Getting Ready for The Big Sweet 16 Is A Full Time Job!

Well the race is on. Morgan is having a big 16th Birthday Party here this spring. We are both so excited. She is my oldest and only girl so we need to make it so beautiful for her. I started these pinwheels. They are so easy to make and what a great way to pull all of the the colors together. And lets face it, I have plenty of paper to make 1000 of these puppy's. Now these start out as a 6 x 6 square of paper. I am also working on 12 x 12 to hang along the banner. Mo and I already have a enormous folder of ideas from food to decorations and it is oh so exciting!

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I AM THE GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER OF ALTA AND CLARENCE....

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your way acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5-6

Growing up you have all these plans for life. You want to travel have some great career and be larger then the small town you call home. That was me. I had set my mind to never getting married or having kids and well you know what they say about plans we make.... I would never thought that on the verge of 40 in 2010 I would be THRILLED to be a married mother of 4. It totally blows my mind but I have never been happier. The price of having 4 incredible kids some times is not one that you pay yourself, but one you have to watch them go through with your hands tied behind your back. 10 years ago this happened with my oldest Morgan when on December 8th she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This one is a moment in time that stood still for me and changed me forever. Well one of those days 10 years later has come up again. My incredible little Red Head was just this week diagnosed with PDD(Autism). It looks like the final classification will be under Asperger's Syndrome, but they want to do way more before that specification is made for education reasons. I have known we where going in this direction since the fall. It has been totally eating me up knowing that possibly things in his life could be different for who knows what reason. And as my kids call me "MAMA BEAR" it is hard to stand by and watch this all unfold.


So, What is next? Well, I educate myself on everything we can do to get him into a place in life that is good and fulfilled. We stay strong and help each other when things are not so great with him and never give up. Someone said to me this week..."when are you ever going to get a break, you have been through so much?" I can't think that way. Sure I had to cry for a day or two and pull out that bottle of Vodka for a good shoot of Polish warmth. But I know that I can do this. I know that this incredible cute, loving and so sweet little boy needs me and my family. When people say you come from strong stock they mean it about this group. I have the most incredible "strong like bull" parents. I grew up having wonderful grand parents and great grand parents that showed me that LOVE and FAMILY can conquer all. I grew up with a grand mother that made me feel like I was the most important person in the world. I was one of her girls and and her strength and love follows me everyday even on the hard ones. And yes I have the best sister ever, so what more could a girl ask for? Being a parent isn't a right, it is a job that is nothing short of mind blowing but should be taken so seriously. With all of the history I have behind me to make these hard days easier well, it all has to start somewhere. We all have to have something we look to in our time of sorrow and need. And for me, just knowing that I come from these incredible parents and family is what will get me to my next path every time!

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OWED TO THE QUEEN OF PINK...HEIDI SWAPP!

Well I was watching some of the awesome video's from CHA Winter 2010. I got to one with the new Heidi Swapp products. They showed a little set of three frames that she had used as the base for a project with her Tattered Angels. I thought, hey wait a minute, I just picked up a set of those frames myself a couple of weeks ago. So I made my own version of 3 for above my closet door. I started out with the Amy Butler line Specialty Papers from K & Co. I really liked the pink and brown with the black frames.

The background paper is under the glass while the rest is affixed to the glass with a little liquid glass. The background paper is matching in the two end ones with the same pattern in the center flower one just different color.

As far as the butterfly one, I wanted to make it look like they where migrating their way over the frame. I only glued them on the centers. The butterflies as well as the other papers are all highlighted with brown ink along the edges.

The bird was landing on a branch and then I remembered I had a fence die so I punched it out of chipboard and used Tim Holtz-Distress Crackle Paint to make it look like a old country fence. I added a little clear Stickles to give it a bit of bling. And finished off with a butterfly in the matching papers to the bottom flower from the center frame.

So....What do you think? I am so happy the way they turned out. Of course my husband looked at them and said he liked them but... I knew that but means...Why are they on the outside of the glass? I promptly said...Well if Heidi Swapp can do it, so can I!

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New Thinking of You Card!

Hey all! Here is another fun idea I came up with to use my stickers. This card design is so easy to do but really gives you a great result. I started by taking the middle paper in the sandwich and punching out the three 1" circles. Then I took the top layer and turned it over. I traced the circles on to the back of the top layer and used the scalloped 1 1/4" punch. It makes it really easy to eyeball the sizing and placement this way. Then I wrapped around the ribbon and and connected them to the card itself.

I used a complimentary paper from the set so it really went well together. Once again the back looks as good as the front and it has a great clean finish. Then the very last thing was to stick the stickers in the 3 circle punched on the front and it is all done. What do you think? I would love to hear from you!

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SEMI-FORMAL 2010- ISN'T SHE LOVELY!!!!

Well there is my girl. She is the most beautiful bell at the ball! When we picked up this dress before she ever tried it on we knew it was the one. She picked up her new glasses today to top of her outfit. She enjoys being able to see and these new glasses really help with that. Unfortunately, you can't see her really cute silver shoes in this one but they worked beautifully. This photo was taken at her friends house. All of them meet there to go together. I totally forgot to take a pic at home and some how by the grace of God my camera was in my purse so I didn't miss this wonderful girl on her way to the dance.

Well now I must wait to go pick her up so I am going to work on a page for this picture. I am making a 16th Year album for her so she has a hard copy of all the fun she had when she was 16. Maybe it is because I am turning 40 this year, but I think it is important to be able to look back at those carefree times. I will share the book when it is all done and as I go along this year!

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More Love is in The Air, Or @ Least in The Air Mail!

I know, I know, I can't help myself. I love making Valentine's. Maybe it comes from the excitement of that white paper bag that would hang on the front of your desk as a child on Valentine's Day. You would get to decorate it in art class and then hang it there for the big day. For that very moment to see when and if that special someone is going to drop a card in your bag. I remember buying my box of cards as a kid and going over them and deciding who was going to get which one. What would this card say or mean to the love of your life. Now for me, that was my husband(he just didn't know it at the time.)

For this one I wanted it to be romantic. I think the papers lend to that feeling very well. The card measures 6 x 4. I went around the edges of everything with Color Box dark brown Chalk Inkpad. The brads and the frame add dimension to the card. And I layered the blue layer up and over the back to give it a really finished look. You can see this in the picture below. I hope you all enjoy this and it gives you all some inspiration!

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Birds of a Feather Celebrate Birthday's Together

So here is some inspiration for everyone today. I have been trying to build up some special cards for the upcoming birthdays of 2010. I can't stand when I am walking out the door and there is no handmade card in hand. See it is my own fault. I have been making cards along with many other projects for so long that people come to expect it and I think that I should live up to that expectation don't you.

This one is more for a adult. The picture doesn't totally show the shine to this card. On much of the black on the bird I layered the liquid glass to give some more dimension to it. I love the combo of colors. I make a bunch of bright happy colors for many of my birthday cards but it is nice sometimes to have a stronger more masculine set of colors. I also rolled the edges of the double sided paper flowers so they gave a pop out look. Also on the flowers, which you really can't tell in the picture, I used the liquid glass on the tan areas. It pulls the eye over the front of the card while leaving the bird the dominate feature. I hope you all enjoy it and make it a great Tuesday!

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This is for sure a girl holiday. The great day of love many refer to as Valentine's Day is truly just a excuse for us to use PINK. I love pink and all of the fun that goes along with it. Here is my daily dose of pink for this time of year. And here is how I made it....

• Start with a 5 x 5 base card(5x10 before folded)
• 4 Similar papers that are 2 1/4 x 2 1/4
• Edge them each with Metallic Gold and round one corner
• Layered nesting hearts on chipboard and more Metallic on edges
• Tape runner embellishment to card and add words

As far as the letters I used for love. They are foam stickers that where black but I wanted them to blend in a little more to the color scheme. So out came my trusty paints and everything matches beautifully!

Now as far as this little toss in. It was 2:00pm eastern time and the house was VERY, VERY FREE OF SOUND. This is not normal when all four of them are home from school. So I looked around downstairs and there was no one. I made my way up stairs and still no sounds. Until I opened our bedroom door and all of my little friends, along with their pillows, where watching a movie together. WOW this is the kind of stuff pictures are made of. So I grabbed the camera to mark this moment in history. And this is what I am thankful for today!

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Mail is Here!

Hi all! Just wanted to drop in and show you what has arrived at the Lane. These really darn cute MAILBOXES! They come in Pink with a pink flag and White with a red flag. You will be able to find them at my Artfire site as of 1/18/10 Monday. They are a great price at 2.25 and they are made of tin and the flag is plastic. From Valentines to Birthdays you will have great fun with these. I know I can't wait to dig in and make one!

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A CARD IN SECONDS!

Alright everyone, this one is quick and simple and not a lot of items are involved to create it. Not only as a Valentine, but think of the color changes you can make and embellishments and it turn into a quick birthday card. With some left over textured card stock this card was completed in minutes. It measures 4 1/2" 's square.

Here are the few products I used to complete it. If you haven't already purchased a Souffle Pen what are you waiting for? It is yummy and puffs up as it dries and can be used for so many things. I do go over my lines twice when I use it on such dark paper. Some times it comes out a little watered down. I also start it out on a separate paper to make sure it is flowing once I use it. Then there is my FABULOUS CONVERSATION HEARTS! This time of year I am using and selling these little guys like crazy so make sure you pick them up today!

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THE DAY OF LOVE IS ON THE WAY!

Starting with 7 Gypsies products are a full prof way to make a project come out right. Adding in some of the fun little products I make is just a bonus for me. This is one of the album/book covers that I carry at BRAMBLEBERRY LANE from 7 Gypsies. And yes they aren't just for creating a album with. Instead, I turned it into a wall hanging to decorate for Valentine's Day. This was so simple and I think came out great.

I started by wrapping the one edge with the alphabet gaffers tape. Next I punched a hole in the top 1/2" in from the edge on both sides. Then it is time to layer. I added this great girl.

I used two so I could change the shape of the arm by cutting it out of the second one and layering it back in with brads. I added Crackle and Liquid glass to give it some shine by following the pre- printed markings on the book cover. Next I layered a basket and the heart. I finished up with the wording and the glitter. And lets not forget the darn cute ribbon with the white pom poms on it to hang it with.

I think it came out with that old vintage look that I was looking for. I hope you all enjoy and this will inspire you to ....

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The Girls Have Dropped by the Lane!

These new girls on the block are so much fun. Pop over to BRAMBLEBERRY LANE to view more of my new products. I can't believe it is 2010 already but boy have I been working on a bunch of stuff to make your New Year fun and festive. I have done everything with these stickers from add them to some metal rimmed tags to the background on a Valentine project for a upcoming Tuesday Tutorial. And speaking of Tuesday Tutorials check back tomorrow to see what I have in store for you. Decorating has never been so fun and or easy when you see this weeks project. Paper is our friend and it shouldn't be left in a pile never touched so stop by on Tuesdays starting January 12th to see what I am creating with my stash.

Here is another set of fun, fresh and vintage stickers. Do you like that combo of words? Any who, this set has the scalloped edges and they measure 1 1/4" 's so a little bigger then the normal ones. This set is from the fab vintage books my daughter gave me! Alright all, Third Eye Blind just came on the i tunes so since everyone went back to work and school it is time for me to dance around my house like a crazy, yet happy, person.

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WHAT'S NEW FOR THE NEW YEAR?

Oh how I LOVE PAPER! I know, I know, it is not real and I am not supposed to love it. But don't hate me but I do. So I am looking to bring these papers into every corner of my life and give you all ideas on how to do the same.

I made these for some of the gals in my life for Christmas. In fact once I started, I just couldn't stop. They are made with some of the vintage papers that I carry at Brambleberry Lane. I have many that are made and ready to be ordered. There is a fabulous one made from a vintage book that my daughter picked up for me at a antique store.

Then there is the music one that my parents ran into some old music sheets down south last winter.

Then there is the big bangle that I made out of some great 7 Gypsies paper I had in my stash of fun. They are all top coated so they can be worn for any fun and funky event. I will list the pictures of the ones I made for my sister and her girls once I get pictures. The black origami paper that I used for hers is FABULOUS.

Next are my many Fleur de Li's sticker sets in many fun and bright colors. I am chomping my way from one paper to another to find something for everyone!

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THE 09' CHRISTMAS PICTURE HAS SHIPPED!

There they are, my people. Yup, I created every last one of them with a great since of pride. But as I seal the last holiday envelope with their picture enclosed, I realize all that they have taught me. Started at the center is Noah( the little Red Head). I never realized that JOY was so free. Freely given and freely received. His smile is as big as the sun and his humor has no limit. He has a bit of little devil but he is 100% heaven sent boy.

Then there is Logan(the little blond beside my daughter. Well how do you describe HEAVEN ON EARTH? I tell my husband that there is a song that describes the way I feel about Logan coming into my life by Rascal Flats..."God Blessed the Broken Road"...that lead me straight to you. No matter what ever bad things could have ever happened in life, getting to the moment I meet Logan made it all worth it. If you can not see his mouth when he smiles, only his eyes...well, I have truly seen the meaning in real life of Irish Eyes a Smiling.

Next is my Joshua all the way on the left. He is going to be a heart breaker. He warms my heart every time I see him. He has the most beautiful little face and boy can he charm his mother. I know that he is a little troublesome truck some times but does he ever have my heart strings wrapped around his finger.

Then there is my Morgan. My dearest Morgan. She is my only girl. Hope, Faith and Love all wrapped up in a package. My husband may be my partner, but Morgan is my right hand gal. She has always been there to help me out when I need it and support me along our road of life. No one could ask for a better daughter because I have the best.

Now, in between everyone of the pictures taken, the four of them where not thrilled. Noah would not look at the camera. Josh would make a funny face at the wrong time and Morgan kept trying to keep all of her little brothers in line. Believe me when I say that I know how important family is. But I never knew how much a picture would mean to me until I started photographing these four. They are my loves and my life. And when you add Pat in it makes the circle complete. Alone we are just one of six, together we are a VERY BLESSED family!

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HANDMAKING CHRISTMAS!

Well I was thinking, and I figured I should start showing everyone some of the handmade items that I have created for this holiday season. As many of you know, I have totally branched out from just scrapbooking with the beautiful papers that I have in my stash. No matter if it is a stack of vintage music books or some great new Cosmo paper, I am trying to use it rather then stash it. So lets start with this years Kitchen Tree. I try to make this something new and fun every year. And if it is a crazy year I resort to using a bunch of my antique cookie cutters to adorn it.



This year I have used my die cutting fun to create some great ornaments that could have been around 50 years ago. I have been sorting all of the different ideas I have seen and kept running into past holidays that paper ornaments where used. So I pulled out some of my "fine" glitter. This is so easy to do with any die cutting system that you have. Or drop me a line and I can get you some of these fun shapes. So I cut them and lined with a little glue so you could still see to the old music sheets once the glitter and glue dried. And that was it. I added a couple of Candy Canes and there you are. A Kitchen Christmas tree that makes people say..." you made all of those ornaments yourself?" I love answering yes to that question.

So tonight's homework is to create something for your holiday home this year. You will really enjoy making and decorating with your own handmade ornaments!

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