{snips of paper & shades of ink}

Tim Holtz Configuration Box

2011-05-27T19:21:00.003-05:00

I started this box at a class I did at Craft Crossing in Gonzales a couple months ago. I love shadow box things.

I had temporarily misplaced my "goodies" but finally found them and was able to get it finished this past week. I have another in the works for my bedroom and it will be more shabby chicy (is that a word?) and I am hoping to finish by tomorrow, but you all know how tomorrow can turn into a month or two for me, haha....

I'm sorry the pic isn't the greatest but with the clear sheet on the front of the box, it was hard for me not to have shadows so it is what it is and I hope you enjoy looking. All my goodies are pieces my son and husband collected for me when we lived in Europe. I love brass (ok, used to, haha) and I have a passion for anything delft.

These boxes are the neatest things and now TH comes out with one that is like a printers box...i have special plans for that one for my playroom...enjoy and I hope to see you soon...I have my craftin bug back!!!

Sandi

A Drawer full of Keys!

2011-04-02T21:24:00.007-05:00

We've all got em, some of us more than others. My sweet Jim cannot throw a key away, he just can't. I am sure we have the key to our first home, the skeleton key from our home in Belgium, and about every key to any lock made, hahaha....I came across a really neat site sometime ago and decided I needed a few of these for the journals I like to make and give away and to go on the endless collection of antique books I am so fond of. Craftygoodies has the site bookmarked, somehow I've messed something up and can't get the http....I know you'll love her site, so take a hop on over..

I am in awe of jewelry makers and I am determined to take a class as I am sure there is an easier way of me getting those jump rings on, haha...it was quite the site....i have lots of blings and things laying on my desk to complete but until then, here are just a few of what I've done so far....mine are a little shabby chicy (is that a word?) since thats what I like....Connie over at craftygoodies.blogspot.com decided we'd both post ours tonight so you could get a look a several different styles...I haven't see hers yet but I am headed over there once I post.....

Please excuse the low quality pics...I got in late this evening and just took so the quality is nothing to phone home over...at any rate I hope you enjoy, get a little inspiration and leave a note if you'd like...how would you decorate these???? I am really interested, I only have 2,427 more keys to go,,,hahaha....

I am redoing my site so if the colors don't match, don't worry they will, haha...Enjoy! Sandi
Thanks for dropping by!

Stickles or Alcohol Ink Container

2011-01-18T20:01:00.004-06:00

So I've been surfing the European blogs because there are so many fabulous artists out there. I came across someone, somewhere who posted a holder (no instructions) but I didn't let that deter me one little bit...after a lot of thought about every time I woke up on Monday night, I had already figured it out...This takes only 1 pc of double sided paper, girls....I hope to have a tutorial for ya on Friday(my day off)if ya are interested and will try to tut one on the alcohol ink stick pins as I have had several requests. This will hold 16 bottles of stickles or alcohol inks and looks oh so cute on your crafty table.

I need to get busy as I'm teaching a scrapbooking class at the library where I work on March 5 so I'll try to get my samples together and share those as well. Well I am off to blog hop and get some inspiration.

Blessings to you all, Sandi

Button Jars

2011-01-07T11:03:00.010-06:00

Connie over at Crafty Goodies inspired me to make my own button jars. Since I had been admiring them for some time, I jumped right in and it was quite fun.

Jim also was more than happy to help me in this little endeavor....He is our grocery shopper and so he picked up the Starbucks coffees at HEB and proceeded to "get rid" of the coffee that was in them before he ever left the store parking lot....He knew I was on a mission so for the next 2 days he buzzed around the house after he fulfilled my dreams to "empty" those bad boys....

I love how it turned out and my favorite piece is the stickpin I made...I no longer buy them done, I have gotten quite crafty at makin my own....i few jewels from Hob/Lob, some alcohol inks and wahla, you're done....Click on the pic a couple times for a close up....

I am off today and planning on working on and in the craftroom so hopefully I'll have something new soon. Please come back and check and I'd love your comments...And btw, if anyone needs someone to drink those "cold coffee's" for ya, Jim is available, haha..

Be blessed!!!

Sandi

Ya know, poster

2010-12-19T10:39:00.007-06:00

I don't really appreciate that bad word you were trying to throw out there on my comment section in the last post, but I get your point, hahaha..I actually tried to load last week but blogger didn't cooperate!! haha....., well i hope you'll believe it anyway, and if ya don't, well I was tied up, haha...

While I finish up on my latest project which will be available for your viewing pleasure in just a few (days, hours, months, we'll have to wait and see, haha)please enjoy what i had so much fun living earlier this month...can't wait to do it again girls...and Pam, you might want to either seat me at the same table next time, or on the floor in the corner some where, hahaha...again, so sorry about the mishap, we Valley girls, don't get out much if ya know what I mean....

Now, not sure if I mentioned it or not, but Miss Pam aka keeper of the keys for Craft Crossing, gave out prizes all day and into the night...Please note last picture. Miss Penci, aka T!m's wanna be little sister, made and handed out this beautiful WISH book she made...I'd love to have shown you , but as y ou can see one of the locals couldn't stand that we might want to record this moment and jumped in front of the camera..yes, that is her and her girls who just couldn't stand Kathy in the limelight...just sayin,and again, girls enjoy the pics and I'm sure Miss Pam would love to woo and wahh ya in her store...I am told Miss Penci is givin some great classes in Jan and Feb and I so hope Miss Connie will too cuz I am wanting to revisit....blessings to you all, SAndi

Destination: Craft Crossing, Gonzales, Tx

2010-12-06T22:28:00.003-06:00

I am back from a wonderful trip to Gonzales, Tx. Wanda and Kathy and I headed north on Friday morning to Belmont where we met up with Connie. The party never stopped until we arrived back in Harlingen late Sunday afternoon...All I can say is we went, we conquered and I don't think Craft Crossing or Gonzales will ever be the same!!! haha.... We had a ball. Thank you Pam, Connie, and Penci!!

Now I must tell you all about our day at Craft Crossing. It began at 9 a.m. and i think we left at midnight, hahaha....yes that is 15 hours of shopping in heaven and crafting and yes, we probably have a problem, but who cares and who asked you anyway!!!haha...

We took classes from all 3 ladies (and I use that term loosely if ya know what i mean ;), haha.

Pam did the first one and it was the cutest ornament that we sodered...i have ALWAYS wanted to play with the sodering tool and i love my project but there was just one problem..The smell in the room-- we did find out was not electrical. Imagine to my surprise when I found that I had not only perfected the art of melting that soder, I had also learned how to burn a perfect hole in a perfectly good table...yes I said the table, hahaha...that was NOT part of the class. Pam then smiled nicely and said maybe i shouldn't play with fire,....what???? Pam said to make yourself at home... haha...

ok, class 2....Connie had 3, yes that is 3 projects for us. I did the neatest dry erase frame, a layout , and we had to take # 3 home with us which i've not done yet but will....

and then there was Miss Penci aka T!m's groupie!!! haha...she loves everything T!m....Holtz that is...We made 4 of the neatest tags...and it was during this class that things started to get just a little bit UGLY with the local husseys, umm I mean our new friends from the community...by this time, they had figured out that all the goodies they had been wanting to purchase were no longer for sale--they were in our bags, WOOHOOO, GITTY UP!!!

SO, as the class proceeded and Miss Penci showed one thing after another that we felt we MUST have, there were 2 gals (our new friends) across the table (I beleive Teri was the name of the leader over there)who would get up and literally run towards the display. Now ordinarily I wouldn't care, but they wanted it ALL and they didn't seem to care that we might not get any?????? All in all it turned out very very well....

I seem to have misplaced my cord to the camera so will load the pics tonight..if any of you gals are from anywhere in Tx or plan to vist, you would do yourself a favor to head to Gonzales for a visit to Craft Crossing. Pam has absolutely the best store in Tx...Did I mention we had drawings throughout the day as well as goodies Miss Pam handed to us as well...and then there was the 40% off one item as well and her usual 20 % off for all you purchased if you took classes that day...oh my gosh.....heaven i tell ya!!!! Now Pam if the 20 % off is not your usual, well, I just told 10,000 of my closest friend, hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I am off and running to work, but please check back tonight, to see the goodies I made while I was gone...

Blessings, Sandi

P.S. to my new friend Terri in Gonzales...I do need to say it is not very becoming for a pregnant woman to literally sprint across the table and get our projects wrapped around your ankle to drag through Pam's store as you trying to bag it all for yourself, hahahahahaha.....THE END!!!!!

Shabby Card

2010-11-22T19:47:00.003-06:00

I wish I'd spent more time on here and I'd certainly have done things differently if I had it to do over again. Isn't that always the way it is??? haha.... At any rate, I just had to play with T!m's cage die and I just love it...now can ya tell I have no idea where the feathers on the bird are suppose to go??? hahaha....he looks like he got into a fight with the cat, haha.... I am working on a super card that I saw on another blog and hope to have it up tomorrow so at any rate, enjoy!

....be blessed, Sandi

Tiles anyone???

2010-11-19T16:20:00.006-06:00

Well I have finally gotten my tiles done. I wish the pics would do a little justice here. I am going to do them again and change it up abit as I am feeling it's a little off. I will save that for another day for when I post the coasters I am about to do. At any rate, I've had a ball in the playroom today.
My cast of characters:

6x6 tile (not the slick kind)
Pigment ink
Stamps (sorry gals ya just can't beat Stampin Up!)
UltraThick Embossing Enamel, this is the first time I've used it and I love it!
Kitchen Oven

Yes, I said the kitchen oven. I had contemplated getting a toaster oven for my playroom but Jim put his foot down. I, ummmm, have a bit of a problem with burning things and fire when it involves a stove, hahaha....He wants all MY cooking experiences to be done in the kitchen where there is an extinguisher, hahaha....ok, so I gave in this time but who knows, haha ;) If any of you gals want the directions just shoot me an email. I did see this on another site somewhere and if it's yours, just holler at me and I'd love to give you credit.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my day off with my hubby and am now moving on to the next project....Check back tomorrow sometime.......Oh yes, and 2 weeks from today, the girls and I are headed to Gonzales for the Winterfest Celebration at Craft Crossings...Hope to see some of you Central Txns there...it promises to be a fun filled day from start to finish....and did I mention we are staying at the Casa????? hahahaha......yeah, yeah,,,,,,see ya tomorrow...Sandi

Mark Ur Calendars, girls....

2010-11-09T21:12:00.002-06:00

One of the Hill Country's best craft stores (and believe me, if it's a craft, it's sold in this store) is hosting a fabulous craft day...not sure what they are calling it, but I do know my friends and I are headed north on DECEMBER 4.......Gonzales, Tx or bust!!!! hahaha.....

Pam the owner of Craft Crossing, is offering a day full (and I mean a day full, haha) of crafty fun for everyone....I love a party so thought I'd share with a few hundred of my closest internet friends...hahahaha...I don't know if you've ever been to Gonzales before but it's a darling town that not only houses this great shop, but there is antiquing and honey the best puffy tacos you ever put in your mouth...do what I'm doing, load your car up with your favorite girlfriends and head in whatever direction Gonzales is from you, haha...

Ok, for sure on the agenda, Miss Pam has someone who's taken numberous classes from T!m Holtz himself (and I do believe we are going to be doing the 12 days of Christmas tags), Connie Mercer( oh yeah, her link is to the left also, crafty goodies (now tell me you don't want to learn from her????)haha, a published scrapbooking artist will be teaching a class and I'm told she is designing something spectacular for this class, and of course Pam the owner will have a class (she is still working out the details but i'm told we will love it!!!)....i just love how things just fall together...dontcha!!!

I have absolutely no affiliation with this store..I just fell in love with the store and it's owner and I have to say i am a customer service junkie and when I saw this lady knows what she's selling, its exciting... I mean seriously what the heck is stickable canvas, but oh my, you ought to check out what the world is doing with that....at any rate, I am so excited about this trip, i just couldn't keep it to myself!!!!! Can ya just tell we live in the valley and don't get opportunities like this very often, hahaha...anyone interested in following us from the valley just shoot me an email.... jandsrunyanr@aol.com

I know I said I'd post my tiles, but i've had a delay...My son is in town, we went shopping and he even used a 40 off coupon for me at Hob/Lob and since it's cooler I made him my special chili...I love when that kid is over on Tuesdays....ok he's 31, haha...I have so much to do and so little time..I did make a little headway though...I can tell ya i won't post tomorrow as I have to work late at work, but I hope to have something up on the blog late Thursday or early Friday...so excited about this project!!!!

So gals you have plenty of time before the 4th...hey, when you're done, stay over and hit San Antonio for some Christmas shopping....trust me , these classes are going to be super...I hope to m eet some of my internet friends at the store...the Link to her store is posted on the right..go check it out....i am sure she will update as things are coming together....

Ok, I am off to bed...this day light savings time is killing me....be blessed and create something fun....Sandi

Lots going on!!

2010-11-09T07:15:00.002-06:00

Hey craft siblings!!! Hope you've all been enjoying the cooler weather and gettin in to the swing of "fall back".....

I am right smack into the middle of getting ready for a Christmas bazaar and by in the middle of I mean, I 've barely begun, hahaha!!! Once again, Sandi is flying by the seat of her pants, haha...gotta love it....

I am off to Lowe's after work to pick up tiles....ARE YOU CRAZY???? No I'm not remodeling the bathroom floor (well not yet anyway, haha).....come back tomorrow and check out what I did with those tiles...I completely lifted this from another site but fell instantly in love with the tile and it is "so me"!! haha.....

Well I am to work....I love Tuesday mornings at work because it's Story time and I get to see all my favorite little people at the library....

Be blessed and enjoy God's creation when you step outside today!!! Sandi

It's called Red Rubbah, baby!!!

2010-11-05T22:38:00.007-05:00

Nothing brings a smile to my face faster than gettin a new piece of red rubber...I ♥ stamps and you can NEVER have enough. They were beginning to take over my playroom....

I ordered almost everything I needed about 2 years ago (yes, that is years, haha) I changed my mind 4 or 5 times on this. I just snapped one day, and boom, I was pulling that rubber off my wood blocks....it was absolutely the best decision for organization I've ever done in my playroom. You ought to see my pile now, of blocks, that is....wowzeeeeeeeeeeer....there are a lot of dead trees sitting in boxes now, haha.

My tools consisted of: glass mat, hot knife, ez mount (for the raw rubber I still hadn't done anything with), Aleens Tack it over and over (love this stuff), scissors, ez mount panels, and univenture cases, and lots of patients..the total job took about a week...

For those of you interested in freeing up a lot and I do mean major amount of space, let me know and I'll be happy to talk ya through...It is so easy and so worth it....I have literally cleared out a huge cabinet and down to 1 shelf on the wall, haha...I will be posting as soon as I get that last wall, wallpapered...

Univenture has the cases (sorry I didn't have time to shoot one, but will soon) and if you get the black ones, they are $1.07 right now..Don't worry about the color because the case has a clear insert around it that you can insert your fav DSP with...can't get much better than that.....Fabulous price....http://www.univenture.com/shop/1.25_3_ring_A5_binder.php
and here's where you can find the panels to go inside.... http://sundayint.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2354

Let me know if you have questions...it really was an easy job...

Be blessed today and find that awesome gift of creativity God gave you.....Sandi

The secret's in the Alcohol

2010-11-05T09:31:00.006-05:00

Got your attention right....drunk, haha!!!

Check out my fabulous new pins gals..No need to go out and lay down five bucks for 8 of these babies anymore...I have just discovered alcohol inks.. Yeah, yeah, i'm a day late I know, but it's ok, cuz I got the secret baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! haha.....You can have pins on every layout or card ya make from here on out....I took my alcohols to my friends this week and we experimented with them. I had "heard" (ok read on SOMEONE'S blog ) that this might work. If you want instructions on how to get that nipple off the inks real easy send me a pm (it ain't pretty i can tell ya, but if you are a true crafter you won't care you have ink all down your mouth, cuz you'll match those pins, haha) and I'll tell ya how...Once that top is off dip, pull out, and kind of roll the metal part of the pin through your fingers...wahla!!! You now have a stick pin.....AND to get those really glamorous ones, head to your nearest jewelry making store and you can buy the most beautiful beads with diamonds (ok, bling) on them....I have a stash on my table now so all i have to do is ADORN....Jenni, you'll have nothing on me now girl......

Valley friends, Yolanda at Memory Gardens in Pharr http://mgss-rgv.blogspot.com/ has a new shipment of this stuff , so run, do not walk, to her store immediately and pick it up...Trust me hob/lob and Michaels DO NOT have her colors so just save yourself some aggravation...Besides, they don't have Yolanda either and she stamps a card for ya for every buck ya spend, haha great little perk!!!

As soon as my adorning is over, gals, i'll repost a pic so you can get the full effect...I am off today (yeah, yeah, i know i just got from vacation, get over yourself, haha_) but I've got plans to meet up with Cathy, Cindy, and a day with my bestest and hubster, JimaLee (don't ask, hahaha).....

Be blessed today and find that awesome gift of creativity God gave you.....Sandi

(his) Champion

2010-11-04T08:43:00.005-05:00

Yes, I am back, not only from my friends but to the blogging community.....please stop the applause..my head is swelling (and Cindy, I felt that thought so stopppppppppppp it!, haha)

My gf Connie (aka http://craftygoodies.blogspot.com) is one of the best scrapbookers around and it's not because she's my friend..I love her style, the simplicity and most of all the passion she puts into her layouts which I feel is so evident when you look at her pics. She gave me a private lesson (yes, I said private) this weekend in her studio and I am so thrilled with what I walked away with.....I hope you agree.... thanks so much Connie! I ♥ you!

This is my nephew JP (married to my sweet niece, Kat) and their darling son, Jayden (look Jayden, it's you!!).....Jay is now 4 1/2 (got to get that 1/2 in there, right???) but I have always loved this picture. JP is a boxer and champion in that arena so the title was evident. What is also very evident to anyone who knows JP, it that Jayden is everything to him so that title was almost a no brainer... I am going to enjoy it in my craft room for about a month and then frame it for Kat & JP and I hope they will love it....

I used SU DSP paper which I dearly love. I raided my gf's stash of Jenni Bowlin letters and whooped out some cute ribbon and wahhlaa...don'tcha just love this pic as much as I do???? Let me know what ya think..I'd love to hear from ya.....

Check back soon...I have lots to share!!!!

Sandi

Destination: Craft Crossings

2010-11-02T20:03:00.011-05:00

I grew up in Smalltown , USA so i know what its like to finally just "settle" on what's aound and be thankful to just have what's available. For months now, Connie and someone else (who I won't mention her name, but you know who you are Cindy!) have been raving on a little craft store in nearby Gonzales....I sort of smile and nod and agree that I'll let Connie "show" me her little place of heaven out here in the middle of God's country.

We had to travel 15 miles to get there and did I mention I just knew we'd walk in to a shop with a little old lady who probably had blue hair ( you know the type, like my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Ely, yeah , that's the one!). I knew we'd walk in and there'd be mass supplies of left over Tri-Chem from the 70's and that gawd-awful plastic canvas that the neighbors just had to make sure they decorated YOUR house with....anyone you get the picture. I thought so, my neighbor got around, haha..anyway....follow on....

We got to Craft Crossings and I was hopeful since I "heard" she had Tim Holtz goodies I might find something to come out with...I had my $20 tucked in my bra(& I was reluctant to spend it all here, hahaha) and enter we did....

I walked in and I swear I heard angels singing the HALLELUJAH CHORUS.. Out walks this lady in angel wings ( I swear!!!, and NO BLUE HAIR!) to greet us...I was in Craft Heaven...who'd of thought, out here amongst the cow pastures and that stupid junk store that wouldn't give Connie and me a good deal ...(ok, ok, another post.....snap back , girl).....There were every sort of Prima you could imagine, the Tim Holtz display, oh my, can I just say,Jenni Bowlin, the list goes on and on.... I wanted to stay and play with Pam....Pam had the latest and greatest and best of all, SHE KNEW WHAT TO DO WITH THE STUFF!!! Wow what a concept!!! Someone selling merchandise who knew what it was for (now don't even get me started on that).....

For a crafter I can tell you this is your little Heaven on Earth.....It is a "must" for anyone visiting and certainly worth a trip just to come shop at her store....Oh my, that $20 stayed in my bra, I pulled out the car and smiled as I carried my bags (ok, I skipped to the car, hehe) to the car....(secretly, I thought I'd give that bill back to Jim and tell him I didn't need it afterall...BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.......

Girls, I am telling you Heaven is real and God just gave me a sneak preview yesterday.. I have heard stories though, and brace yourselves, that in the real heaven, the angels DO have blue hair....

Pam thanks so much for sharing your store with me and just taking that plastic thing for payment for all my goodies...gosh I love that card, haha!!!

Be blessed everyone...I am headed home at some point today but I do promise pics before I head to work tomorrow...oh yeah, THE MOJO'S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!..love ya, Sandi

p.s. craftcrossing.blogspot.com do become a follower of Pam's...you won't be sorry...she has the best Scrapbooking and Tim Holtz instructors the state has to offer...I am seriously planning a trip back for classes so if ya want to ride with me, give me a holler!!!! And yes, Connie, I am now a believer!!! Pam has the neatest store...San Antonio has nothing on her....

My Mojo's coming back...

2010-11-01T08:41:00.005-05:00

I spent Saturday morning with a great group of ladies at Yolandas (aka, The Memory Garden, Pharr, Tx) taking a class from my sweet friend, Cindy. Now Cindy brought me a whole kit to do this at home a few weeks ago when she and Connie took a class in Gonzales.

Fast forward....the flowers certainly weren't going together ANYTHING like these, and in fact, did not resemble anything that would be grown outdoors other than a weed, haha...I am a visual and hands on type of gal! Enter Yolanda!!! She was nice enough to have Cindy teach this class at her shop and I was the first in line...wow, what fun and so much easier with a room full of gals who are pumped up on coffee and the fumes of Glimmer mist and glue, oh my!! Need I say more??? hahaha...you get the picture don'tcha!!

Thought i'd share and I know I promised to put on the pic of my copic book but will do that when I return.....Oh did I forget to tell you???? I am on my way out the door to head to Connie's at Casa de Belmont where i plan to play for the next day and half..I promise to post either from Con's or asa I get home...I know I know, you've heard that story before....but let's see.... hope you enjoy the frame..not a great pic, but I am in the middle of vacumming and getting packed and leaving..Hey and Cindy, you are an awesome teacher...Yolanda let's do another class..Till later...Sandi

CHALLENGE

2010-10-13T09:26:00.003-05:00

I am getting ready to start blogging again, yeah yeah, I know I've been here many times before, haha...only this time I mean it!!!

After a long hiatus (and may I just say, my room runneth over) I MUST now play, if for no other reason than to use my stuff up....

I took a class last weekend at Memory Gardens in Pharr, http://mgss-rgv.blogspot.com/(and for those of you who haven't been, its a must!!) and learned to use Copic markers. Yes, I know, I said I'd never buy into that, but after playing with the markers for a couple of hours let me say, oh my!!!! They are FABULOUS!

Jim took me to Hob/Lob last night and i picked up a couple more. This is going to be a habit, I tell ya...at any rate, I have got to keep up with what I buy. I came across this site, http://rachelstampshappy.blogspot.com/2010/02/do-you-copic.html, and not only is this gal talented, she has the greatest download (did i mention FREE???) for a mini book.YEA!!!! I shared this with a couple of my partners in crime and challenged them to get organized from the beginning of this new journey. I handed out rectangle coasters to them all a few months ago, to which they are all still wondering, "what does she want me to do with them," haha...well, now girls they have a purpose. I am off to get my covers done before i head into work this afternoon. Check back around Friday and I'll have my mini book posted...Thanks for coming by and I hope to see you often.

Sandi

Say it ain't so....

2010-07-29T17:06:00.003-05:00

No matter how hard I try, I just can't get motivated. I love papercrafting but for some reason I can't get going. I did however go to a card making function this past weekend and it was fun. Now in order to get me how of this hump and moving again (cuz I have to use all this stuff) I signed up at Big Picture to take a class next month. I am excited about this as Connie and Cindy have been having quite the fun over there and never one to be left out, let's see if I can do this. This should get me to posting again....Also on the homefront, STAMPIN UP regionals is coming to Texas!! yehaw,,can you tell I'm excited???....I am headed to Ft Worth with a group of fun, margarita -loving gals in Sept. This is suppose to be a 2 day trip, but am thinking I will need a vacation by the time I get home, haha!!! Lots of fun stuff coming up but check back and i'll try to get busy..My craftroom is busting at the seams. Though I've not been playing in it too much, I can assure you I am still carrying bags of fun stuff into it, haha...Not to worry about Jim, he's in New Jersey for a month, so I am just laying it all out to look at, haha... Until next time...be blessed!! Sandi

Yet another remake!

2010-06-04T16:45:00.003-05:00

Have you ever just not been satisfied with something and can't work around whatcha have? Well that has been me for quite sometime now. My craftspace in the last 2 years has been a wonderful shade or purple and a beautiful SU blue. Neither have inspired me, in fact just the opposite.

This spring, Kim, one of my bff's came to visit and she was amazed that I had all the latest and best gadgets and just couldn't get motivated to create. Well, I rethought everything and a couple of weeks ago, my dh and I went to get wallpaper. Now before you gasp, I love wallpaper, always have, always will. It takes me back to my childhood home. Now, my other bff, Connie, once said to surround yourself with what you love and I thought I had. Well to make a long story short, I have pulled out and pulled apart things that make me smile and happy and I am already feeling inspired.

I worked on "the playroom" as its known around here, today and I am feeling so good about it all.

I will be ready to post a "tour" of my play-space by next Saturday. Once I break out my camera I'll shoot a couple of sneak peeks.

Tomorrow I am headed to Lynette's to meet up with her and some fun crafty friends to stamp and make all kinds of goodies. There will be 7 or 8 of us and we will make that many goodies. I can't wait and I will post about it and show you my goodies!!

Until then,

Sandi

Let's give this another try!

2010-02-12T11:36:00.005-06:00

When I first started my blogs I loved it. I still love having a space to share my love of crafts but I have just not been able to get it together. So let's give this another try, haha..

There had been lots going on in my playroom. I have been purging like crazy lately and found I am enjoying my room so much better. I am giving up my need to "have it all" and just using what I have. Jim is right, I'm a collector, haha!!! There are a couple of girls who are reaping the benefits of those purges and I hope they enjoy their new goodies. Jim and I are moving my oak cupboard into the playroom this evening to give me a little more storage space. The truth is, I had way too much stuff for my room (but don't we all), haha!!!

I have to get caught up on a few things I've been working on. The first thing I did is a recipe card exchange I am doing with some girls on a scrapbooking site. I have my cover for the scripture challenge almost done and i'll post that within the next day or two with my first page to go into it.

Again, I hope you enjoy looking around, leave a comment or two and come back often.

Have a blessed day! Sandi

SCRIPTURE CHALLENGE #2

2010-01-11T10:44:00.005-06:00

2010 has been fabulous so far. It's been filled with family, extra time with my dh and best friend, Jim and expectations of what God has in store for us this year.

I have always wanted to "have the time" to do Pater's Scripture challenges but this year I am going to "make" the time to do this. triplethescraps.blogspot.com/

I am also going to make more time to scrap all the memories Jim, Stevie, and I have shared over so many years. It's time to stop collecting all my scraping stuff and start working with it. Please check back often. I will be posting my first challenge on Wednesday along with my title page.

Have a great day!!

Rosette Tutorial

2009-11-01T11:02:00.002-06:00

Hi all....please excuse the quality of these pics but let me tell you its harder to hold things and get them to come out clearly when you are the cameraman & the teacher..haha...at any rate, if you have any questions please feel free to email me....It's pretty self explanatory unless you can't make out the pics...take a piece of card stock, double sided adhesive, and ribbon...other than scisoors thats all you'll need...lay enough adhesive down to house the amount of ribbon you'll want..this depends on you and the size of the flower you are wanting....twist ribbon as you begin to lay it and make sure to press down so it won't come out unraveled on you... as I said this can be as big or as small as you like...anyway, sometime today I'll post what I put my flowers on and you will be able to see up close...until then have a fabulous day....Sandi

Here's what I've been up to lately..

2009-10-03T14:02:00.004-05:00

I almost forgot the piece de resistance'..hahaha....our sweetie, Jayden De La Rosa!!

(oops forgot to add the pencil to the bigger memo board)

Ok, so I've entered a couple of challenges lately and the one with Jay is no surprise that it one..I mean, look at him, isn't he just the cutest..how could he not win!!! hahaha!!!! Jayden's daddy is a pro boxer and he is following into his Daddy's footsteps it appears. Anyway, enjoy looking...

Now the memory board has a little story to it....the board on the right, was what we made at the CKC....I knew I could take it to another level and so here it is....I used a clipboard, which Connie so graciously had one to give me,(oh and these can be gotten at Walmart for less than a dollar). I used modgey podge and SU paper, which I just love....add the accessories and wahla!!! A nice gift ..oh yes, instead of using cardboard to cover the memory board, we used foam board..so cute...now I"m wishing I had put a pic in there..oh well, here it is...and for the 3rd and final item, Auntie Em , over at the ACBailey board linked a site with this darling concentration game--so vintage which I just love..

Come back soon, I have projects I'm working on laying on the table in the playroom...

Adios, Sandi

I'm Scrappin'

2009-09-20T23:52:00.004-05:00

Hi all...I've been on a roll lately...I have been entering challenges to get me in gear to get these pics done and out of the box...I also just returned from Craftygoodies home where I was able to meet up with CardSister as well. It was a great couple of days...got to scrap and alter just a bit..I will post a few more pics tomorrow after work as I still have to find the right thickers to put on my layout...at any rate, we went to CKC in San Marcos and then to a fab little scrapbookin store where we found lots of goodies to bring home...I always enjoy gettin together with the girls to play but i am always happy to get home to dh....here's a couple of pics i wanted to share..one is of Connie doing a make & take at CKC and the other is a layout i did last week. The challenge was on Labor and my job and I wasn't lovin it, but as the girls say, it is what it is..haha....Adios and I'll see ya tomorrow!!!! Sandi

I'm in my Jammies!

2009-09-12T15:05:00.002-05:00

Jim has been gone for a few days to do record fire in San Antonio for the reserves and guess who's been left alone to play? Yep, just me in this house alone. I am sure missin him, but its kind of fun to not get dressed and not have things I need to get done. I have been playing in the playroom since I got up about 10:45 this morning...Yes, oh yes, I slept in and it was great...I am scrapbooking today and plan on making some cards after I get lunch/dinner made in a bit.I decided that since I ate ice cream for dinner last night I better do something more nutrional for today, haha...
I am doing a couple of challenges and have one layout done minus the pics..haha...This one is on labor so I am doing my place of work which is really more fun than anything....I will post in a few days when I get the pics to add to it....After lunch I'll get some cards done and post them on here later. Hope everyone is having a great Saturday and you can kick back and do something you enjoy as I am....

Adios, Sandi

I did it!!!!

2009-09-06T09:32:00.003-05:00

I am back in business in the playroom....I did a challenge over at the ACBailey board (to which I am spending way too much time on) and just wanted to share. I had so much fun. I am finally back in the mode to scrapbook and boy has it been a long, long time....I have another page I am going to work on tonight and hopefully get some cards done this week, as well. Oh and I have plans to get a memory board made using an antique frame I've had sittin around for like forever...

Anyway, I am making a few photo "cards" of the grand nieces and nephews to use on it. I only have one photo so far of the kids (way to go Krissy, who got me this fab pic of Daniella & Devin) but will get more of the rest of the bunch within the next few weeks...anyway, thanks for lookin and come back often!!!!

Sandi

New Beginnings....

2009-08-27T19:01:00.002-05:00

They are always good. I have dodged my blogs for so long I forgot my passwords, now how sorry is that!!! haha...but, I am coming back, sistah!!!! I have been dreaming about crafting and may I say, thats not happened for quite a while...At any rate, I hope to post 2-3 times a week and hopefully with the b-12 shot I had today, my energy will join my dreams and I will be able to CREATE!!!! and shake up this bloggin community, haha....

I have been home from work for 2 days now with flu like symptoms though we still don't have a name for what I had, but I walked out with a script for a zpac so I will be good as new by tomorrow....yippee...So until then, here's a card I did not too long ago...first thing I've even attempted for quite a while....I came across the idea on SCS and I loved how it turned out. It needs ribbon but that is for another card...enjoy and come back...I will be here, I promise...

slack•er (sl k r )

2009-05-19T11:31:00.000-05:00

slack·er (sl k r )
n.
1. One who shirks work or responsibility: "In terms of their outlook on the future, slackers regard tomorrow with a studied cynicism or . . . don't even conceive of one" Julie Caniglia.

Yeah, yeah , yeah this is me lately and who cares…you girls don’t scare me…hahaha

Ok, so I have a problem with lying..I mean I didn’t have this problem until I started receiving pressure from you guys….Yes, its true, I am a slacker. I have not maintained my blog to Connie’s standards (and talk about that pressure!!! Haha!!) and was really, really going to try by Sunday night to get some projects done and up…Well, Sunday came and went and honestly I just have not had to umph to get it done, ya know what I’m talkin about????…Now, I want to want to, but too much of life going on ya know?????
But I do need to get somethings done….but not till tomorrow…I have to see the boyz tonight, go and pressure my sil (um I mean encourage) to purchase some pampered chef tonight, and start alphabetizing my stamp sets in the playroom. Things are coming along, but, really, girlz, the pressure is killing me!!! Do YOU hear me?? YOU ARE KILLING ME!!! LOL….I mean I have a 40 hour a week job and I am a full time auntie and wife so give me a break, will ya??????? Haha….
Ok, here is what I am going to do…I have one project I have to get done just cuz its driving me crazy and a couple of graduation cards. These I have to do before I leave…and I will, PROMISE, to have them done and posted before I leave for our trip on Saturday..I will not get in the car and head out of town until I get them posted….And hopefully the one project I am wanting to do will be FABULOUS…..complete with tutorial, how’s that!!!!
I am going to see Con (hey Con) on Monday to play and I want to start on my bible verse challenges that we are all doing….which reminds me, Cindy, I need to sneak over to your blog and see what you’ve done on yours…..at any rate, I hope this will help..I know I got you all to blogging and I’m the slacker, but in my defense as I said, I work outside of my house and you girls get to play all day long, EXCEPT YOU KATI,,,, which is why I don’t BUG her, well, not that you are bugging me girls, but well, ok, you are..haha…love you all…see you soon…..I will email you and let you know when the blogs up…. And I have to get my other one updated as well…Be blessed today girls….

CHALLENGED!!!

2009-03-23T00:45:00.002-05:00

I have had a hard time coming back into the blogging world. I think its because I've not been so creative lately. But to get myself back in gear in 2 different ways, I have challenged myself to join Patter's Scripture Challenge from http://triplethescraps.blogspot.com/. I am going to start officially doing my layouts tomorrow evening. I don't have visions of grandeur or anything thinking I will actually finish a layout in one evening, but I hope to get caught up with the other girls by next week sometime...I have quite a few to do. I have picked out my scriptures and my album so I am almost ready to start. I am so excited about this challenge for several reasons. One it will keep me in His word and two it will allow me to create. I hope if you have some time to come "check it out" you will or hey, join in the fun. If you will follow the link you will find it on Patters blog. Well, I am off to bed to get ready for tomorrow, but I just had to come play on my blog for a minute tonight. I've missed it and my blogger friends. I hope to start seeing you all more often soon. Check back, I'll be here.

I'm Back!

2009-02-22T11:00:00.005-06:00

(please excuse bad picture, but I am headed out the door for work and out of time)
Well, no I didn't fall off the face of the earth but have been MIA for quite sometime. Jim & I just got back from a fabulous vacation visiting friends & family and to celebrate my 50th birthday. It was great (please read all about it over on my other blog,,,listed under links as Jim & Sandi's place) and I got to spend the mementous occassion with my BFF and her family. I made this dry erase board for Kim before I left to take to her and of course I forgot it!!!! Secretly she knows I won't get this in the mail but I am!!!!! Kim you won't have to wait until all things cherry are no longer what you collect, promise!!!! haha....any rate I made a few of these for Christmas gifts and enjoyed them so much..i gave pretty metal easels to hold them, but Kim wants to hang hers from the fridge....which is great!!!!! Anyway, I promise to be back tomorrow with new stuff and hope to update at least twice a week....Enjoy and please come back and see what i've been up to...Bought lots of new fun stuff while I was away and can't wait to start playing with it...Until next time, I'll be in the sandbox!!!

GUESS WHO????

2008-12-26T11:06:00.010-06:00

Merry Christmas !!
Where have I been you ask? Well, not here, obviously and the playroom has gotten almost no use from me other than the computer. But who cares, its Christmas!!

I’ve been enjoying the holiday season and all that it entails. I hope to be back to crafting by this weekend..Its time to get the house in order and get ready for a new year. I have high hopes for 2009 and lots is changing which I will share later. I just wanted to share a little of how our Christmas started out yesterday.

There is no one else who captures our hearts lately quite like our grand-nephews. Check them out!!! Jim was Santa yesterday morning and I don’t know if it was more magical for me or for them. Either way, it was a wonderful day for us all. We spent it with family & that’s really what its all about. Just wanted to share a few pics of them. Grandpa (Kenny) refurbished a small dirt bike for his grandchildren. They are in awe of their Grandpa & Uncle Bubba’s bike’s so this was the best present of all. It was great not only seeing their faces when they saw what “Santa” brought them, but made my heart warm by watching Kenny enjoy those smiles & wow’s. haha!!! Priceless day, priceless memories. So without further ado, I bring you Deven & Jayden!! (oh, and that is Santa aka Uncle Jim)!!!!!

Another Award!!

2008-12-01T21:13:00.005-06:00

Now I feel really guilty that I've not kept up with my blog lately. With Thanksgiving and work its been quite the month hasn't it. Anyway, with this award, I have to do two things. The first is answering the following questions.

6 THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY
My family---Jim, Stevie, & Amy.
My BFF'S--Connie & Kim (I can't choose who is first so I did them alphabetically, hehe!!)

My purple playroom (technically its not purple, its very pale lilac, but I like to say its purple) that is filled with all my craftin supplies.

My nieces & nephews---all of them, regular and grands.

I love the smell of fresh rain on the earth..There is nothing like it...

My home---small, but just how I like it..There truly is no place like home!!

2nd is the following: Six bloggers I want to give the Kreativ Blogger Award
to (in alphabetical order)

Cinny

Connie

Emily

Jen

Jim

Kim

I am off on Thursday and I plan without to fail to post some projects of some kind. Enjoy and I hope to hear from you all real soon.

COOKIES ANYONE?? HOW BOUT A CHALLENGE!

2008-11-17T16:06:00.005-06:00

I am going to share some of the best cookies you've ever eaten, with you, some of my online friends. My d-i-l to be and her Mom just opened their own wholesale cookie business. The cookie recipes are almost 80 years old and Amy's Mom has been the chief baker in her family's bakery business for many years. She recently opted to "open her own" business & to say these are fabulous is no exaggeration. they are irrestible!! I love to share goodies so I thought I'd throw out a challenge to you all. Just in time for Christmas!!! I will take the first 10 names to those who email me at jandsrunyanr@aol.com and put Cookie challenge in the subject line. These are the rules:

a. Give me your favorite Christmas recipe on a 6 x 6 layout

b. Cards must be mailed to me on or by December 9. I will wait for the mail to be delivered until Dec. 15 so I can get them postmarked back to you by Dec. 16 or 17th.

c. You must include in the envelope $4 for shipping. If there is a difference in price, meaning I owe you money, I will include back to you, otherwise I'll just eat it.

d. The winner will be randonly chosen and posted on Dec. 17th on my website.

e. I will choose 2 winners and I will ship your Dulce Vida order directly to you or someone as a holiday gift within the continental U.S.

f. Oh yeah, to participate you must live within the continental U.S.

Ok, get ready to play....hope you all will join in. I love a challenge and this might cheer me up. I've home again with well, no need to tell you with what, haha, so this is what has been going on in my head. These cookies will be great to serve at a holiday party or as a gift!! (I forgot to mention, it will be 2 doz. 1 or the cinnamon, and one of the pwdered, and again, these are fabulous!!)

Have a great day!!!

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!!

2008-11-05T10:05:00.001-06:00

http://jimsandisplace.blogspot.com/

PAPER CLIP CHALLENGE

2008-11-04T18:05:00.004-06:00

Been MIA as I've had a major back problem. After an adjustment, 2 shots, meds, a nap and a lot of pain, I decided to come upload these pictures. This is a little challenge I was involved in. I learned how to make this flower at the San Antonio Rubber Stamping & Scrapbooking Expo a few weeks ago at the Spellbinders booth. I love nestabilites and what you can do with them. I also used stickles, though its not showing up very well in the pictures as the challenge required glitter. Anyway, its done and I hope you enjoy and if you are interested in directions just give me a holler and I'll try to explain how I did it. I am hoping to do one with the Bigz Scallop die once i recieve it from SU. I am sure it can be done. Again, enjoy!!

MODGE PODGE-IT'S A GOOD THING

2008-11-01T15:32:00.003-05:00

I know so many of you don't like Martha and I will remain neutral as I've never met her. That being said, I don't think many can say she puts our a shotty product. I've been cleaning the playroom today and left this out on my desk because I am going to be using it tomorrow on some projects I want to get to. There are so many great products on the market and regular Modge Podge is fine for some things. But girls, if you want to modge a piece of paper to anything without it buckling and not wrinkle, this is what you want. Run don't walk to your nearest Michaels. This 4 oz bottle has it all. The glue is to the right consistency (no more watering it down) and when you unscrew the lid, attached is the brush. I love it so much I just had to share. Anyway, back to cleaning and getting it together so I can play tomorrow. If you've got a product you love, please let me know. I am always looking for something else to try and add to my shelves. haha!!
Have a fabulous day girls.

A WEEKEND OF CHALLENGES

2008-10-31T14:43:00.004-05:00

I've been gone from home for the past 3 weekends. The last 2 I was up in the hill country, and the one before I worked all weekend long, so this weekend I have a whole lot of cleaning to do.
Thats challenge #1, and if you saw my living room & playroom you'd know what I was talking about. haha!!
But don't worry too much about me, it will all work out in the end. I will be playing. I am posting a challenge that I'll be working on so hopefully I will have some new cards to post soon. Join in and play along if you'd like. Its always fun to stamp with "friends". The fact that we really don't know each other doesn't matter, haha, come along for the journey. I am also involved in a scrapbooking challenge and another card challenge that someone is about to post. I think it is along the lines of "make a card with no adhesive, haha!!! Have a great day and check back soon.

CHALLENGES-A GOOD THING!

2008-10-30T09:11:00.004-05:00

Cardsister threw down a challenge a few weeks ago and though I enjoyed using my new stamp, Winter Post, I was just stumped (can we just really say I should have chosen a more appropriate stamp!, haha!, but I still love my stamp set!) on this one. Anyway, here it is along with another challenge that CraftyGoodies put out as well.

While on a visit to see Connie, she gave us all a kit to challenge us to use (or in my case, to start using) our scrapbooking skills. The kit included a scalloped sheet of paper, rick rack (sorry, Con, had to use something else instead) and buttons. I totally enjoyed working on this last night as I had come across 2 pics of Jim & I many years ago when we were in Okla. for Christmas one year and returned to the college campus where we met and fell in love. I revisited many happy times while working on this layout and I am so pumped to start another. I hope you enjoy my challenges and please someone please tell me what to do with my stamp set!! haha!! Also, if you love the paper I used in the scrapbooking challenge, go over to craftygoodies.blogspot.com and she has the best stuff through her AC Bailey catalog. Have a great day!!

Note: after I got new computer still don't have my familiar software editing on the new one. Sorry the pics are cropped. Will need to work on that this weekend!!

REGIONAL GOODIES!

2008-10-30T09:03:00.002-05:00

Still a little pumped about San Antonio Regionals and I realized I hadn't shared any of the projects SU gave us to make. So here they are, with the exception of the small bag which was already in use elsewhere. Lots of ideas and future projects came from these and the techniques we were shown. Anyhow, just wanted to show you what we made. Enjoy!

SU REGIONALS HIT SAN ANTONIO

2008-10-27T19:28:00.004-05:00

YEAH!!!

I was so excited that my first regionals was only 4 hours away this year. I have only been with SU for a year, and had no idea what to expect but knew it would be fabulous! I love to share fun experiences with others, so my two friends, Connie(from craftygoodies@blogspot.com) & Cindy (from cardsister.blogspot.com) obliged me and came along for fun.

None of us wanted to get up at 6 a.m. for our 45 minute drive into San Antonio, but we did it and I can say for myself, it was so worth it. Now, apparently Connie forgot she was not the ” sponsor “of the day. She laced her shoes, loaded up her backpack, threw on her jacket and left Cindy & I not only in the dust and spitting dirt out our mouths, and at least 200 ft. behind her. Haha!!! Ah, its ok, I told Cindy, she doesn’t get out much! Haha!!! Anyway, we were there and stacked on those tables, were packages of projects & 3 were ours…Yeah!!! Inside each sleeve was a free stamp set( yes, it was free, ya’ll and we are not having this conversation again, haha!!) Anyway, I left with new ideas, projects in mind, and a new found love for the stamping company I have come to be associated with. It was great to be amongst women & men who share the same interest & passion for stamping that I do. Cardsister got a pic of the 3 of us and I’ll post that when she email’s it to me. But until then, I will post one of the the 4 of us who embarked upon Connie & Randy for our stamping weekend.

A big shout out to Kelsey McKeever for being abducted and passing initiation of joining our little card making community also. She is such a sport to put up with us and she did win not only a package of Oreos but it was the double stuffed ones to boot from our hostess. Way to go Kels!!! Anyway, after lots of sugar and hormones flying, we all had a fun time and look forward to another trip to the hill country, but only after our hostess recovers. KUDOS TO Randy for putting up with 5 women on your days off and once again firing up that bbq grill and freeing Connie from kitchen duty.

I will post more pics as soon as I get them and have a chance to come back. I plan to get up early and start playing in the morning so watch for more posts.

DA SISTAH'S DO SAN ANTONIO

2008-10-20T09:49:00.004-05:00

Yes, and it was fabulous. Beautiful city, beautiful day and what beautiful girls..No really, havn't you seen us???? haha Anyway, what do you get when you have 5 girls, lots of cash, a car filled with gas, a big city, & a stamping expo left to their disposal? Very happy women. bwahahaha!!! Not so sure how the husbands felt afterwards but did we enjoy their money!! Afterall, whats theirs is ours and whats ours is theirs. A big shout out to Randy, Denny & Jim ....haha!! Quite frankly, Jim is more than welcome to come sit at my playroom table and stamp with me. haha!!! Ah, actually he's a good sport. He even went to the ATM to get the cash for me...What a guy, he's enabled trained, he says!!! The expo was actually sort of small, but we had no trouble finding what we wanted to spend our money on. It was sizzix, nestabilites, spritz's, stamps and a few other things. Then it was off to JoAnne's (that was a bomb and quite frankly a waste of a walk) Hob/Lob (oh I love that 10 for $1 paper) and I had coupons for all, haha....then it was on to Big Lots. WHAT??????????No stamping supplies???? We sure left dust flying in that parking lot. It was time to head back to CASA DE BELMONT. Yeah, it was even still daylight. Cindy, Kelsey, & Kati went to ride the mule with Randy and enjoy the cool air and Con and I stayed behind and talked about them and played with our new stuff. It was great because we went through their bags and played with their stuff to.. Hey, you girls know how we are....Take it with you next time. Anyway, it was a great weekend....Thanks Randy & Connie!!! Your B & B is the best!!!! It was so good, we're all coming back next weekend.....Pictures next time, we forgot...Sorry everyone. Now off to clean house...........I know, cleaning will make me ugly, but the maid didn't come while I was gone. Have a fabulous day!!!

MY NAME IS SANDI AND I HAVE A PROBLEM!

2008-10-14T19:58:00.005-05:00

Anxiety.
You know the kind where your heart is pounding & your stomach is doing flip/flops? I recognized it about 11 p.m. last night. I had gone for more than 24 hours without internet access at home. It was horrible. I woke up to go to the bathroom and went into “my playroom” and just sat at the computer desk for about 5 minutes at 3 am just hoping by some miracle, the new computer would have gone live for me while I was sleeping. I had been dreaming of my computer saying “you’ve got mail”. Well, guess what? No mail for me, and no sign of life other than the sound of my heavy breathing from the anxiety I was feeling. Back to bed , only to toss & turn until 7 a.m. this morning.
I called Time Warner. Ma’am, you’ve been quarantined? I’ve been what? Apparently my computer caught a nasty bug, RR caught it and quarantined me from their security offices before I could invade anyone else. Geeze , that makes me feel a little self conscience. This quarantine should have been lifted already but for whatever reason ( I mean , I have a new computer people) I am still on the “shun list”. I am headed home at 9:30 tonight and will probably be on the phone for a couple of hours with tech support trying to reenter the internet world. I know this is no big deal for many of you, but I am thinking this is more than just a little internet obsession I have. I am realizing I may have a problem. To which I don’t care, I want my internet back and I want to be able to join all my internet friends in crafty fun. Anyway, I told you all of this, just to say that if you don’t “hear” me come online by 11 tonight, it will probably be another 24 hours. I know, its rough for me too, but try not to take it too hard, if I miss you too much, I’ll just call, just ask Connie!!….bwahahaha!!!! I don’t know about you, but I have challenges & projects to complete and somehow I just can’t go on, unless I stick to my routine which involves the internet. Who am I kidding, I do have a problem!! Anyway, that’s where I’ve been.
Also, just thought I’d share, who am I kidding????? Ok, brag! Cinny (of CardSister fame) and the fabulous Crafty Goodies (aka, Connie) and 2 of Cinny’s daughters will be headed to San Antonio this weekend for the Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Expo. Can you say road trip? Yehawwww!!! 5 women, 1 expo, & cash…It spells trouble no matter how you slice it…… Pictures, yes, new goodies, yes, and a fun time for all. See you online when I go live again…..Hope you had a great day!!!!

I LOVE PURPLE

2008-10-10T18:39:00.002-05:00

I love for purple goes back to at least age 4. I can remember all I wanted was a purple birthday cake. My Mom was a nurse and worked until midnight but she got off, stayed up and wahla, the next morning I awoke to a purple birthday cake. It was the prettiest lavendar, decorated with a carnival theme. I can remember the ferris wheel sitting onto of that beautiful "purple" cake. Haha!!! I can remember it as if it was yesterday. Anyway, I had good memories to go along with this challenge. Not so much loving the card, but I love, the purple and pink. Now, on to the next thing!! Haha!!! Have a great evening!!!

READY, GET SET, GO!

2008-10-08T07:02:00.003-05:00

Yes, I am ready for another try. I get off at 5 tonight and I am so happy to be headed home to my quiet playroom. If anyone wants to join in, simply leave a comment. This is a 24 hour challenge! I love living on the edge and normally fly by the seat of my pants anyway. Have a fabulous day!

Card Challenge Complete

2008-10-07T22:13:00.012-05:00

These 2 are not part of the challenge, but I had so much fun, I just couldn't stop. Can you say ADDICTION? haha!!

Or at least on mine & Connie's part. I am posting ours and as soon as Jan brings in the rear and gets me a pic of hers I'll edit the post and add hers also. I really ended up enjoying this challenge. At first, I wished I had gone to the archives and chosen something where I wouldn't have too think much, but I figured whats the point of that. Thats why this is called a challenge, right? I didn't follow them exactly, but i got the idea. Also, made two extra cards not along the challenge lines but was on a roll last night. It was great, I stayed up until 2 a.m. At any point enjoy & I may be posting another one tomorrow from the archives, just because I am enjoying it and next week is waayyyyyyyy too far off. Anyone who wants to join in, please do. It'll be fun. I will have that challenge up tomorrow. And btw, I am getting my challenges from http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/ This is a terrific site. Go check it out!

CHALLENGE MYSELF

2008-10-05T23:40:00.003-05:00

Since I am pretty new to rubber world, I find that I have a lot to learn. I need to get "out of my box" and think this challenge thing is the way to go. I am challenging myself to use the weekly challenge from http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/ . If any of you are interested in joining me for no other reason than to challenge one's self, let me know. Email me or leave me a comment. This week's challenge is located just to the right of their blog page. I am off to give this some thought and will post my card by Thursday morning. I am pretty excited about this and so far, I know Jan is going to play along with me. Have a fabulous day tomorrow!

OH YES I DID!!

2008-10-03T08:22:00.004-05:00

I broke my toe!!! I dropped a box of tiles on my foot Wednesday evening and my foot is looking horrible as time goes by. This would only happen to one other person I know. haha!!!
Anyway, with foot proped up high, the tv on the debates and stamps screaming "INK ME", I decided to use my time wisely. I made a card and started a few others last night. I recently just purchased plain ol vanilla tags from Office Depot and began to play. I love them. I have run across a few blogs using them and they totally inspire me. And can I just say I love pink!!! The pic does NOT do a thing for the blings on here. Enjoy looking and come back again. Have a
f abulous day!!!

Connie's Challenge

2008-09-30T22:35:00.003-05:00

Connie threw us out a challenge last week and gave us a week to get it done. I've had mine done awhile because I couldn't wait to get it done. Anyway, it was suppose to be our favorite cookie recipe and this is one that my son Stevie absolutely loves (and of course everyone else does as well). I always have to make a double batch for all other friends & family members when I do make them. To be honest though, its been a few years since I've entered into the dark world of cooking, but maybe this will get me motivated. I mean, Stevie's birthday is Friday, afterall!!! I used mostly SU except for the blings & ric-rack. Don'tcha just love that paper, especially the blue flowers in the background. I love it!!! Well, my fingers are crossed for the drawing..I hope I win, I hope I win, I hope I win!!!!! haha...gotta love a challenge Have a great tomorrow!!

HAPPY 29TH!!

2008-09-30T11:20:00.007-05:00

Our youngest, middle, & oldest turns 29 on Friday, Oct. 3. No need for the confusion, he's an only child, but has managed to somehow let us have the thrills of a large family. Steve's at least 3 kids all wrapped up in one,haha!!! Never a dull moment(to this day!!), but definitely the love of mine and Jim's heart. Anyway, getting ready for his mini birthday luncheon on Friday and here's the card I made for him. Here's the link to the directions http://mycraftyworld.blogspot.com/search/label/cards. Just follow her link and its so super easy, but so cute for a masculine card of sorts. Enjoy and have a fabulous day!! I am off to work! P. S. sorry for the blurred pic.

AND THE WINNER IS......!!!!

2008-09-25T07:47:00.006-05:00

TALL SLENDER BOX CHALLENGE:
Cinny 1st Place (Be sure to check out her blog: http://cardsister.blogspot.com/ )

& 2nd Place goes to Connie (also another great little blog: http://craftygoodies.blogspot.com/ )The prize goes to Cinny on my challenge for the slender boxes. She won hands down. Check it out girls.Wow, she definetly rocked this one. I can't wait to see what she does on Connie's challenge. These challenges rock just like Cinny & the Conmister.haha... She has won one of my most prized & cherished stamps. One given to me by someone special, but she is sooooo deserving, don'tcha think???? Ok, first pic is Cinny's & 2nd is Connie's....Now bring it on girls I am ready for the next one.

.COM

2008-09-24T23:21:00.010-05:00

Can I just say, "I love my BIA?"!!!!! I've had it for more than a year and I just broke it in tonight. I joined with a new internet friend in a big buy of coasters and bought, can I just a few of these!! haha! Anyway, my sweet husband Jim (and he is the greatest) contributed as he is at Ft Sam at least 4 times a week and met up with Jen (http://www.jensstampinpad.blogspot.com/ ) and picked up "my buy" for me and did it with a great attitude, so I gave him a little spot in my .com book for his favorite sites as well. My inital thought for this is with a new SU die cut TOP NOTE BIGZ DIE, but it hasn't arrived yet and since I had these terrific coasters, well I just had to throw it all together. I love it!!! I will definitely do a few things different on my next ones, but for my first BIA, I think it turned out fine. Enjoy looking and see Jim, I am no longer a collector of craft tools and accessories, I am now a user.haha....Oh, and be sure to go check our Jen's Stmapin Pad. She has a great site!!!

YOU GO GURLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!

2008-09-23T20:53:00.003-05:00

Congrats to you Con on being chosen to be on the AC Bailey's Consultant Design Team!!.... I can't wait to see your new creations and what a treat for them over there. I am SO PROUD of you. Way to go!!

I LOVE BOXES!!

2008-09-23T06:59:00.011-05:00

I threw out a challenge to 2 friends because quite frankly I wasn't getting a whole lot done and neither was Cinny. (Sorry, Cinny, I've been keeping an eye on your blog!) Connie was whooping our b*#(s as far as layouts go. Way to go Con! Anyway, I am dong way to much surfing (and its not on the waves either) and way to little creating so this was more for me than anything. Cinny needs a few more days to get her box done, so my challenge will go through Wednesday night. The winner (I guess I am excluded, haha) will receive a much coveted stamp from my stamping supply. I love this one, but to get the ball rolling I am willing to part with it and I know the girls will love it. Anyway, I found the template for this box on someone's blog and as soon as I can locate whose it was, I will give credit. Now, as you see I have 2 sizes. How did I do that you ask? I am asking that myself. I followed the directions..haha... THis could only happen to me, but who cares, I now have 2 size boxes. I am dieting right now, so I don't have any goodies to put in them, but when I find someone to give them to, I will probably fill with M&M's or Jelly Belly's. Enjoy! Now off to work on my next project.

I LOVE A CHALLENGE

2008-09-22T18:43:00.002-05:00

Playtime Connie & Cinny!!! I sent you both a template about a week ago using the SU window punch (i know I should know the name, haha). I made 2 so far and have them ready to upload when I get off of work late tonight. Once you upload to your site, leave a remark here with the link to your blog site and I'll go check. Winner will win a fun stamp from me!!!! How's that???? I know whoever wins will love it, its one of my favs . Let's play!!!

I'M AVAILABLE

2008-09-18T12:08:00.003-05:00

24/7 to order SU, that is. Now, when you are awake at 2 a.m. searching through your SU catalog and I won't answer the phone or you have a "just gotta have it moment", no need to worry. I hope to make all your wishes come true. Just click on my SU site and shop till your hearts content. Or if you are here visiting and "just have to be" a part of what I love, go ahead and give it a shot. I would love to meet you and have you be a part of my little SU family. Its all on the site and is so easy to order. It will prompt you step by step on what to do. Enjoy and thanks so much for your business. Have a great day!

BEFORE ??

2008-09-15T12:58:00.004-05:00

Its been reported that I have been MIA....well, yes & no. I have had a sinus headache for over a week now and Sunday I just couldn't take it anymore. Out with my much coveted migrain medicine, the kind that knocks you down and out. I did wake up, thankfully late yesterday and

these are some projects I worked on in . Not a good mix cuz the creativity doesn't work so good. I love the projects, but they are missing bling & pazazz. I know less is sometimes better but certainly not in this case. I need to do some adding to when I get off of work tonight. So there will be a Part 2 to this ...AND AFTER, so come back and check it out and let me know what you think.

Also, go check out Connie & Cinny's blogs and see what they've up, you'll find their links posted on the right. Now Connie's blog is about a week old and Cinny's is brand spankin new and was a surprise to her. Between her daughter, sister and I, we fixed it all up for her including the bio and had her going by Saturday night...wow, what fun that was!!!

Now,the scarry part. We can have online playtime!! Is the world wide web ready for that yet? I doubt it. The 3 of us are spread out across the southern part of Texas but this will allow us to be together without really being together...make sense???? So girls, bring out the blings, and inks, and charms and lets get busy.

Don't forget to come back to see part 2 and see what else I've been up to. Have a fabulous day!

I LOVE COUPONS & EMAIL!

2008-09-13T14:15:00.006-05:00

Look what was in my mailbox today! Just wanted to enable you all just a bit. I know what I'm getting.

I am also holding out that Hob/Lob will have a 40% off next week. They have more Nestabilites in and I have to get the counterparts for the scallops I got. Going to be a fabulous week!! Hope you guys find something great at Michaels. Enjoy!

GIRLS JUST WANTA HAVE FUN!

2008-09-13T11:09:00.014-05:00

Can't you just hear the music playing in the background? Wow, what a fun night. I spent Friday night doing crafties with co-workers from the library and I think it can be said, fun was had by all.

Let me introduce my fabulous new partners in crafty crime: L-R(said to the music of Alvin, Simon, Theodore, can't ya just hear it?): Aida, Lisa, LeAnn, Velma, Josie (our hostess with the mostest), & last by not least by any means, Sarah.

I never in my wildest dreams thought some of the girls sitting around these tables would ever go to a crafty night and even wilder was that they'd participate!! The only one whose eyes don't glaze over when I tell them about my latest crafty experience is Josie, a true crater for sure. She could literally figure out how to get the glue out of the horse.haha.

I loved Friday night, and all in all, so did they. I knew it could happen!! I knew if they could somehow take themselves back to Kinder(cuz lord knows, some of them act like it. Hey, you know who you are, don't make me call you out, bwahaha!), put a pair of scissors, some paper & glue in their hands, it would all come back to them. AND IT DID!! Here's a little of what went on. Aida is our smeller, I caught her more than once sniffing the Modge Podge.

Then there is Lisa who doesn't pay attention to what she is doing (and to think that she is in charge of paying the Library's bills, oh my! Did someone say AUDIT????, HAHA). She worked tirelessly on her frame all evening and was shocked to find that somehow the manufacturers of the frame company, put her display arch on the front. She tried to keep the truth from us all that she had worked all night on the back of the frame and not the front, but her laughter could not be contained and then after that it was all over. Neither could ours.hahaha..But to her credit, she did a fabulous job on the back of that frame, haha!

..KUDOS to you Lisa for trying and may I say that is the best decorated back of any frame I've ever seen. Now the only thing that really made these girls stand out as crafter virgins was 2 things. There was no chocolate (i.e. M&M's, now we all know there must be M&M's or chocolate of some sort) on the tables, & #2, they all had to break and eat after only an hour into the night which was less than a 4 hour night. haha!!! These girls are in for the surprise of their lives on crafter night #2. I will have to pull out all the stops for them.haha. We had a fabulous night from Kristopher's challenging all the ladies to his newest video game to the pornographic cheeto (don't make me go there,haha) that layed in Velmas plate. And we all know, it could only happen to Velma. haha... enjoy, and thanks for spending your evening with me ladies..Let's do it again real soon.

The girls and their finished projects. They are all great and unique. Thanks for sharing your home with us Josie.

WOW!! GREAT DAY TO BE A REPUBLICAN

2008-08-29T12:19:00.003-05:00

WOW...I have been waiting for weeks for this day! To say that the 8 million cracks Hillary Clinton put in the ceiling are about to shatter is putting it mildly. Sen. John McCain made a brilliant move today by nominating Sarah Palin to run as his Vice Presidential running mate.

Did I say wow? I love politics and he has hit a home run with this ticket and I believe they are unbeatable. Just had to share my excitement with all of America today....Jim and I are off to find our McCain for President stickers & yard signs today. I will be back later with fun stuff as I am off and going to be playing in my playroom today with my stamps.

Happy day...God Bless America!!

Issues????

2008-08-24T08:15:00.006-05:00

Seriously girls, some of you have issues. Yes I am returning. I am been very, very busy these days so have been MIA on the blog scene. First, I've wanted to spend time with my favorite grand-nephews and believe me, if you saw them, you'd know why I'd rather be there than here. They are adorable and to them I am Daanda (apparently thats why Sandra sounds like to a child, haha). I need to ask if I can get a pic of them for the blog. Once upon a time, one of my nieces had issues with me posting a pic of Deven, since we all know you are axe murders or kidnappers out there and want nothing more than to find out when I have them and take them away. haha!! Anyway, I am back.

I had planned to make some altered books this weekend with my new coasters? But Jim had to work today and stayed in Kingsville for the weekend. He'll be home tonight with my 800 + coasters...yeah!!!! So those projects will be for Friday. He leaves in the morning for 4 days of military duty in San Antonio. I will miss him but I can be found crafting in the playroom until he gets home Thursday.

Now about my abscensce. Nice to know I am missed, but really girls, I was on the phone with you, all week and weekend long so I didn't totally forget you. What was I doing??? Check out the picture. I placed my large order, I mean order, from the new SU catalog (uhmmm, no need to know the damage I did, remember,Jim reads here) and there were a few things I needed for the Big Shot before all my new goodies got here. I have also wanted to try the paper texture plates for the Big Shot and since I don't shop much, I decided to treat myself to those also. I keep telling myself that Jim would want me to have them. Right? Also, Hob/Lob got the Nestabilites. You have no idea what I went through to not only find them there but to purchase them. But, no worry, I prevailed. I bought 4 sets, yes 4. They are $24.99 ea but I snagged them with that 40 off coupon on each set. Yeah!!!!! I am hoping they get new sets in next week. I want them all. Dontcha just love the Vintage set? Its one of my favs!! So now you know what I am going to be doing today between all the house cleaning. I figure I will work 15 minutes and play 2 hours and I should be able to accomplish something. Anyway, I have to straighten up the playroom before I even get started today. I will post a little piece of my playroom when I am done. Have a great day!!

Finally...

2008-08-11T22:53:00.004-05:00

What was this pic all about? I posted it quite a few days ago to show Connie some of the cards I had been working on. It was late, I was tired, and its all I could do. I never made it back!! Connie of course crabbed at me that if I'm going to have a blog then I have responsibilites to my public..bwahahahaha!!!! Well, let me just say right here, right now to my adoring public,that I will not always blog every day no matter what the Conmeister has to say.haha
I have really been enjoying playing in my craft room lately and the excitement has only grown since the new catalog came out. I have my order all ready to go. I will finally get it all ordered tomorrow. I only wish it wasn't going to take a week or so for the little brown man to show up on my doorstep with my order. I have been working on getting everything reorganized to make room for my new stash...Out with the old, in with the new. I hate to say what my first order out of the catalog is, so I won't, and I won't tell you that I already have my second order ready for Sept. either.haha!!! If you've not seen the new catalog, go take a look. It is fabulous. Check out the link http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/sandi/
I have great news also so I'll share. I am going to be putting my cards in a nice shop that caters to a particular type of person, so lets see in the next few weeks to a month if you can figure out what kind. haha!! I am very excited and will be spending my weekend getting geared up and ready to go retail. Wow , that sounds cool. Also, Jim will be coming home this weekend with over 8000 coasters in 2 different sizes. He is such a good sport and picked them up from Jen, the girl who hosted the bulk buy in San Antonio . Jim tries very hard to be supportive of "my little hobby" (haha!) but he had a hard time saying you paid how much for cardboard? Thank goodness I could hear the smile in his voice (that was a smile in your tone, right?)Now, Jim, I just want to assure you, this is not just any cardboard, it is neat & specific cardboard. Just you wait and see!!! You would want me to have it, you would! Trust me..
Please come back next week to see what I find to do with stash. I have a couple of really neat ideas and I sure hope what is in my head comes out to looking like what is up there as well..haha..Have a great night!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!

2008-08-10T19:37:00.004-05:00

August is my SU! anniversary. I've been with SU! for a year now. I can't believe how fast its gone and how much fun its been. So, my three favorite customers have already received the first of 3 goodies to celebrate this. They all received their free catalogs yesterday ( ok, so you're still waiting on yours Connie, its on its way). Today I have posted gift #2. Just in time to use if they should find anything in that new catalog. Tell me what you think girls. Happy Anniversary to use all!! And thanks for a great year! Oh, and who knows when #3 will be posted. All I can promise is that it'll be this month. Enjoy!!

Happy Birthday, Amy

2008-08-09T00:52:00.004-05:00

Who is Amy? She is the girl we've waited for our entire adult life. Amy is Steve, our son's fiancee' and what a doll!!!! She is 26 today (it is today but just very early) and we love her as if she were our own. Happy Birthday, Amy. We love you very much. I hope the man on the inside of that card makes you very happy. I am sorry he's so old and has funny glasses. I did the best I could, but all of them were old, so enjoy!!! We are so glad you are ours!Here is the card I made for her and I can't wait for Amy to see it. (She's an artist and her opinion is important). I of course had to add a few blings here and there cuz what's the whole point of having a girl if she doesn't get blings right?

DA BOOK IS IN DA HOUSE...

2008-08-08T19:29:00.002-05:00

It's finally here. After much waiting and anticipation, it's here. I am talking about the Fall/Winter catalog. After scooping it out just once and very fast my order is almost $300 and that doesn't include the new sizzix dies. I don't think I'll be able to sneak this stuff in this time. haha... I've given it a lot of thought and 2 scenarios keep going through my mind. I'll just come clean to Jim (don't laugh, he can take it)! To which he'll ask, "do you need it?" and of course my response, is "absolutely, it'll help me in my business." To which he'll smile and say "go ahead honey, get what you want". To which right away, I will have saved my order on the computer and run in and hit the "SEND" button. Now, if something goes wrong, I'll approach it from another angle. "Jim, you know that big gun that goes boom that you've been wanting? I thought we'd go pick it up on your next day off." He'll be so happy and I'll just smile, make him his favorite coffee, and say, hey want to see the stuff in my new cattie? He always is nice enough to give me the time and will look (though with a glaze in his eyes, but who cares???right???) and I'll say "there's a few things I'd like to get"...and because he's so happy to be getting a new friend that goes bang, he'll say, "ah, go ahead Sandi, treat yourself".....haha...Thats it, I've got it..I have no problems..haha...Have a great day and the book goes live on Monday.

STAR PERFORMERS

2008-08-07T17:48:00.008-05:00

Monday was our monthly "Star Performers" meeting which to those of you who don't know, its the SU group I belong to. There are 4 of us downline & one adoptee. These are really neat girls who love to stamp, play & clip those 40% off Hob/Lob coupons just like I do!! Anyway, it was a fun filled morning complete with a make take. We used new SU products which will be available on August 11. I am anxiously awaiting my catalogs as are my customers. The new colors are delicious and fresh and the sneak peeks of the new products well lets just say I have a huge list of must buys and i've not even seen the catalog yet. Jim is curious how exactly that happens. Don't ask, don't tell is my policy. I just smile and move on. Anyway, there were 3 of us that exchanged this time. Lynette's is the first, Emily's is second and mine is the SOCK MONKEY. Can you tell I am just a little excited about that set? It brings back so many memories. Sheila, my upline was kind enough to lend me her stamp set until I get mine ordered. I will do it completely different the next time though. I love the freshness of Lynette's and Emily's sort of has that cottagy feel that I love. I stepped way out of the box on my sock monkey. As I said, I would change things but it was a great challenge for me. Anyway, enjoy and I hope to see you again tomorrow.

Did someone say "HURRICANE PARTY"?

2008-08-05T22:17:00.023-05:00

Hurricane Dolly caught us completely off guard. Not only did we come home from vacation with no idea we were about to be hit by her, but we turned right around and left and made no prepartions. Ok, so we made one decision, Steve would board up the house. I dropped Jim off in Kingsville for 4 days of work and I continued to vacation and do what I do best--PLAY....

Casa de Belmont here I come. I arrived at my good friend, Connie's (go ahead check it out, she will be giving us a tour of her scraproom next month with all her organizational hints , so stayed tuned) ( wave Connie) and as luck would have it, her niece, Kati was going to stay and play with us for the next 3 1/2 days as well. Trust me, she had no idea what she had committed herself to, haha!!!!! Let the party begin. Our cheerleader for the event was Toby. Here is Toby. There are many stories I can tell you about our little furry friend and how he did not make friends or influence people this weekend, but we'll save that for another time. But Toby is a great puppy and cute as can be......Say hi Toby.We wasted no time to tear open the stamp pads, rummage through paper, open every package of bling , and uncover crap, I mean scrap goodies that Connie probably didn't even know she had.haha...We did take time to shop, eat, and sleep, but the crop room was where we spent most of everyday. We challenged each other and came up with some fun stuff, or at least we thought it was all fabulous.Enjoy. CHALLENGE 1 CHALLENGE 2 & CHALLENGE and my partners in crime, Connie & Kati...thanks so much spending my vacation with me. It was great.

Welcome to SPSI

2008-08-05T22:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome to my little creative place on the web. I hope you have as much fun as I do here. I am a SU demonstrator and I am hoping to improve my skills and this blog will challenge me to make & post. I need a good push. So, grab a cup 'o joe and sit back and enjoy the ride. There will be many changes to the site over the next few weeks as I tweak my topper and arrange colors but it will be fun, almost like rearranging the furniture.

......UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2008-07-11T22:34:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON!! snips of paper & shades of ink.