It Started With Greece

I was getting some of my new prints together today when I needed to pull some atlas pages. When ever I get a new (old) book, I like to take a minute to look it over. I like to see what is inside. The condition it was left in by the original owner. I love running into the occasional note or pressed flower. It gives you a real since that it truly meant something to someone at a time that has gone by.

Today was the two atlas hard cover books that just arrived. I opened up the larger of the two and it went from being a simple old book that I was going to use as the base to all of my creations, and turned into a walk down a lane that I never took the time to think about before.
As I turned the pages I found myself saying..."I've sent one there, I've sent another one there" and so on. So I went and got piece of paper and decided to start a quick list and see at least a few of the places my work has traveled to. OMG....The list brought a smile to my face that I could not believe. And then I realized, like how haven't I already realized this, but can you truly imagine that some day your creations would be hanging all over the world? Well mine are and I am giving myself the moment to be so proud of this. So to all of those people that think I sit around all day and do nothing because they have no idea my wonderful hubby created a studio for me, these are some of the countries around the world that my work hangs in. Not bad for the artist in the country!

USA(FROM SEA TO SHINNING SEA) GREECE RUSSIA POLAND

FINLAND SWEDEN NORWAY GERMANY

IRELAND ITALY FRANCE CANADA

CHINA JAPAN ENGLAND SCOTLAND

BELGIUM AUSTRIA SWITZERLAND NETHERLANDS

DENMARK SPAIN MEXICO HUNGARY

TURKEY MOROCCO THAILAND KOREA

INDIA AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND BRAZIL

PERU CHILE VENEZUELA MADAGASCAR

I am sure there are many I left out but even this list leaves me tickled pink. My first one outside the US was Greece and it seemed to just roll from there. Be proud of something you have done and you will find self fulfillment where you may have least expected to....inside of you!

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Workin On Holiday Ornaments Today!

Back n forth, back n forth and it is only the beginning of the season. Started playing around with some rounds today.

This one is waiting for a little more glue to connect it with. Some how, the one time I am trying to finish something, I run out of glue sticks. Arrrrrrggggghhhh. Any who, last year I had purchased the Martha Stewart tool that makes all of the folds the perfect distance apart. You just run down the lines with a bone folder and you have the perfect fold. Around the edge I used the crepe paper and glitter look. I have been looking at many antique ornaments and I can't believe how many incorporate paper or are totally made of paper.

I better be off. Need to get some sleep before I take a trip to find glue sticks Friday!

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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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NEW CHRISTMAS CHIPBOARD ALBUM

Oh my gosh I love this new album. It is made up of a Santa Hat, Christmas Tree, Mitten, Ornament, Snowman and a Gingerbread Man! And it is only $2.50!!!! This chipboard album would make a great quick little Christmas gift to make or just give as is. But the other thought I am working on is each one being a super special gift tag. Oh yeah, they would be perfect as a gift tag.


You can find it at either http://www.brambleberrylane.artfire.com or http://www.brambleberrylane.etsy.com

So many ideas you could use for this set just get working. There isn't much time left to Christmas. I think I am going to make a album with the kids with this. It can showcase our cookie making night. I love brag books that I can take with me. This over all measures approx. 7 x 7. But truly every page is a different size. For instance the snowman at his largest point width wise is 3 1/2 x 6 3/4" tall. So they do vary. I hope you really enjoy this set!

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THEY ARE ARRIVING TODAY!

Picture courtesy the 7 Gypsies website

I am totally on board with paper products and there incredible colors and patterns turning into home dec. And here is a great way to jump into the big pond of not only decorating but trying your hand at ATC's while you are at it. This 4 x 6 printers tray from 7 Gypsies will be dropped of at the door step of Brambleberry Lane today. The top picture is a example of what you can do with this great little printers tray. I have been working on my squares so as soon as it gets here I can drop them right in and hang them up.

I am starting with a Holiday theme. Lets face it, I can't think about anything else but the holidays upon us. So this will be perfect. Lets talk about it being a great gift. I know that you have a ton of paper out there just sitting in your stash waiting to be used. Well here you go. You will just need to create a few cute little box's and add pictures, (with embellishments of course) and you have a great gift for under $20 bucks. Now that is a great idea.

I will post my first done one once they arrive!

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(I know I will!)

HAVE YOU SEEN THE NEW PAPERS @ BRAMBLEBERRY LANE?

Hey there Mister Gingerbread Man! You could totally make a house (a gingerbread house) out of paper with this set. The fabulous papers from American Crafts featured in this set are all about the building of some great Christmas memories. I have a great little chipboard book and house that I am going to be working on over the next couple of weeks with this grouping. I am so excited about this set. And there are ***30*** sheets in the set!


WOW these are FABULOUS! This set is full of card stock, flocking and fun. Oh yes I did say flocking. The heads in the first picture are flocked. I know it is crazy but true. Not to mention all the other great papers in this set. You will totally love them!







Don't hate me because I love this paper. They are pretty and cute all at the same time. This set is full of whimsy. The colors are the perfect tones. The combination of traditional colors and the pinks never crosses that fine line of too much on one paper. Instead, they truly compliment each other. And yes there are ***24*** of them waiting for you @ Brambleberry Lane!

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Are You Customer That Wants Free Shipping?

Hi all! I wanted to stop by and show you one of my latest sets of stickers. These are perfect for the lover of winter in your life. They are so much darn fun and you will love them on your envelopes and projects this winter season.

And I hope now one has forgotten....

FREE SHIPPING ON MY NEW ARTFIRE STORE!

Yes, my new Artfire store is up and running. To thank all of my many customers I am giving free shipping as my gift from me to you. So by the stickers and embellishments while they're hot and the shipping is free!

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WHO STOLE THE COOKIE FROM THE COOKIE JAR?

So these are the cookie holders I am making for the Christmas Season Cookie Swap. Any cookie will taste better in this container. What a simple project that make a big statement. And here is what you will need...

We Wish you a Merry Christmas paper set

A paint can unused or even a small box

Ribbon

Fibers

Trim w/ beads

This is so simple. Just cover the can with the paper. Take the ornament paper and cut out the shapes. Next assemble by layering them at different lengths of ribbon. After that I wrapped around the beaded ribbon and finished it off with a bit of white fibers to give it more of a dramatic look.

If you want to step it up you can add a crackle medium or some other time of Liquid glass to give it that old ornament feel. I added the Liquid glass to the dots and other areas and it turned out great.

This is another easy project that you don't have to spend a ton of money to create yet you are giving a really beautiful gift from the heart. Let me know how yours turns out!

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SNOWFLAKE BOX AND CHRISTMAS CARD

Well here I go again with one of my new favorite things to use when creating. I have a tone of clothing patterns. When you look at things for a different use it can really turn out great. Many times with backgrounds it is very hard to find just he right paper. Especially for someone that loves to use tans, ivory, and cream and they don't exist to your liking. Patterns to the rescue. It is totally thin. It wrinkles perfectly and it adds a great addition of dimension to your project. And don't get me started on the way it takes ink.

On this snowflake gift box, I used some fabulous die cut snowflakes to decorate with. And here is how simple it was...

1. Put glue on the areas that I wanted the pattern paper to stick to.
2. Scrunched up the pattern paper then partially smoothe it over the areas with the glue
3. If you did not tear enough off just add a small piece to cover the box(it all melts together and you can not see the patched areas, plus it adds a great color effect.)
4. I took a brown ink pad and and gently went over the paper to only highlight the wrinkles.
5. Glue down the snowflakes making sure to go off the edges with them (this gives a much more pleasing and natural look.)

Make a matching tag and tie it on!

You now have a great simple gift box for the holiday season. I think packaging is key to a wonderful present. Simple backed goods can be brought up to a whole new level with great packaging. Below you can see close up the great effect you get from using the clothing pattern paper.

This next card as well was so simple, but with adding the music paper as garland you get something a little extra special. I cut out all of the card stock and inked the edges. Next I die cut the tree and added some glue where I wanted the garland to stick down. Gave a little "back and forth fold" to the music paper and held it down a minute until the glue dried a bit. So simple and so pretty. Hard to see in the picture but I added some great crackle to the star to stand out more. And there you have it. Another simple and fun card made in minutes. The longest part of this one is the crackle dry time.

The cardstock for both projects can be found at BRAMBLEBERRY LANE!

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...and to all a Good Night!

Hi all! Yes, I am still working on all things holiday. I will be doing a great count down to Christmas in November with a new and different idea for you. But right now I am just playing. Here is one of my latest ATC's. I really was having fun with my metallic ink and chipboard pieces parts. I am totally falling in love with the mixed media aspects of creating. I have some fabulous vintage images from old Christmas cards that my mom had so kindly tracked down for me a while ago. They sat here in this pretty little box and now they have been coming out to get cut up and played with.

When I was a kid my dad would stand beside the large white book shelves in our room and read to us "The Night Before Christmas" poem after a wonderful Christmas Eve celebration at my grandmothers. He was very animated so you really got the true excitement of the poem while he read it. When I saw this card front from mom, it is the first thing I thought of. And at our house time and clocks truly where a big part of the holiday season. We would look at that big Grandfather Clock to see how long before Santa arrived. Plus, that was where my father would perch a present for the entire family every year. The box would either contain the present as it sat on top of the clock. Or it would have something in it that would represent something else that was too large to fit up there. For instance, the year we got a trip to Disney World. Kind of hard to fit the castle and mono-rail up there so there where travel books and plans. Or the year we got our dog DUKE. It wouldn't have been nice to leave a puppy in a box on top of a clock that rang every 15 minute during the holiday season. Any who, time was important during the holiday's for us so adding CLOCKS means something to me. What in your work means something to you? Add something to a layout or project that maybe only a sibling of yours would understand and the "...oh I remember that" statements are sure to follow!

Alright, back to work for me, so please....

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HE MAY MELT IN THIS WEATHER!

So I am working on somethings for up coming classes I will be teaching. I love to teach and share techniques with people that have never seen them before. There are so many things that you can do with the supplies you all ready have. Many of us that have worked with paper for a very long time have a huge stash of paper and products to create with. So next time you go shopping just pick up a couple of additions or as I like to call them "BASE PRODUCTS" and work from there. For instance, I grabbed some crackle paint from Ranger the other day while out and I have had a ball with it. I love making my projects look old and worn. The crackle and some layers of ink that you already own can give that effect in no time. Not to mention the inking of ribbon. At the last class I taught I inked the ribbon and I thought this woman was going to fall over. She realized with just a couple of ribbons she had multiplied her options. With some ribbons they are very bright, by rubbing a bit of ink on them they become dull and blend in so well.

One of the things I learned when I first started out was the great effect layering. If you take the time to layer even one thing on your project it will add to the interest. This is shown here with the snowflakes as well as the word.

So see what you can ink and layer today. You will be very happy with your results!

p.s. Here is one of the new papers I am carrying in my shop. They are fun and double sided. But they are a limited set, so if you like them you better grab them before they are gone!

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HERE COMES THE NEW CHRISTMAS LINE OF STICKERS!

Well here they are. Some of my new Holiday Stickers for Christmas 2009. The colors are rich and I just know you will enjoy them. The red sheet music can really be used all year long but what a great accent to those gold envelopes.

The Ice Skates are one of my favorite sets. There is glitter on the skate blades. They have a really fun old fashion feel. This is the perfect snowflake blue for the back round. Once again the colors are strong so they will stand out.

And these mittens make me feel all warm and fuzzy even on a really hot day. They feature some great bling with glitter on the blue mittens. These will be a fab addition to your stash.

And last but not least, this years addition of Peppermint Candy. Last years where so popular and I was afraid I was not going to have as great of a pattern to go with but I am in love with these. A strong red is hard to find but this one delivers. The backgrounds go from off white to white so you will love every moment of these little hard candies!

So please enjoy all of these new latest and greatest holiday stickers from Brambleberry Lane. Keep and eye out for a couple more as well. You know I can't stop my self!

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THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE IS DONE!

This has been on my mind to show you all some quick and easy projects for the holidays that you will have for many years to come. I picked up these house shaped boxes a while ago. They have been bothering me on how I was going to decorate them. I really wanted to do a Halloween house but I kept coming back to a sketch I did for the Christmas season. So I will have to do a Halloween one next because here is the Christmas one. This started with the old sheet music I sell on my site. I can make a list for a month of Sundays on what I want to use this paper for. It already has the aged look that we all try so hard to recreate.

Next, with a 1" circle punch and brown ink, I created the roof. I love the layered look. The windows are just layered paper to make the look of shutters. And as far as the wreaths are concerned. The large on on the roof area, I cut a 2" circle. I then took a leaf punch and with just the tip of the punch made the lace look on the outside of the wreath. On the inside a used a whole punch and did a random pattern to once again give the look of greens. Then I added the ribbon and a brad for the front door. Add a little ink here and there and you have a cute little Christmas house to give a gift in or use for decoration this holiday season!

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