from Bed Bath and Beyond)
turning on the burner on medium high heat. Cook chicken on medium high heat until white. Now that the water is boiling in go the noodles cooking until desired tenderness (my family likes theirs firm not mushy) approx. 7-9 minutes. You can cover the chicken if you like and may add a 1/4 cup of water if sticking. Add mixed vegetables, I add my Live Smart Schwans vegetables at this time the whole bag. Once the noodles are cooked , drain in your sink allow to sit until vegetables are cooked. Add the noodles when vegetables are ready. Then add the two containers of Kraft Philidelphia Italian cheese and herb, turn of the heat cover and serve when ready. ENJOY!!

Tutorial On Making A Clover Pom Pom and A Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T21:53:00.003-05:00

Yarn Pom Pom using the Clover Pom Pom Maker click HERE
I had decided I wanted to have a Christmas tree next year that is black and white so in order to make the ornaments I have to start now......LOL!! Yeah or it will never happen.......I had bought a cheapo tree from Roses and was hoping to get it done before the holidays but yeah you know what happened....it didn't get done. So now I am gonna start making ornaments all year.

Here are the supplies, these are so flipping simple that you can make them while watching TV riding in the car, etc. I even put them on my packages this year.

The Pom Pom Maker from Clover USA they come in many sizes and are a great price.

Open the sides of the maker

start wrapping the yarn around

Wrap the yarn around both sides

Here the yarn is around both sides

Now start cutting

Cut both sides keeping closed while cutting

When both sides are cut wrap a piece of yarn around the tie with making a knot and save yourself some yarn for hanging

Now open both sides

Pull apart and trim any extra long pieces and you now have this simple ornament

Abigail on New Years Eve

Dale and Amanda on New Years Eve

Colby on New Years Eve

Crystal Christmas Day she wouldn't leave the voice changer alone and was even calling people on the phone with it...LOL!!!

Amanda and Crystal Christmas Day

Just wanted to wish everyone in Blog Land a Happy New Year 2012. Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, and Inspired New Year!!! I have made it one of my resolutions to make more post on the blog....so I'm gonna try real hard!! LOL!!! Wanted to share a few pics and a super simple ornament to start on my black and white tree.I purchased the pom-pom makers when I went to the Donna Downey weekend and Donna showed us how fun and easy they are, and I have been making them every since....I will share more pics later.....Have a Wonderful night! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe and Vinyl Cut from the Cricut for the Jar

2011-12-09T19:05:00.001-05:00

Homemade Soap Powder and a Wal-Mart large jar, using the Cricut Expressions and vinyl.
The carts I used were All Mixed Up on 2 and A Country Life on 2 1/4. I originally saw this on Pinterest, which now I can say I am addicted, its like looking at thousands of blogs and remembering by pinning on your board....just too cool! I also had a pin for the laundry detergent from TipNut.com and here is the original pin from Being Creative to Keep My Sanity Blogspot, go HERE. My recipe is as followed at the bottom.

Using Zote Soap and a cheap grater from Wal-Mart purchased just for the soap for $2 bucks, that way I didn't have to use the one that is much nice for my foods.I purchased the soap from Amazon.com because I could not find anywhere around here even in the small Spanish/Mexican Latino stores, but if you live near one that is much more stocked you may find it there. It smells soooo good a lemony fresh scent.

Here are the rest of the ingredients, Baking soda I purchased from Wal-Mart or any other store, the Borax (20 Mule Team)from any store such as Food Lion, Wal-Mart, etc. and the Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda.

Grate the soap right on the package, it goes very quick and stays in side the grater, you can then just pick up all the pieces and place in a bowl, so you can mix before placing in your large jar. Mixing in the jar will leave a dirty look on the side of the jar from the soap hitting the sides of the jar.....lets face it ..it looks pretty not being smeared all over.

It will look like this add the other ingredients, the Borax, the baking soda, and washing powder to the Zote and mix well. I put a small scoop in, you should use approx. 1/8 cup per load or 1/4 cup for extra dirty.

4 cups Borax
2 cups Baking Soda
2 cups Washing Soda
2 cups Bar soap (grated) I only bought one bar from Amazon
Mix all ingredients well and store in a sealed tub.
Use 1/8 cup of powder per full load

Thank You

Say It With Letters 12" WREATH Using Bo Bunny Noel Papers and Prima Flowers

2011-12-06T07:56:00.001-05:00

The wreath is 12" fits perfect on a 12x12 sheet of paper from Say It With Letters. The DT has such beautiful inspiration of the Say It With Letters blog go check it out HERE. They all are so different and just gives you the warm feeling of the Holidays. Here I used the 12" wreath as a base and covered with the Bo Bunny Noel papers. Then using the Prima Flowers to fill the wreath. Okay I know my past came out....lol!! I used to teach flower arranging at the local college here and you know what I could not doing anything else but use flowers....it was just then flower arranger in me that came out....lol!
The accents are Tim Holtz holiday Christmas Adorments. You can also see them HERE. The ribbon is from Hobby Lobby and floral wire. All the chipboard charms are Bo Bunny from the Noel Collection. I had a lot of fun making this, the sides are painted with an eggshell white which is more beige.

Here the wreath is on my newly repainted door. Just perfect!!

Close up view of the wreath.

The Tim Holtz Christmas Adornment and the Bo Bunny post card from the Noel Collection

The deer from the Tim Holtz Christmas Adornments lying on the Bo Bunny chipboard ornament.

I was trying to show how much it sparkles and is just so beautiful!

Close up of the Prima flowers just beautiful!!! They have some amazing flowers!! Thanks again Prima!

The ribbon was made and floral wire to tie the bow together. The gold just glistens. I used Helmar glues, the best!!!

Well Hello I know it has been awhile.....but let me explain!! LOL! It all started with September being so busy and going to Art Bliss which anytime I go on an Art adventure...it takes alot of planning because my whole clan goes......well the ones that are left at home. This was also Cody's birthday and Cooper's. Cody turned 14 and Cooper 5!!! Coop will be starting school this coming year....yikes! Most of you who read my blog remember when Coop was born......well hold on because it ha been five years already!
In the mean time I knew Crystal my 21 yo dd was due to come home from South Korea on Oct. 20.......WOOOOHOOOO! Well we were planning a HUGE party....which took a whole lotta work....oh my!!! Not only getting the house ready, the decorations, the food, the cake, just everything and I know all the planners out there know what I mean....!!!! I was also still teaching and holding down the fort...lol! Then my husband decides well we are gonna paint the whole house after the party....mind you I live in a three story big house...well it seems big! So now we just finished the first floor and we took up the old flooring which was only three years old...and replaced with a gun stock hardwood floor.....just gorgeous!! I also have been to two other art retreats since Art Bliss....well the Donna Downey Art Journal and the Copic Intermediate Certification which was in Georgia over nine hours from here. Yep you can find me coloring too!! LOL! So I hope you see why I have been too busy to post.....I know no excuses but I tell ya there is not enough time in my day!!! I have soooooo much to post and tell ya...but it will just have to wait! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

My Desert Cottage: Home made Terrarium

2011-11-02T23:31:00.000-04:00

**My Desert Cottage**: Home made Terrarium: When last months issue of Country Living came out, I knew I wanted to make this really cool terrarium. The whole thing was made with inexpe...

Say It With Letters "COZY" with Yarns and Felt

2011-09-21T07:45:00.002-04:00

Say it with Letters "COZY" word is now available for sale in Deb's shop at Etsy. Go HERE Also check all the inspiration in the shop. Some amazing talent from the other designers. I have decorated the letters with the warm cozy yarns that are so soft and warm and cozy feeling. The buttons are organic cotton buttons....so beautiful. The machine is hand felted using the wool felt and several fibers. I braided the three yarns together to make the bow on the y.

The "C" with the coconut buttons....just so cute.

Love the feel of the yarn and buttons I purchased at Hancock Fabrics.

Here is the "O" with the felted heart.

Close up of the heart.

The "Z" more of those coconut buttons.

The "Y" with the braided yarn bow.

Here are the letters unfinished and are for sale at Say it with Letters Etsy shop
Go HERE perfect for any of your decorative needs

Another close up.

Say it with Letters has announced the new Design Team here is the new team, and a fine team it is.

Announcing... the Say It With Letters Designers....

Senior Designers:

Designers:

YEAH!!!! Lets give the new DT a shout out "CONGRATULATIONS"

I'm so thrilled to be continuing on the team, I have absolutely enjoyed myself.

Thanks Deb!!!

So many great cut outs to choose from my wish list is long.

Check out the Etsy store and the Blog for more great ideas and selections.

Sorry for the delay again in Blogging but the Hurricane Irene put quite a punch to North Carolina.

Have a wonderful week.

Dawn

Apothecary House using Fabulous Papers By Echo Park

2011-09-04T10:04:00.000-04:00

The Apothecary House.......all began from paper my husband went and bought me at my request I called Archiver's to see if they had it and they said YES! He stopped and picked it up for me and he didn't get home to real late that night so the next morning I walked into my studio knowing I was going to use it....I looked around thinking what do I want to do???
I saw this old nick nack shelf that I had purchased at a junk store (who doesn't love that?) I thought perfect an apothecary house.....I just adore those tiny bottles anyway......I used those fabulous Echo Park papers Apothecary Emporium and was so pleased with the results. I included some herbs and spices to add to the effect. The papers were so perfect for this. The paints were basic white and Tim holtz crackle effects. I edited the picture in Photoshop.

More 7 Gypsies bottles and a handmade mortar and pestal and a tiny brass spoon.
The stickers are also from 7 Gypsies

The skull I hand built out of paper clay....love that stuff!

Here is another tiny 7 Gypsies Bottle with the "9" sticker also by 7 Gypsies
I always try to put a nine in my art work........

Here is what it looked like before the alter the cobwebs were an added bonus!

Echo Park

I Love My Nook Sewn Cover for Halloween

2011-08-23T01:47:00.000-04:00

A cover for my Nook
the other day I decided to make a cover for my Nook and I just purchased this adorable
Halloween fabric at Joann's and thought how cute.....now my husband said get making the Christmas, LOL!
I used felt, my sewing machine and batting.

Here it is inside the cover it fit perfect.

Here is the inside that plaid fabric was such a cute perfect Halloween print

The other night we made brownies, every now and then I break down and make some sweets for the children.
Dusty had been crying to play the game like Cooper but he just was to small and was having trouble so I told him we could make brownies, he did everything from the eggs to the water and the stirring. Next thing I looked he was eating the batter, I ran to get the camera and within seconds he was just about covered in brownies. Oh well he didn't care he forgot all about the game.

He said "these brownies yummy" he added nuts, and chocolate chips. We were so glad we could finally add nuts to the brownies now that Amanda is not home, she hates nuts in things so the boys were all doing the happy dance over getting to add nuts in the brownies, after they were done cooking they had ice cream on top.....and no I didn't have any!!!

Hope everyone is having a super week~ although it has just began. I have been so busy getting the boys ready for school, open house, supplies, etc. whew!! The two littlest boys are so wanting to go now, and to think poor Coop missed the deadline by 20 days, he was born on Sept. 20 and the deadline for K is August 31. He is so ready and wanting to go to school. Oh well he will just have to enjoy another year with me and Dusty. Well I am off to bed...have a great week. Dawn

Say It With Letters Mermaid

2011-08-18T19:07:00.000-04:00

Say It With Letters mermaid that is just perfect for my bedroom. I decorated her with hand spun hand dyed merino yarn, by Tamara Lovelace and wool that I hand dyed the green circles. The felt ball was cut in half. Hand painted and decorated with a tiny mirror and shells that I have had since forever.......along with the starfish. Used Liquitex paints.

The hand dyed wool felt was dyed in water with Ranger Adirondack Bottle Green ink.
The purple was bought like that.

I think the mermaid came out so pretty.

Close up of the mermaid and the mirror.

You can purchase one of these of your very own at Say It With Letters Etsy store. Deb has a wonderful selection of cut-outs perfect for all your artsy needs.
Also check the blog out for loads of inspiration.

Say It With Letters Blog

Hello everyone I hope you are having a super sweet week. I have been busy with the boys getting them ready to return to school next week. All the shoes and clothes bought just a few more basic supplies. Whew! That was a job! LOL! Also getting myself geared up for ARTBLISS Workshops which I can hardly wait, I have signed up for the charm swap again too which I have never even showed you guys all the fabulous charms I have made in the past.....I know it is almost impossible it seems to even post things.....I am always creating something but to get it on the Internet can be another thing. I have also been working on the boys costumes and sewing some other goodies.....well better go finish up with the dinner dishes. Hugs to all, Dawn

Say It With Letters Margarita Glass "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off"

2011-08-14T20:54:00.000-04:00

Say It With Letters Martini Glass with a Margarita Style

I just love it! I made it for my outdoor kitchen

(which where it is, is protected)

Bruce Jr. painted the tiki bar last week with a Magaritaville flair...which made this just fit right in!
The fabric was machine embroidered on my ancient embroidery machine, I bought it brand new in 1995 and paid $5,000 and yes it still works!!!! Gotta love it! A Janome Memory Craft 9000, I have asked for a new one that is computer friendly and Bruce just won't budge!

The theme came from the famous song by Joe Nichols Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off, which everyone who knows me
I am not a country music fan, I know.....but my children are so I am so exposed to it, and my husband laughs at me when I sing the songs.

The wooden cutout is perfect for all your poison drinks...lol!

The ribbon is unknown but the flowers came from WalMart. I used fabri-tac Adhesive

The boa came from Michaels.

The lime is made from wool felt which I hand sewed the lime wedges on, I think it was such a great added touch.

Hello again!! I hope you have been having a wonderful summer. I taught this week at my house and had such a great time, but managed to get this cute little glass done......now I think I really need one. I have been trying to get more projects done now since my garden season is coming to an end. I have so enjoyed this summer, I really hate to see it end, but on the other hand I do like the regular routine of the fall. Well better go...have a wonderful week! Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches "Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses" using the Creative Imaginations Beach Cottage Collections

2011-08-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

Stuck On You Sketches

This week the sketch is by sweet Leah

Who doesn't love the Friday reveal at Stuck On You Sketches??

The team has put together an awesome take on the sketch.

Check it out SOUS

I had a super time with this layout I had a babysitter for most of the afternoon so I could actually put together this wonderful layout. I used the pp from Creative Imaginations Beach Cottage Collection which the minute I laid eyes on it...it was in my basket.

I bought it in May while in Florida. I was feely beachy sooooo of course this is what I put togther.

I wanted to name it treasures of the Sea.....but this also fits so well. Cooper at Nags Head in 2010. The boys LOVE the beach, well who doesn't??

The title is so perfect It is from Silhouette SD I cut from Bazzill Raven paper. I used half of a wine faux cork, sea shells,

Prima flowers, starfish, coral, sanddollars and more. Even the sand in the bottle. The ribbon I made using my Pfaff felting machine. Which I soooo love!!! It is just amazing!!!!

The Mermaid is just a favorite of mine anyday! I hand painted it using the Twinkling H20's now Creative Imaginations is selling them!!! Awesome I have had mine for many years from Luminarte. They are just awesome...I can't say it enough.
Then I went over them with a few Ranger Stickles.

I also added Copic markers to her skin tone. Raffia, stitched the background diecut which is from Cricut using the Lacy Labels Cartridge, and TH Distress Inks on the labels (diecuts)

The quote is fabulous and oh so perfect.......
“I dropped a tear in the ocean, and whenever they find it I'll stop loving you, only then.”

--Anonymous

Oh my don't you love that quote.??

Here is the picture I used of Cooper at OBX 2010 edited in PhotoShop

Sketch By Leah Schaeffer

I took this adorable picture of my granddaughter Abigail this week, she has been her all week even spent the night, which is hard for her, she's a mommies girl. She loves the pool she asks all day Grandma Dawn we going to the pool now? I always love the summer, and it has flown by...like usual. Sad I wish it could be summer a bit longer. They eaten nutty butties and popsicles all week. I made them zoo pancakes for breakfast today and Abigail told the boys I made them for her. The cutest little story she was sad and missed her mommy and daddy last night so I was holding her in the bed all the boys were around her in a circle tring to comfort her it was like she was a brand new baby...I just thought how thoughtful and caring they were. I'm gonna miss ya Abigail when ya go to school! She starts school this year, Cooper is three months younger than her and he can't start till next year because of the deadline and he is sooooo ready, the school system has had so many cut backs they have elliminated the 4 year old program which Cooper could utilize but not now. Cooper is so READY!!!!

Say It With Letters W is for Whale

2011-08-04T11:03:00.000-04:00

W is for Whale

Say It With Letters Cutouts

You can get one to decorate right here

Whale

They are sooo adorable.

Check out Say It With Letters Blog to see the other DT work....awesome Inspiration.

I used old Rusty Pickle paper and shaded with burnt umber paints, two buttons for the eye,

the hat was cut from the Cricut Stand and Salute Cartridge at 2.....love the hat!! Used the CuttleBug to emboss the hat using an Quickutz embossing folder.

Edited the photo in PhotoShop.

Say It With Letters Cutout

Hello all I made this adorable little whale from Say It With Letters . Just sooo soo cute!! Today I am finishing up a layout for tomorrows reveal and my last layout for DT at Stuck On You Sketches don't forget to stop back tomorrow by because I am in a beachy mood.....hint hint!!! Have a sweet day!! Hugs to all, Dawn Gallop

Elmo Birthday Cake and Banner Using the Cricut and Cricut Cake and Cups Decorated with Vinyl

2011-08-02T13:08:00.000-04:00

Elmo Cake
Dusty celebrated his 3rd birthday and of course who doesn't love Elmo?

I made this cake for his party using the 1996 Wilton Elmo Party Pan where Elmo is wearing a party hat and holding a piece of cake. Well since it was a jungle theme I changed the party hat to a safari hat. The cake piece I used the binoculars instead. Elmo was holding balloons and I put the map in the other hand. The map was cut from the Cricut Cake using the Paper Dolls cartridge cut at 2 1/2. I made all my own fondant and frosting's. The red frosting I started a week in advance increasing the intense color each day. The green leaves were all cut from Life Is A Beach cartridge at various sizes up to the 3 1/4. The frosting tips are 16, and 72 and 2. I dyed the fondant with Leaf green from Wilton.

The animals were cut from Animal Kingdom. Too too cute!! Always love that cartridge.
I used the Wilton black food writers for the eyes and the details.

The map was cut from Paper Dolls Cartridge at 9 1/4.

Close up of the leaves on the side they were all around cut from Life is a Beach Cartridge.

Everyone LOVED Elmo! THANK YOU CRICUT CAKE!!!!

The banner was cut from the Elmo's Party Cartridge at 10.

The Sesame Street Font Cartridge was used to cut the alphas at 6 1/4.

The heads of the animals was cut at 2 3/4 using the Animal Kingdom Cartridge.

And of course the leaves Life is a Beach.

We had the party as a pool party in my backyard at our new and in making of the outdoor kitchen.

We (me and Alexis) made the cups for the party, the children loved them.
Alexis went to every Dollar General around to get enough! Love ya Lex!

We were all so pleased with the cups. Using the Elmo's Party Cartridge and vinyl.

Hello and Welcome to the Elmo Party I had for my three year old Dusty. All the details are under the pictures. Everyone had a super blast and making all the goodies for the party was just as much fun!

My daughter Crystal sent Dusty from South Korea a Robot and a Slip and Slide!!! My cousin Josh bought him John Deere Tractor ride-on I mean like cousin of the year here!!!!! Thanks BJ, josh and Rebekkah. Dusty had so much fun i just tell you how much!!! Thanks to all my family, friends, and everyone!!!

Dusty

Alexis dishing the ice cream, me cutting the cake, Abigail (my granddaughter) and Dusty having a blast!!

Stuck On You Sketches "Sunny Days" Mini Album Blog Hop Using An Altoid Can

2011-07-29T06:59:00.001-04:00

Stuck On You Sketches Mini Album Blog Hop

Using the Altoid can and mini album cut from Die Cut Diva

www.diecutdiva.com

The paper also came from her.

The sun was cut from the Cricut Imagine and the title from Celebrate with Flourishes.

The altoid can decorated with images cut and printed from the Cricut Imagine

So cute the sun and pool from the Cricut Imagine.

The side view, note the bead. I drilled a hole in the can and then tied on the bead.

The inside, ready to add pictures.
I made this as a gift of some poolside pictures. The mini album was donated by

www.diecutdiva.com

Thanks Terry!!!

Hello all and WELCOME!!!! I have had a summer cold all week and was unable to get all the details on my mini album, but so loved the simplicity of it. I don't do simple sooooo I was right proud of it for that reason. I hated it at first...just not my style....but I rolled on despite feeling awful. Hope to feel better tomorrow. Thanks bunches for stopping by and now HOP ON OVER to the talented>>>>>>>>>>

Dawn Lotharius

http://dawnscrafts.blogspot.com/2011/07/summer-mini-album-blog-hop.html

Have a SUPER GREAT weekend, enjoy the hop!!

Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches "There Is Beauty All Around" Using Creative Imaginations Papers

2011-07-22T00:19:00.000-04:00

Stuck On You Sketches layout using a sketch by our very own Nanne'. I used Creative Imaginations papers, Webster's, and GCD. The lace is vintage, an original Frozen Charlotte doll from Germany. Vintage doily, and an original quote by me
Sunflowers grace the garden like the beauty of the butterfly. ~Dawn Gallop
The picture in edited in PhotoShop, the title was cut from the Silhouette SD.

Sketch by Nanne' Harry

Thanks for stopping by this weekend I am having a birthday party for Dusty he will be three and Amanda came home today. The birthday party will be a pool, and pizza party...fun fun fun!!! Enjoy your weekend!!
Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches "Time in the Garden is Time Well Spent" Encaustic Layout with Bo Bunny Paper

2011-07-08T00:05:00.000-04:00

Stuck on You Sketches
Time In the Garden is Time Well Spent
An Encaustics layout on the Bo Bunny Paper
The picture is of a watercan in my garden that I have edited in PhotoShop which I love how it turned out.
I used Helmar glues and WOW!!! They are AMAZING!!!!! The title I made in Silhouette on a peice of transparency then glued it on without any glue showing!!! The gear and watch parts are real and vintage. The number nine is a vintage #, I always collect the number 9's anywhere they are. The clock behind the picture was cut from the Cricut on Wall Decor and More. I used paints, Pan Pastels, R&F Encaustic wax, stamps by Hero Arts, Stamper's Anonymous Tim Holtz collection, Helmar Glues, The Helmar Scrap Dots is my favorite. Golden Gesso was applied first to the fun foam numbers.
The pussy willow is Prima.

A little close up although not crooked just a different view in the camera.

Note the numbers under the encaustic wax.

This design is by our very own Nanne' Harry at SOUS.
Awesome sketch and I sure had fun with it!! Thanks Nanne'!

Mark Your calendars for the Summer Mini Blog Hop at SOUS.

Hello and Happy BirthDay to Me!!! Yepper's I am having a birthday today, and what better way to spend it than on a SOUS reveal??? Yes our sketch this week is by our very own Nanne' Harry , don't forget to stop by and say hi to Nanne', waving here Hi Nanne'. For my birthday I get to spend the whole day creating making ART, jewelry style!!! I can't wait!!! This week has been a busy one, we had fireworks for the fouth of July, Amanda left for the Navy on Tuesday, I spent all day Wednesday with my dear friend Nancy aka Fancy Nancy at her wonderful beautiful home, we went to Panera Bread for lunch, M's, ACMoore, and a gorgeous nursery, where I bought some plants....I know like I needed more. We had a blast!!! I had no kids and no husband with me either...yep can you believe it??? Fun fun day! Well I hope you like my layout I sure had a sweet time making it today, my granddaughter came to visit today and I worked in between play times. Have a wonderful weekend! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

A Copper Necklace with Enameled Bird and Happy Fouth of July

2011-07-04T19:39:00.000-04:00

This necklace was a commisioned piece that a dear friend of mine requested I make her, I created it to match her likings.
She loved it!!

She also loves to create and loves birds and the color lime.

Hello and Happy Fourth of July!!!! We are getting rain......so so much for the fireworks, well it is only 7pm now maybe it will stop???? The boys are going crazy to do the fireworks. It was so funny my husband went to get the fireworks and OMG he was like a kid in the candy shop, he bought more than he needed to. Then this morning him and Cody rode down to the fireworks stand and bought more, I was like you got to be kidding the boys said no mom its for real!!! The ones he bought today are as tall as he is, lol!!! Dinner was great we grilled and had all the vegetables out of my garden. Well Alexis is here for the night and wants me to clean up.......so got go! HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

A Quick View of My Garden

2011-07-02T15:21:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of a sunflower that I have some artistic effects to in PhotoShop
I just love the beauty of the sunflower, an amazing gorgeous flower.

A little garden fairy that I bought at Joann's in Florida at 60% off.....so sweet and I have placed here in my herb bed.
The photo has been artistically altered in Photoshop.
I have several garden fairies located throughout my garden.

Here is the front of my new garden shed, that Bruce has built me and I designed, it is so cute and just a wonderful
enjoyment to my garden. Now all my tools and garden supplies have a special house. Not to mention I have had fun decorating this year, most items I have had in my studio because they have been meant for this DREAM garden shed I have wanted forrrreeeevvvverrrrr. I just adore it!!

The garden beds are all raised and have been since 2004, when we first put in the beds, when we moved in Dec. 2008 he moved the beds and even the dirt, so I have been using the raised beds for quite sometime and do enjoy the convience of them. It is whole lot easier for me to take care of since I am really the lone gardener in my house, although I do get help from the boys in the beginning.

Here are some of the pumpkin plant, and gourds. They do travel, the may pea bed is beside it and of course they have been put in my freezer and I have replanted in their place. I have many birdhouse gourds already larger than my hands.

The greenhouse where I start all my seeds every year and have since 1999, I ordered from FingerHut in 1997 and it took like forever to pay for LOL! I am so amazed how well it has maintained and keeps on working year after year. I have bags of dirt stored in their now for my potting table which is on the other side of the new shed.

Plenty of Butterfly Bushes which all flying creature LOVE my entire yard is full of my favorite little flying dragonflies.
I kid you not I have watched them for many years now and they actually pose for you when shooting them, it is just astounding. I will get so close to them and they just start posing.

I plant sunflowers all throughout the garden, they provide some shade and beauty to the garden, this one here is I know 15ft high.....AMAZING!

A beautiful butterfly that we get to enjoy day after day.

Here is a little garden cart I have had since 2003 it put my hand tools in while in the garden.
See the pampas grass sticking out I planted that from seeds....AMAZING! It has taken since March to get that high.

Squash plants, zucchini, and bell peppers...which they all have been plentiful.....we have been grilling them just about every night.

Another view we have birds in the houses, it is such a pleasure to see them frolic around. They will drink water from the wine barrel pond. The dutch statues I painted in 1995 and still adorn the garden for eye candy. See how tall my tomato plants are which have been producing a plenty.

Well I hope you enjoyed a quick visiting through my garden. Here are some gnomes I bought at Dollar General
this year, at one time they were taller than the plants but now it is the other way around. Here are the carrots
behind the gnomes.

Stuck On You Sketches "Discover" A Layout Using the Slice Elite

2011-06-24T00:43:00.000-04:00

Discover a Stuck On You Sketches for the Challenge this week.
The Sketch by Liz Qualman
I have done a sketch similar before by Liz for a challenge over at Imaginisce
and won a wonderful prize package. Well I thought it was the same one...maybe I shouldn't of thought that..that is why I had three picture....LOL!
While searching for the layout I did for the sketch over at Imaginisce, I found out I was in the I Spy and did not even know it until just now!! WOW!!
Look HERE
AWESOME!!!

Sketch by Liz Qualman

I just finished the layout in the nick of time. I had another crazy accident in my family last night, Cody jumped in the pool and some how busted Colten's head open, so we took him to the emergency room here in Florida and he received 4 staples. Bazaar......crazy bad luck here lately!!???! I was determined nothing was stopping me from getting this layout done for the team. I made it!! YEAH! Such a wonderful sketch. I brought one bag with me on vacation and was able to pull off this cute layout of Dusty back in March of 2011. Every year when gardening/bugging/spring toys come out I could just go crazy having fun with it, and thank goodness the boys love them too!! They have so much fun just looking thru the magnify glass, finding bugs just a BONUS!! They even try to put ants in the cage.....funny funny! I was gonna name the layout Spring fever but when I found the title on the Slice Discover....perfect!!! It is on the Jungle card. All the cuts were made from the Slice. Whenever I go some where I always carry the Slice perfect for travel....stores in one bag. The papers are My Little Shoebox, always my fav! I also used Jillibean Soup always adorable! The cardstock is Bazzill. The inks are Fabrico Craft Inks, the paints are Golden fluid paints, the twine is MME. While I was making this I felt a little old school, I didn't have a paper trimmer, popdots, circle cutter large enough to cut the circle out.......I used bubblewrap for the popdots, and a saucer, and a course plain ole' scissors.....so funny how we get so dependent on out tools and trust me it makes things better to have them...LOL!!! Again sorry for the delay and absences.....it has been a crazy year. I miss you all and wish I could be just keeping in touch and just be able to be inspired by all your wonderful talents and ideas. Have a wonderful weekend and can't wait to see your takes on the sketch. Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches Tutorial Making a Wrought Iron Fence "Rusty" Using the Cricut Ornamental Iron Cartridge

2011-06-03T01:30:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone it was my turn to make a tutorial for SOUS this week and I am bringing you a fabulous easy way to get RUST!!! Gather your supplies I have used the Cricut Cartridge Ornamental Iron but this technique can be used for just about anything. Using the Triangle Crafts Sophisticated Finishes there are several brands like Modern Options (I also have this) so be on the look out for several manufactures that sell these type finish products. Here we are using the Triangle Crafts Sophisticated Finishes sold at Michael's Arts and Crafts and other art suppliers. At Michael's I have seen them in the wooden section. You will need the Iron Metallic Surfacer and the Rust Antiquing Solution. Two paint brushes any type, size depending on your project. Craft mat or wax paper. Thin chipboard I used the back of a paper pack. Masking tape and of course whatever you are gonna RUST!

Here is a photo of the supplies you will need.

and then:

First insert the cartridge, I have used the deep cut blade and housing but if using cardstock you will not need the deep cut blade. Tape the thin chipboard (a cereal box will work), to the mat securely. Insert mat setting the depth to max and multicut. Remove from mat once cut.

Once on the craft mat plaint a thick coat of the Iron Metallic Surfacer on the fence

Now before the Iron Metallic Surfacer is dry begin painting with the Rust Antiquing Solution this will help to get a more RUSTY look. You can let dry completely and only have spots of rust, but I like rust so I put it on before it dries. Just a hint but the directions are on the back of the bottle, this is just what I like to do.

Allow to dry completely, I use a fan with the technique I have not used a heat gun to speed the process??? I always just make it in a step an allow to dry on its own

Now you have this amazing rusty gate that looks old and so real. If you need to for your project you can seal this with an acrylic sealer. Spray it outside in a well ventilated area if you choose to seal this. I will not for my use. Thank You and I hope you can use this super cool technique using a awesome product!! Enjoy! Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches "Life is Tweet Live it" Using the Tim Holtz Bird Cage Die

2011-05-31T19:58:00.001-04:00

This layout made for the Stuck On You Sketches
Using the wonderful Sketch by Ness
The flowers are Petaloo and Prima
The ATC card was given to me by Cheryl Carroway she had made for one of her Tim Holtz crusies
it just fit perfect with this theme, thanks Cheryl Love ya!!
The bird cage is from the Tim Holtz die, I cut from this chipboard and painted, I added bells to the holes.
Stickles used, cuts are from the Slice, Cricut and Silhouette.
The cartridge used is the Straight From The Nest
Paper is DCWV and Bazzill cardstock

Close up the ATC

Just love these pictures of Colten and Colby from 2007, we had gone to Busch Gardens on Father's Day and the boys loved the bird avery.

Just lovely sketch by the talented Ness.

Hello once again, today we were a 100 degrees on my back porch in the shade.....I have been working in the garden non stop and still have so much to do. I am proud to say I have huge green tomoatoes and squash just a plenty. I was in Florida all last week and came home to a ton of work....it always seems that way....like the old saying I need a vacation from my vacation. I had this layout done and ready to post and the two littlest boys came down with a yucky sickness, then Colby also shared the love...he missed several days of school. We spent all day at the river yesterday in the boat still got to load this pictures...we had too much fun!! LOL!!! Anyway I have post all the info on the layout under the pictures. Hope you have a great week!! Dawn

Stuck On You Sketches "Enjoy" Using Webster's Pages and the Slice Elite

2011-05-13T19:55:00.001-04:00

Stuck On You Sketches
The flowers are Prima, Webster's Pages, Pink Paislee, used my Slice Elite to cut everything.

Sketch By Crafty-Ness

Hello everyone this week over at Stuck On You Sketches we had this amazing sketch by Crafty-Ness, I am currently at the Downey Downey Inspired where I have also taught me, Dawn Gallop my copper bracelet class which I am now on my way to teach Suzi Blu and Elena from Charity Wings as a fun teacher get together.....so I need to make it quick. I could not get into blogger last night and this morning to make my post because it was down so sorry for the delay. I have had such a blast and just hanging out with the girls and doing artsy things has been so fun fun!! Please go check out SOUS for this weeks challenge. I will post pics asap of this wonderful event. Funny thing is I did this whole layout on the hotel bed here even using the Slice on the bed...LOL!!! I was sooooo limited on what I brought and only remembered the picture like five minutes before we left...printed a picture and bam the darn ink ran out.....I am soooo thinking WHY??? Found this adorable picture of Colby Shane when he was just a little over a year old in my first year of raised bed gardening. LOVE IT!! Goes to show one that YOU can make something anywhere and anytime!! Until next time always be creating!!! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches Using the Harry Potter By Creative Imaginations Paper

2011-04-29T00:05:00.000-04:00

Stuck On You Sketches
Who doesn't love a Friday when its a SOUS
reveal? I do I just love all the amazing talent at SOUS.
Be sure to check out all the awesomeness of this weeks reveal
and be sure to join in on the fun!!!!

The title was cut on the Cricut using the Blackletter Cart.
Various punches for the stars, glitter, the papers are the fabulous Creative Imaginations Harry Potter Line.
LOVE IT!!!!
The scroll I handmade using papyrus paper, DAS clay (love this stuff), and cording.
The frame is actually in the paper collection from Creative Imaginations.
Look closely and see Dusty's forehead he was 9 3/4 months old (WINK) and learning to stand and walk
he had a crash....and of course Cody and his imagination says.......He looks like Harry Potter, well the rest is history! Love it!
When I bought the paper I said in the store.....Dusty Potter I Presume!!
Our whole family loves Harry Potter!!!!! We could forever watch the movies!!!
Not to mention the book.....over and over!!

The owl was from Silhouette SD called snowy owl. I loved how it turned out.
I used Copics C00-C02 to add the highlights.

Here is the sketch I worked from by PageMaps.
This weeks Sketch at SOUS
Can't wait to see your take on the sketch.

Hello all so glad you stopped by for this weeks reveal over at SOUS. I just love what the designers have come up with go take a peek. I hope you can join in on the fun......can't wait to see what you do with the sketch.
I am spending this whole week at Art & Soul, today I spent the whole day with friends and Susan Lenart Kazmer. Be sure to check out on the artfulness! Cyber Hugs and have a wonderful weekend!! Dawn Gallop

Mixed Media Canvas Peace Sign

2011-04-26T13:10:00.000-04:00

The canvas I made for my daughter Alexis who turned 22.

I used the Crafter's Workshop stencil and modeling paste.

Hello again a quick post this is a 12x12 canvas I did for my daughters Alexis 22nd birthday. I had so much fun making it and couldn't wait to give it to her. Hope you like it. I am getting ready for her graduation on Sunday right now...and Art &Soul retreat so my post will be real quick. Have a great week!! Cyber Hugs, Dawn

2011-04-23T18:34:00.000-04:00

The front of the One Word Journal
"Bliss"

The back of my page.
She designed a life she loved. Donna Downey stamp

Made 22 of these pages for the One word Journal Swap

Many stamps used. Hero Arts, PSX, Stampendous, Stampers Anonymous,
Donna Downey, Kaiserkrafts, Making Memories, Donna Downey

I really enjoyed making these for the swap, can't wait to see every ones creations!!!

Hello all well tomorrow is Easter...wow time just flies...but sure am enjoying the warm weather. These journal pages are for the swap for the Donna Downey Inspired coming in three short weeks. Can't wait to see everyone and enjoy the camaraderie and just being with the girls! I was happy to see these get mailed...I usually do not sign up for swaps because it gets hard for me to get them done and just making the time. Have a Happy Easter just in case I don't get to post again before. Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Say It With Letters Dress Bodice for Hair Clips and Bows

2011-04-21T14:34:00.000-04:00

Dress Bodice from Say it with Letters which trust me the photos don't do it any justice...it is SOOO GORGEOUS!
It looks just like a real dress. This is to hang on little girls walls to place their hairbows and clips.

The bodice is great to decorate in any color and style
a perfect gift for any little girl.

The tulle is shiny and soft. The ribbon is satin and the ric-rack is the Disney Tinkerbell roll.

I first lined the bodice with batting to help give it that soft look and and deminsion.
I used a hot glue gun to glue the items on. I bought everything at Wal-Mart yeah our Wal-Mart still has fabric!!

I had so much fun making this and it went together real fast.
I love the colors and the texture I can just see it hanging on my granddaughters wall.
Shhh a birthday gift for Miss Abigail!!
She will be five in June!

This bodice can be purchased at Say it With Letters also check out the Say it with Letters Blog.

Hello again, I know as my head hangs low....I have MIA......It has been the craziest past two months. I had posted before about my 17yo dd breaking her leg (who just turned 18), well she had surgey on a Thursday in March. My oldest dd Alexis who is graduating from college calls us on her 22 birthday after we had just went to town to get her gift an hour from my house, she says " Daddy I just broke my leg" my husband was like YOUR KIDDING! No she said and we left and drove over two hours to the hospital she had broke and dislocated her leg. She had her surgey the following Thursday...so long story short exactly one week the two girls had surgey on their legs one right and one left! WOW! I have been trying to adjust to all this and now I feel like I have and able to add Amandas chores and duties to my list of to dos. I have been a little late with things and behind on some stuff...but I am catching up and rolling again. I of course still have had my garden going, and it looks AWESOME!! I have made 40 charms fro Inspired and 29 charms for Art and Soul. Twenty two journal pages front and back for Inspired, and 20+ ATC cards....so I have not been short on creating. Anyhoo here is a post of the bodice with details under each picture. I would love to see your version if you direct me to it. Thanks so Much!! Hope everyone has a great weekend and happy creating! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches "The Lips of an Angel"

2011-04-01T00:10:00.000-04:00

SOUS Blog Challenge this week using the ever so talented Beggahuna.
Using the wonderful papers of Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime Collection
The picture is of my beautiful granddaughter Abigail who is four. Her lips are red from the lipstick
she was wearing playing dress up. She even has a feather boa around her neck.
The flowers are Prima and the rub ons are Basic Grey.
Tulle around the ring.
I inked and stamped the background using the Tim Holtz Distress Inks by Ranger.

The wings are chipboard painted then crackled. The pins are Maya Road. Vintage lace and buttons. The pink butterfly
is from Wal-Mart. The other butterflies are handmade by me. The title is cut from Silhouette SD.

Abigail is like an Angel to us..and I thought this quote fit so well.
Angels are direct creations of God, each one a unique Master's piece.
~Eileen Elias Freeman

The wonderful sketch by Beggahuna
Awesome sketch!!

Hello again and welcome to another week and awesome sketch at SOUS.

If you have not had the chance to check out some of the amazing tutorials the DT

has been posting every other Friday on SOUS then check them out....they all

ROCK!!!

Amazing talented ladies!

Hope you can join us at SOUS this week!

I also wanted to share some really awesome news for Amanda she had her surgey today

and did wonderful! She is of course in pain as expected and sleepy. Her orthopedic doctor said

she should be fully recovered in five weeks..which is wonderful news. She has one screw in her

ankle and she will be started on the bone stimulator in two weeks.

I want to thank everyone for your prayers and well wishes for Amanda, it really meant a lot to Amanda and our family.

A huge THANK YOU!!

I will keep you posted but I really feel now we are on the road to recovery!! YEAH!!

Happy dance here!

I better go to sleep...I have only had three hourse of sleep in over 48 hours...

My oldest daughter ALEXIS will be 22 on Saturday..Happy Birthday ALEXIS!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Big hugs, Dawn Gallop

She Art Workshop and My First Attempt

2011-03-23T12:41:00.000-04:00

She Art My Take
As you know I am always going way dark on my projects
Christy Tomlinson
A new class starts on April 11, 2011
When you sign up tell Christy I sent ya!
So much fun and you will learn alot
The quote is by Oprah Winfrey
"The best of times is now"

Hello again, wanted to make a quick post I have a had a few tough days and wanted to share. On Monday I went back to the dentist and had some work done.....no fun! The boy had their science projects due Tuesday. That always seems like a bunch of work for the whole family when school projects are due...lol! They had a fun time with their projects. Amanda went back to her orthopedic appt. yesterday we left early so I could get Cody his BETA induction clothes for last night, he had out grew all his "dress clothes" then we went to Wendy's and had a baked potatoe. We arrived at the doctor office fifteen minutes before the appt. well it was packed in the office, no where to sit and all the children in the office were sitting on parents laps. I was holding the two little boys and they were just becoming more rowdy by the moment.....what was only about 10 minutes seemed like an hour, lol! So I told Amanda I was going to take them back to the van and find something to do, it is a very small town and the Wal-Mart is not even a super Wal-Mart...just a tiny one. When I got to the van, I had locked the keys in it....OMG! It was about 85 degrees and the boys we sitting on the curb, my husband being over 5 hours away called the security man for the hospital and he came to the rescue after about an hour we got in the van. I was so happy I was shaking....now it was 4:00 pm and the appt. was at 2:45. We rode out to McDonald's to get dinner for the boys at home and since Cody had to go to his BETA induction I would be pressed for time, besides it was already too hecktic....lol! Amanda called at 5:00 she was ready to be picked up. We were already waiting in the parking lot. Her news was not so good.....the Dr. said she does need this surgery and this bone stimulator....well if you read my post before this post....they said the surgery is $20,000 and the bone stimulator is $3,200. The school has only agreed to pay $2,500 of this...when it was not her fault...not to mention her career. My husband is having a meeting on Friday....so I will update asap.
On a happier note...my garden is in full swing...I know I need to post pics. I had a blast this weekend at the altered book class (both days) and not to mention some shopping in a huge town! I got a few new stamps and the New Bo Bunny paper Time! Gorgeous papers! I have not even finished my course with Christy but I have a few more weeks to finish! Today I have made it a relax day or otherwise known as a PJ day!! WINK!!! I just needed this break to catch up on somethings .....like my blog!! I was supposed to teach today but I had to call and tell my dear student/friend I would have to make it another day, head hung low but sometimes you just need to catch up on things in life. I hope you are having a wonderful week and enjoying some of this sweeeet spring weather. Hugs to ya! Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches 123 Blow

2011-03-17T22:34:00.001-04:00

~123 Blow~ Cosmo Cricket, KasierKraft, My Little Shoe Box, Jillibean Soup papers used to create the lo

Blow cut on Cricut Sweet Treats Cart.
The quote is so cute.....and perfect for this whisical cheery lo
"If dandelions were hard to grow, they would be most welcome on any lawn." ~Andrew V. Mason
Oh so true!! The boys love them anywhere they are!

Fence cut with Sizzix yellow die, 123 cut from Cricut Sweet Treats Cart.
Heart punch, Uniball white pen, the tree and trunk are handcut
See Dusty ended up eating this one instead of blowing

The pictures are Dusty in May 2009 in our yard
He still loves to 123 Blow in fact he will try to beat Cooper to them
Cooper will call them daisys

Here is the sketch for this week at SOUS
Sketch by Becky Fleck

Hi everyone,

Yeah I know another long time Again! This time of year as I said before is soooo busy, but really this time was because the boys were so sick all last week I couldn't catch a break for nothing. Then on friday I got a call from the school at 1pm from the high school, the first thing out of the principals mouth Hello Amanda has been in an accident....I thought car at first then I knew the time...but......then she said but she is okay, the paramedics are with her now. I was thinking is she okay so why are the paramedics with her???? They said they were taking her to the hospital......okay panic time...why??? They were in weight lifting class and a 100# weight fell on her leg four foot from the leg press bar. She had a boots and they didn't remove the boot until the paramedics got there less than two minutes from the high school. I had no baby sitter, and my husband out of town. My neighbor didn't have her cell phone on...why I asked her???? She said IDK! So I went to get Cody from school and then went to the hospital...the boys were just too sick with that awful virus to carry them any where else...to make them sicker or infect someone else. I got to the hospital and the officer from the school had stayed with her until I arrived. Thanks Officer!!! Her fibula on her right ankle had broke off, they casted her until we could see the orthopedic doc on Monday...well it is casted now until the swelling goes down but there is alot up in the air at the moment for this. She is due to leave for the Navy in July...but now she may still have to have a pin put in and not good! We have no health insurance and the school said they only have $2,500 for this kinda accident. Since Amanda had no backup plan since she sworn into the Navy last Sept. sooooooo??? Now you know why I have been absent. I have several projects done and ready to post...but as far as last week I still haven't even unloaded the pics.
On a much happy note I knew my lo for SOUS was due and I soooo needed to create.....after dinner on Monday I snuck to the studio and made this cute little lo...I know so different for me but I needed something easy and cheery!!! I made it within minutes and really liked it. I have always loved My Little ShoeBox such cute adorable papers. The house, flowers, and the clouds are from MLS. The cardboard
for the trunk of the tree my friend and student Nancy gave me, thanks Nancy!! The background paper is Cosmo Cricket. See above for other details. The cartridge is Sweet Treats by Cricut. There is candy this week over at SOUS.....so head over to SOUS to find out more. The candy is giving by:

Floren at Generations Crafting

Thanks Floren!!!

Here is the candy so go to SOUS and check it out!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I will be at altered book class all weekend it will be so nice to be with friends and relax. Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Say It With Letters BLOOM and A Dyeing Fabric Tutorial

2011-03-08T08:49:00.002-05:00

Bloom wooden cut-out letters from Say It With Letters
Deb sells some awesome cut-outs that are perfect for any decor
Check out the blog too!!!
Remember to LIKE Say it with Letters on Facebook too!

The supplies needed to get started.
Bloom wooden cut-outs
Procion MX Dyes
Fabric Scissors
Dusk Mask
disposable gloves
Muslin Fabric
Soda Ash
Ziploc quart size baggies (Freezer ones)
plastic spoons
plastic cups
newspaper
and measuring spoons to be used only for dyeing
bucket or container to be used only for dyeing

Cut muslin with fabric scissors, then start striping making 1 1/2 "- 2" rips

It took about 5 44" strips to each letter I also saved a few squares for each color for any embellies

Using the newspaper and the measuring spoon just for dyeing mix cold water with I used 1/8 of teaspoon of dye mixed in the small plastic cups mixing with plastic spoons
be sure to keep the dye color with the dye bottle
sometimes the color doesn't look like the color and it can get confusing

Mix the soda ash as directed on package stirring well

Pour some of the soda ash into the Ziploc baggie and then pour on the dye
I used almost all of what you see in the cups
I was able to dye two tye dye t-shirts
with the left overs
with they came out so nice and vibrant

Now move the liquid around the fabric
keep the bag closed for 8 hours
I just left till over night

Here is all the five bags completed

Once the eight hours over I hung to dry out on the clothes line but if you hang in your studio
remember to cover the floor because it may drip
It will dye carpet or other things but does clean up well with bleach

Start wrapping the letters I would hot glue at the beginning of each strip or just overlap

Here is a close up the finished "B" I also took small strips to make some of the lollipop flowers in three sizes

Love the colors they just turned out so vibrant and fun!!

Here is a picture of the unfinished "BLOOM"
Go check them out in Deb's Etsy Store

Hello everyone,

I have had this ready to post since last week but have been unable to get to it, busy busy times...well you already knew that......I know everyone is busy......spring is coming and so much going on this time of year. I have found that Spring and Fall are always the busiest at least for us. I had recently took a wonderful dyeing fabric class with Janet Lasher an AMAZING artist!!!! I took the class as an online class at Joggles.com I do alot of my online shopping there.....some awesome goodies! The class was much more in depth but this was my first real attempt.....I have tye-dyed a ton of stuff my whole life....I'm guessing who hasn't right???!! We would just buy the Jacquard Tye Dye kits from ACMoore which are the same dyes, this kits works so much better than others...they look professional when they are done. Just make sure you use 100% cotton or natural fabrics....linen, silk. I had a blast doing this and have even bought some buckets so I can dye larger amounts. I hope this quick tutorial has made it easy for you dye some fabric to wrap around these adorable letters. Amanda my dd said she thought these letters would look great in a little girls room. Thanks for stopping by...and remember go see Deb..... http://www.etsy.com/people/damboisedesigns?ref=ls_profile
I think I need to do this to one of those adorable peace signs she has.....how cute would that be???!!! Have a wonderful day!! I will be sharing this at Passionately Artistic soooo go and check it out and spread the love!!! Cyber hugs, Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches In the Garden Mixed-Media Canvas Layout

2011-03-03T22:55:00.007-05:00

In the Garden
Using a 12x12 canvas
and a sketch by SuePup
You can view her blog at
http://suepup.blogspot.com/

The picture is of Dusty in 2009, we always have a big garden and we all work in it,
I so enjoy taking pictures of the children in the garden.
I have used a Prima butterfly pick, Prima flowers, Silhouette SD for the circle, the title, and iron gate.
Skeleton leaves, 7 Gypsies , DCWV, Graphic 45, MME papers used. Basic Grey card

Martha Stewart punches, Creative Imaginations rub-ons, tags, Tim Holtz stamps,
Tattered Angels butterfly and magnify glass.
I added Artlenz to the magnify glass.
The quote is so perfect
Many things grow in the garden that were never sown there.
~Thomas Fuller, Gnomolgia 1732

Using a 12x12 primed canvas collect your supplies, and papers.
I always use Golden Paints

Apply using the Traci Bautista collage glue
I buy mine from Joann's

Apply stamps and inks

paints, drying with a heat gun

design to your liking

here was the finished canvas before papers were applied to make the layout

Ink your edges

decide how you would like to lay them
I placed the iron gate down after the first layer

Apply using adhesive and a hot glue gun for the flowers

Hello all,

Yep you know it....I just can't seem to post as much this time of year...with gardening, school projects and all the other goodies I have going on......which at this point is toooooo much!!! This week brings you the SOUS using one of Suepup's sketches....some Amazing sketches she has. be sure to check out her blog http://suepup.blogspot.com/ . Every other week SOUS has a new sketch and a challenge so be sure to join us. Then every other week we have a tutorial on some amazing ideas and techniques...be sure to check them out. I like to hang pictures up on the wall and thought I should do a 12x12 layout on a canvas, so I did....and since this week was the beginning of week 1 at Christy Tomlinson's She Art class. I thought well yeah perfect timing......a wonderful class a must!!!!

Having all that inspiration running through I have put together a small tutorial to get you started on making 12x12 canvas layouts and then you can hang them or gift them. Fun and so touchable....lol!! You know I like texture and thickness....so these are perfect for that. Not to mention painterly fun!!!!

So get those paints out and have a great time!!! Hope you have a super weekend!!! Cyber Hugs, Dawn

Beautiful Smile Using Webster's Pages and Prima Flowers

2011-02-25T00:29:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Smile
My dd Crystal picture taken 10/2010
Using Webster's Pages
Basic Grey Stamp (birdcage)
Silhouette SD Boho border and corner
Prima Flowers
Uni-bal white pen
Prima branches taken apart
Jenni Bowlin stick pin

I stamped the blue vine, and the Basic Grey Birdcage
Staz-On inks

Prima Flowers and Ivy taken apart from Michael's floral section
the branch is a branch out of my yard
the rhinestones are Prima
the pearl picks are Michael's Wedding section

Title cute from Silhouette SD the using a Sharpie fine and a Uni-Bal white pen
the birds are also cute from Silhouette SD
Turquoise Stickle's in the birds eyes

The butterflies are handmade and are for sale in my Etsy Shop
STAMPMOM8 Etsy

Love this quote!!!
Love is like a butterfly, It goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes.
~Author Unknown
I feel this is so perfect for Crystal she is in Korea and I know like the butterfly is pleasing where ever she goes!!
Love ya Crystal and miss ya sooooo much!!!

These are the butterflies for sale in my Etsy shop
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68825460/butterflies-for-scrapbooking-art-cards

Hello everyone....so sorry it has been almost a week since my last post....I just can't keep up with everything...I am cooking with tooooo much at the moment! I really need a break! LOL!!!! I think well I will get one.....and someone needs something!!! You know how it is! Anyhooooo started this layout and it seemed like forever which should have not taken long at all...just couldn't get to the studio to finish! Now it is done and I love it!! I guess you can tell I so miss my dd Crystal!! I have pretty much told everything about it under the pictures. Hope you like it!! Have a WONDERFUL weekend!! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Stuck On You Sketches And A CardBoard Layout Tutorial

2011-02-18T00:20:00.001-05:00

Be Free Butterflies
My hubby brought home a butterfly kit last fall
we raised the butterflies watching all the stages
The paper guaranteed 3 would live we had all five live
Once they had become butterflies we released them
It was a very exciting day for the children
Pictured are Abigail (my four yo dgd)
Cooper

The Butterflies title was cut from SongBird Cart. from the Cricut
The stitched butterfly was cut from the Silhouette SD and hand stitched
the keyhole is Melissa Frances

Note the butterfly was cut from another picture, although he does have a butterfly on his finger
the butterflies kinda clinged to us for awhile
the key is 7 Gypsies
the stick pin is Jenni Bowlin

This quote was so perfect for the layout
"Just Living is not enough," said the butterfly.
"One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

The papers are House of Three, Creative Imaginations, 7 Gypsies
The green button is Making Memories
the other buttons are vintage ones

The SOUS Sketch for the Friday Feb. 18, 2011
By PageMaps.com

Use cardboard that came from a box whatever upcycle it
I used a spray bottle filled with H20
scissors I use whatever is close (never use your fabric scissors)
ruler
and an x-acto knife or Sharpie

spray top layer with a mist of water
you can also keep the box outside over night the dew in the air will moisten the cardboard
You may even find the cardboard you need was on its way to the recycler

While still moist easily pull away the top coat of the cardboard

turn the cardboard over and using either the x-acto knife make a slit or draw a line with
the Sharpie

using any scissors except your fabric scissors cut out a 12x12
The Tonic Tim Holtz scissors work great for this

Using Golden Gesso paint on some white on the cardboard

Using the Tim Holtz Crackle paints coat on the cardboard

Using a non stick pad and foam ink the sides of the papers

I used a stencil to mask the color ink on to show the butterflies

Now assemble the lo starting with the torn edged paper
when tearing to help you tear towards yourself
ink the edges

Using this awesome Imaginsce glue gun it is cordless and has a light how cool is that!!
Works awesome!!! Glue down the burlap which came from the floral dept. at Michael's

Hello well I had been asked to join a wonderful design team with a great bunch of ladies, SOUS Stuck on You Sketches. Excited to tell you all and to share my new layout for the team. I had a great time making this layout and tutorial. The layout is of my granddaughter Abigail and my son Cooper who are three months apart. Everyone says they look like brother and sister. Everyone was actually involved int he butterfly release but these two pictures were just perfect I thought.
I am so excited to be a part of the team and look forward to getting to know everyone and to see all the awesome pages. You can participate in the challenge every other week by using the link and the bottom of the post on the SOUS Blog. Can't wait to see what you create. Thanks for stopping by and Have a Sweet Weekend!!! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

American Beauty A GCD Paper Collage

2011-02-14T22:51:00.000-05:00

Crystal the American Beauty
A picture of Crystal at age 5 in 1995
Collage of things right in front of me

Glitz Girls Tags
GCD Melody Ross
Silhouette SD Cut wings
card
paper bag
felt hot pink heart

Vintage buttons

The vintage looking collage at top came from the package of a Ranger Microscope Slides
The shiny heart is made with Ranger and the Melting Pot

Hello everyone I hope your Valentine's Day has been full of Love!!! Happy Valentine's Day!! This lo was made today I was going to take the boys out to plant the peas...the May peas and the electricity went out, I called around to make sure it wasn't just me...thinking okay did I pay the bill???? So I told the boys start playing with your toys I am gonna make a little something then we will go out after I make sure I haven't left anything on....lol! Well as I began I had no pictures....I couldn't print anything.....okay dig deep the first print I came across was this one of Crystal when she was five in 1995. Just started digging around in a bag of collage goodies and within minutes had this done....then was outside with the warmth of the sun and a warm breeze blowing. The boys and I planted the peas, hung the clothes out and I painted in my journal. What a wonderful Valentine's Day!! Hubby left me a dozen roses and a teddy bear this morning before he left. Love you guys, Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

A Pre-Valentine's Day Breakfast with Crepe Recipe and the Boy's FinishTheir Valentine Cards

2011-02-13T21:11:00.000-05:00

Crepes and Heart Shaped Valentine Pancakes

I found this package at Wal-Mart
(of course normally I would never buy these but they were so easy and good)

These pancake shapes I have had since I first got married almost 26 years ago
(The two with the handles)

The pancakes were pink and had tiny chocolate chips

I put fresh strawberries and kiwi in the crepes
my hubby couldn't get enough

The boys sat at their art table and finished their Valentine cards

Cody helped Dusty do his
Cody would ask who you want to give this one too? Dusty would reply
"Momma"
I ended up with 10 Valentine's
Gotta love it!

Colten finished quick

Colby enjoyed his

Cooper was giving one to everyone

Dusty gave Daddy one too and a big kiss

Hello again,

Are you ready for Valentine's Day? Well I guess we are today we had a sorta a pre-Valentines Day. I made pink Valentine pancakes with chocolate chips and crepes filled with strawberries and kiwi. The pancakes were a bought package and good too. I always make just about everything so for me to buy these pink pancakes was kinda hard...I even had put them back twice and then said what the heck...the kids will love them and they did and so did hubby! So I am glad I made the purchase. The crepe recipe is:

Ingredients

2 eggs
1 cup skim milk
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 pinch sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/4 tsp of vanilla

Directions

Mix the eggs, milk, flour, salt and oil. Mix on medium speed until smooth. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour or over night. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brush with oil. Pour 1/4 cup of crepe batter into pan, tilting back and forth to coat the surface of the pan, I use a large skillet. Cook 2 to 4 minutes, turning only once until golden brown. Continue until you have used all your batter. Fill with puddings, creme, vegetables, fruit, etc.

The boys had bought these cute mailbox shape boxes full of Valentine's. They were able to get all theirs done and in time for the Valentine's Day Party at school tomorrow. This is always a fun love filled holiday. Let me know what is planned for your Valentine's Day. Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

A quick card using the Letterpress and a Photo of the Day

2011-02-12T07:05:00.000-05:00

I purchased the LetterPress by LifeStyles Craft last week from a
dear friend and the other day I had came in the studio and just
wanted to play with it
within a few minutes I had done this card front
although didn't get to make the card for a few days
later. I enjoyed using the inks and plates.
I did some experimenting also just
to end up with a cracked plate...boo hoo!

Cooper at the Playground

Dusty coming through the tunnel at the playground

Dusty in the tree which I thought we were gonna have to
climb to get him down.

Hello all,

I wanted to post this morning before I headed out the door to help my husband this morning. The card is a little something I made using the LetterPress by LifeStyles Crafts. My dear friend was selling it and to help her out I bought it...and because I wanted to use one of these LetterPress. Hubby told me the same thing you don't need that!! Then after a little while he said tell her to bring it over and he would pay her....lol!! Husbands sometimes!!! What I didn't need....we bought! Wink wink! Fun and easy....I had read some of the reviews and some folks weren't to happy with it but I had fun and was quite impressed with my first card front. You just need a tiny size of the ink and load the brayer up well, not heavy and roll unto the plate, and then press. It gives a very crisp nice impression. My friend said they sell them at AC Moore. The paper in the background is Graphic 45.
The pictures of the boys are from Wednesday I had a meeting and after the meeting we went to the playground....fun fun!! It was a nice sunny cool day. The boys could stay there all the time. They get out of the van screaming "lets play". I hope you have a fabulous weekend. Cyber Hugs, Dawn

I wanted to share this with you too the design team I am on Say It With Letters is one of the Sponsors of this wonderful contest!! Very interesting too...I wanted to pass on the fun to you too! Be sure to check out the fun!

I have some exciting news! Say It With Letters is one of the sponsors over at the

'1 month 2 win it' site! Hot off the tails of 'So You Think You're Crafty', four of the contestants from that competition have started '1 month 2 win it', a crafting competition. You can visit the site for more details on how to enter or even just to see the projects. I'm excited to see the talents of the crafty peeps. Anyone can win it!

Do you think you can make the cut?

What is it?
One Month to Win It is a monthly craft competition that anyone can win!

How do you join?
Audition info can be found here. For Season 1 (held in March), the auditions will be on The Country Chic CottageFebruary 9th through 16th. Watch for a linky party!

The judges will pick 11 contestants from the audition and the 12th contestant (The Wild Card) will be chosen via randomizer.org. Yep -- anyone can win this competition!

Who are the judges?

Angie with The Country Chic Cottage

Mandy with Sugar Bee Craft Edition

Jessica with Running with Scissors

Kalleen with At Second Street

Kirstin and Jordan with kojo designs

Wanna learn all about the judges?? Head on over here and read all about us!

Are there prizes?

Yep there will be prizes....you will have to stay tuned to find out what! SIWL is one of the sponsors. :)

Ready to join in the fun?

Be sure to follow One Month To Win It to keep up with the competition! And get your projects ready to link up at the audition starting February 9th at The Country Chic Cottage! Grab a button and tell your friends! The more the merrier!

Be Brave a GCD Canvas and yet the Picture of the Day

2011-02-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

Be Brave a GCD canvas
My dear friend Beverly gave me this paper back in the summer and I had ideas
for it and here is what I came up with
The chipboard stickers are GCD Melody Ross
I am giving this a friend of a friend

Look what Dusty got into

Guilty!

I didn't do it
Cooper did

Cooper giving that cheese yep I did it!! Oh and I got a juice box too!

The yummy that was worth it!

Hello everyone making it quick today also having so much to do, guest and work for hubby. This little canvas was made for a friend of a friend who has breast cancer and I wanted her to know I was thinking of her by giving her this little canvas of encouragement. It is made from a primed canvas and GCD paper and little chipboard stickers...and of course mod podge. Have a great weekend, Dawn

Beautiful Crystal using the GCD Butterfly Paper by Melody Ross

2011-02-09T00:17:00.000-05:00

My daughter Crystal in 2009
She is a Beautiful Girl
She is in the US Army
GCD Papers By Melody Ross

Close up of the butterfly
Geeeegorgous!!

Close Up Crystal and the papers
Black Acrylic paint
Washi tape

Picture of the Day
Dusty today outside cold and windy but he kept on playing
We have a bunch of these Tonka trucks and they love them!!
We even have them in the house and when people call they say
they are pushing those trucks again!! Yep your right!!

Making this one Quiiickkkk! The lo took like 10 minutes no joke...I do think this is a record now!! Love it!
The picture of my dd (second dd) Crystal in 2009.....love this pic of her!!! All the papers are GCD by Melody Ross and the several strips of Washi tape. I also used masking tape, acrylic paint, a petaloo flower,
Dusty Atttic laser cut "Beautiful". Simple!!!! Simple!!!! The pic of the day was taken outside today despite the cold chilly 50 degrees and wind....Dusty kept on pushing his truck....note the concentration...the tongue out! LOL!! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

2011-02-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

Canvas with vintage apron appeal
The brad is GCD

Love the brad (my great grandmother who was from Kansas actually had a pink house, which I loved)
The spool is a vintage one I cut in half with my Harbor Freight special tiny chop saw...love it!!
The pictures of the apron actually came from
a flea market
see story below

Picture of the Day!
This little dragonfly is one of many that just hang around my house
during the spring and summer
they even pose for you
I know you are laughing but it is true
when I am hanging out the laundry they will land on the clothes pins and even just sit there
watching you
I love it!!!

             Hello today I am bringing you yet a fun quick project using a cheap primed canvas...love these!! Ready to go! I used Golden Paints which are translucent and just are absolutely AMAZING!! I use them in just about in a lot of my painting projects. It only takes a tiny bit to go a long way....they are full of pigment.
They blend well. Okay.....you got the picture. Let me tell you about the vintage clippings...I had gone to this flea market and I had $30 bucks to spend...yeah I know right.....when I first walked in the tables were loaded and about the third or so table I found these vintage pattern books from the 60's like 62, 63, 64....McCall's, Simplicity. Well I knew instantly I wanted them...what was running thru my head was oh $5 each (there were three) I'm only at the first couple of tables, I know I want them......alright I will take two I told the nice elderly man. Well as I was walking away grinning ear to ear....the man yells out hey miss you can have the other one......oh my goodness....I was just in a gleam all day....couldn't wait to get home and start using all gorgeous photos. Some even remind me of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. That time frame. When my buddies came to hang with me last Thursday I was just creating what ever came to mind. My friends said they didn't like the color so much but I did I said...lol!! I was keeping in the colors and time frame some. The brad is GCD. The spool is cut in half I also bought at the flea market. Hope you like it!!
          The dragonfly pic is just one from last summer....which not to wish my life away but I am so ready for some warm weather....I am an outside kinda gal. I am READY!! A lot of folks have said the same thing. Punxsutawney Phil says we should have an early spring so with that all said .....bring it on!! LOL!!!
Have a super great week and be artful! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

To My Valentine With Love Using My Minds Eye and Tim Holtz

2011-02-07T00:28:00.000-05:00

To My Valentine with Love
Me and Bruce 2010

The Dusty Attic laser chipboard piece
K&Company sticker bird
MME papers
Prima roses

The brads are MME
Tim Holtz Tag Die Cut
Stampers Anonymous

The tag, I originally made first then I was gonna take the picture when I thought how good
it looked on these fabulous MME papers and within like 20 minutes I had this easy lo done
I doodled to....sometimes I can get carried away
The cupid is stamped in brushed corduroy then I applied crackle glaze
Yes I used Stickles..lol!
My students always want to use Stickles and I have been using them since they came out and it is not my go to
medium of choice....so they just love when I use them!!
The stamp set I used was a Christmas Gift from my dear friend Sherry
at Aunt Elmo's World Blog.
Love it Sherry!
Thanks!!!

Dusty having so much fun outside today we were in the high 50's and it felt warm in the sun
It is so nice to be outside

Dusty swinging and having a blast
off goes the boots he did not like that

We were outside for awhile today Dusty had boots on and they fell off while swinging
the socks were left at the trampoline....like always

He didn't like the boots off but still managed to stick his toes in the cold mud

YUK!
Straight to the bath!

Yep...off goes the boots
and he had to test the mud
"cold"
he said

Hello all,

It has been a week for me with the class, I had guest over three times this week. I cooked full meals well that is nothing new but ...it does take up lots of time. While my guest were here we decided to play all day...had a super fun time and I made the tag and a few other goodies I hope to take pics of soon. I even painted outside today in between swinging, taking pics, and cooking in the pizza oven. I made some awesome bread in the pizza oven today....oh my goodness.....I must share it. It was amazing yummy!!
Anyway.....the lo is a pic of me and my wonderful hubby Bruce. We took this pic last year in May 2010 right after we left Inspired and stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge for the boys. I really don't have many pics of myself and of us together....but I do like this one. This lo took only like 20 mins. total so it is a quick and easy one! My hubby always says, "I love those kind" you finish so quick...he just doesn't understand does he??? LOL!!!! I also wanted to share some of the pics of the day. Hope you are doing awesome and thanks for stopping by!! Huge Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Photos Of the Day Here

2011-02-01T20:51:00.000-05:00

Cooper taken today Feb. 01, 2011

Dusty

Add caption

Rescue Hero Boots Dusty wears every chance he gets, when he first got them
he would wear them inside all day long...and even in his pj's

Cooper is always giving me silly smiles if he knows the camera is on him

This is how I spent my afternoon, it warmed up to about 50 something and the sunshine felt awesome!

Boomer enjoyed the outdoors too

The boys go from one bike to another love the color in this one

Dusty loves to swing and when it stops, push momma
push momma! Love it!

I was pushing Coop at the time and Dusty saying push momma!

You can just see the enjoyment Cooper is having

I just loved this one too

This was my favorite picture of the day
his boots are on backwards (he put them on himself)
he is smiling and having a fun time

Just thought I would show a few pictures I took today. I decided since it was turning off to be a nice cool day I would take the boys outside for a little while, I thought I would read and catch up on my class but I was wrong...lol! I ended up pushing then on the swing and practicing some shots all in manual. We had a blast and enjoyed the warmth of the sun. I also had a exciting morning when I found out I won the challenge over at Imaginisce Blog......WOW!! I was so excited to find out!! Thanks again Imaginisce!! You guys ROCK!! Oh yeah I do have this for sale at Etsy http://www.etsy.com/listing/66771694/upcycled-princess-wall-hanging-pink Well better go......have laundry to fold and a few projects to finish up. Hope you have an art filled day!! Cyber Hugs, Dawn Gallop

Imaginisce Blog: Sweet Treats February Challenge

2011-02-01T10:30:00.001-05:00

Imaginisce Blog: Sweet Treats February Challenge: "Another month brings with it another challenge, but before we find out what's instore for February we need to announce the winner of the Jan..."

Check this out....WOOOO HOOOOO!!!

Class started today with Karen Russell

2011-01-31T22:16:00.000-05:00

Today began my class with Karen Russell SnapShots of a Good Life I have been waiting for a year to get in the class. I had found out at the Rusty Pickle retreat in Utah about this awesome class by Kim Garner. Thanks Kim!!! That was in November 2009, well I was able to sign up November 2010 and today begins the first class. I have already learned some valuable info. yeah in just a few hours and want to share these pics tonight shot just playing around. Oh course my subject was fast at moving....lol!

Dusty peeping around the pantry door, the flash was used in this one

Raw shot and no flash, I love this one.

I will try to continue to share as I get better...wink! Hope everyone has a fabulous week. Cyber Hugs, Dawn