Celadon Creations

Adjust the volume....

Life has it's ups and downs.  And lately it's been one hell of a roller coaster ride.  I don't normally like to talk about my life or the things that go on in it; I am, generally, a very private person.  I like it like that.  I have very few people in this life that I call true friends. You know the type that you can turn to for anything.  And one person that I love dearly, but keep at arms length, my mom.

I love my mom with all of my heart, but I fear her just as much.  I fear her love.  She has a way about her that overwhelms the senses.  She is this amazing person, who's image I can never live up to. I keep her at distance in hopes that my flawed image will be blurred and all she will be able to see is the softness around the edges.  I have spent my life riding on her coat tails, and hiding in her shadow.  I know she loves me, but until recently I did not know just how much.  And I hope she knows that I love her, even though I rarely show just how much.

My mom was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and under went surgery on Friday to have her thyroid removed.  And while thyroid cancer is curable and she did just fine in surgery, I am a complete baby and have cried so much for her recently.  When she was my age she lost her father.  And I remember waking to hear the phone call the morning she found out.  And just as ingrained as that memory is in my brain so will be the memory of the phone call I got the day she told me about her situation. 

Surgery went fine, and I saw her on Sunday; and to be quite honest she looked absolutely radiant.  She was beautiful and glowing as she hosted a tea for twenty six women.  She really is an amazing woman.

I have thought about her everyday since finding out about this.  And since quitting my part time job, I have had a lot of time to think about this and many other things.  I have kept myself so busy for the last few years to avoid just this scenario: having time on my hands to let my mind wander, run away and get the best of me.  But to be honest, I feel that it's time to let the emotions of life back in. 

I moved in to a new house in December, and while it's new to my kids, it's not new to me.  The house was built by my late grandfather when I was about 4 or 5 years of age.  I remember many Thanksgiving dinners, and Christmas's here.  I remember growing up just over the hill. I remember what this town was like as a kid.  How it was a bit of seclusion in the midst of a major city growing up around it.  Large lots, small town feel, everyone knew everyone else and their business.  You knew your neighbors and you watched them age as they watched you grow. 

And now moving back "home" everything has changed and stayed the same all along.  New houses have been built on empty lots and old houses torn down to make way for new ones.  New businesses have moved in, while old ones close their doors.  The city built up around us, and continues to do so, but this city has not grown up, it's only aged.  It's decrepit and weak, and frail. It's the same city I remember as kid, only as a kid, I was not smart enough to realize that the town was never gonna grow up. 

But as I sit and think about the memories in this house, on this lot, memories of the house over the hill, and my mom and dad, memories of my sister and brother, and memories of growing up, I find myself wishing for simpler days.  Days when life was not so complicated and my biggest worry was where my '65 mustang and I were gonna wind up that day. 

I long for days of when I was able to just jump in the car and drive until everything made sense. Let the scenery along the way flood my mind and push out the problems while the fresh air enveloped my mood. Days have been as rainy as my mood lately, and I am so tempted to just jump in my car and take the kids on a drive from my past and let them experience what I got to so many years ago. But it will have to wait until this summer when the entire family is getting together to celebrate ten birthdays and my parent's 40th wedding anniversary. 

No art today, just venting and music.  I hope you enjoy the music and it did not catch you off guard too much. These songs remind me of my mom, and my family and growing up in simpler days.   

Keep tellin' yourself that!

Sooner or later everything has to start making sense.  You know fall in to place so to speak.  And sometimes you just need to hear words of encouragement for the millionth time before they sink in; and you start to hear them.  Then they bounce off the empty walls of your skull like redundant echoes in a cavernous hole until you actually start to believe that what the voices are saying is real.  No, I'm not at all crazy. Not much that is.  Maybe you remember me briefly mentioning that I had a new job, a new house, and new this and that.  Well, I did have these things until last week when I quit the new job.  And it took hearing repeated logic from friends and family for weeks before I started to say these same words to myself.  Then and only then was I able to do what I knew was right all along. QUIT!

And this scenerio also sparked my card for the sketch challenge for Creative Cuts & More Design Team.

   

Card Ingredients: A2 small circle window card in Java Bazzill Canvas from CC&M, Scallop Shaker Kit in Princess Bazzill Criss Cross from CC&M, Basic Grey Cherish 6x6 paper from CC&M, 1/4" Red Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/4" Killer Red Tacky Tape from CC&M, CC&M Crystal Bling Kit, Upsy Daisy Designs Little Lady Seals Rub Ons from The Bizzy Scrapper, Say it with Words! - Quotopia stamp set (inside of card) from The Bizzy Scrapper, Microbeadz from CC&M, Antique Brass Turn Style from DCWV from Your Scrapbook Destination. 

I loved designing this card.  When I came up with this challenge I had a shaker in mind.  And the Circle Scallop Shaker Kit from Creative Cuts and More couldn't be any simpler to use if I tried.  I have previosly posted a tutorial on the Straight Frame Shaker Kit; this is the same principal only using a circle instead.  I believe this to be a brilliant concept.  No need to piece together itty bitty pieces of tape and worry about gaps in the placement.  You get the mat to stamp on, the double-sided foam tape circle frame, the acetate circle, a Killer tacky tape frame and the Scallop Circle Frame.  For this card I used a second piece of acetate and Killer tacky tape frame instead of the cardstock mat, this allows the recipient to see straight through the window and right to the inside of the card.

   

On the inside of the card sits my favorite little bird and 2 1/2" card cut out of Aquamarine Stardream metallic card stock from CC&M upon which I have stamped "First, think. Second, believe.  Third, dream. And finally, dare. " - Walt Disney - from the cutest saying set I have seen in a long time.  The name of the stamp set is Quotopia and is from Say it with Words! and I got my set from the Bizzy Scrapper. The little blue card opens to allow one to write a nice little personal note on the inside of the card.  And the rub on, that I mentioned in the indredients, well that is placed right on top of the acetate in the shaker!

The winner of this challenge is Carla Mayfield, whom also happened to do a shaker with her card.  How ever her shaker differs in the fact that she used the card stock mat to stamp on. She did a wonderful job on her card as did all the runner ups!

Carla Mayfield

Toni Armstrong

Lila Holgate

Judy DiScipio

Linda Nicholson

These are all such cute cards. It was very hard for Terry to pick a winner.  Which reminds me Lila Holgate won the previous Sketch Challenge using the antique label.  Congratulations to all of these women and their great works!

Oops-a-daisy!

I forgot to mention one of the submissions for the design team challenge for February.  Judy DiScipio had submitted the card below, but I totally spaced it out. So my apologies to you and to Judy.

I can hardly wait to see what everyone comes up with this month!

Just a note:

Just a quick and simple note to say that I hope everyone had a happy Easter. 

Easter Card: Auqamarine Stardream, Basic Grey Blush 6x6 paper, Drak Brown Grosgrain Ribbon, Butterfly charm, Dark Roan Chalk Cat Eye.

Egg Dejour De Dior

This year the kids and I decided to dye our Easter eggs with out the mess of traditional dyes. My oldest son, John, cannot stand to get dirty, so most holiday traditions become more of a hassle for him than fun. So thanks to Martha Stewart and her staff member, Jackie Manzolillo, and her family traditions we were able to change things up for him this year. Jackie's family dyes their eggs using old silk garments. You know a little Christian Dior, a little Oscar De La Renta. This is a perfect use for the silk tie you gave dad last year so that you can replace it with a new one this year.  Dad will love it! Don't you agree? 

It is very simple to do.   You just take a strip of silk fabric and wrap it around a raw egg. I found the reds and blues worked better than paler colors.  Then you wrap the fabric wrapped egg in a tight knit white fabric and secure with a twist tie. Place in an enamel or glass pot cover with water and 1/2 cup of vinegar and bring to a boil.  Turn the heat down and simmer for about 25 minutes.

 

After that you remove them from the water. Let them cool and unwrap them.  And behold the most amazingly simple decorated eggs.  While they may have imperfections, they are still elaborate. And way more detailed than I could have ever done myself, let alone a child. 

The kids loved it.  With each one they unwrapped they ooh-ed and ah-ed!  And there was no dye to wipe up.  Just silk and cotton to let dry and re-use next year.  Works for me!

Just like this card I made for last months design team challenge.  The challenge was to follow this simple sketch, that was so simple even I couldn't do it. That's right, I could not follow the sketch.  But that is the beauty of a good sketch challenge ( at least in my opinion) is the ability to see the design and run with it and make it your own.  So below is the sketch challenge that I came up with and then my sample and those of the other dt members that took part in the challenge.

   

February Sketch Challenge

My card: Cream Cardstock, Aquamarine Stardream - layer and antique label die, Bronze Stardream, Rose Quartz Stardream - Flower tag die small and Ashley "U" die, Basic Grey Lili Kate 6x6 paper, Basic Grey Rub Ons.

Lila Holgate

 

Toni Armstrong

& last, but certainly not least, Carla Mayfield.

Aren't they all wonderful?  So many different styles and textures.  That is the beauty of having such a diversified design team and an equally diversified paper selection.  Did you know that Creative Cuts & More offers their dies in more than a dozen different mediums, such as Bazzill cardstock in smooth, canvas, criss-cross, felt, vellum, velvet and chip board just to mention a few.  And when you add up the different colors the combinations are just endless!  There are about 270 different colors in all.  So many colors even the Easter Bunny would be jealous.

Happy Easter!

Dusty

 

Class Update

Thanks to everyone who purchased a March class kit.  The first installment of the class was a huge success and received great reviews.  I will be teaching the second installment on Sunday, March 16th, however, the class is sold out. 

The next class being offered is an adorable clear acrylic class. Acrylic albums are hot, hot, hot. And this one is no exception.  This class consists of a 6" x 6" clear acrylic album complete with cover, dividers and multiple pages, Basic Grey Lili Kate papers & ribbons, Rub - Ons, gems and so much more.

I am encouraging each participant to bring 15 to 20 photos to class.  The album is perfect for Easter, Mother's Day, girlfriends, daughters, family gatherings, or a spring theme.  So you are not limited on what you can put in it. Since Easter has not happened yet, I used images from some of my favorite old magazines. However, these pictures and the lay-out will definately get you inspired on new and exciting ways to scrapbook your most cherished memories.

The class will be held on two different dates.  The first class will be on Saturday, April 12th from 9 am to 1 pm in Parker, and the second one will be held on Sunday, April 13th from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm in Southwest Denver.  Seating is limited and will be granted on a first come, first paid basis.  You may "pencil" your name in, but to hold your seat you will need to pre-pay.  The class fee for the album is $35 and includes the album, select ribbons and papers from Basic Grey and Bazzill, die-cuts, 1 pkg. Doodlebug jewels, 2 pkgs Basic Grey Rub-Ons, and a helpful hints idea sheet filled with tried and true techniques and tips.   The finished product may vary from images shown.  Classes are non-refundable. A credit will be issued in the event of a cancelation, provided a minimum of 24 hours notice is given.  The instructor may cancel a class if a minimum attendance is not reached within 48 hours of the said class. To reserve your spot, call Creative Cuts & More at 303-840-1744.

If you have suggestions of kits, classes or posts you would like to see, I would love to read your comments.

Happy Belated New Year!

Yeah, Yeah.  I'm late as usual, but you know what they say better late than never.  This year so far has been filled with lots of "new" things, like a new house, new job, new design team members, new hairdo, new class line up, and many other new items are just around the corner. It's very exciting!

I won't get into the house and job just yet, maybe in my next post.  I am more excited to introduce the new Creative Cuts and More Design Team Members to you.  There are nine of them! That's right, I said nine. 

Lila Holgate: http://lilascreativecorner.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com

Toni Armstrong: http://toniarmstrong.blogspot.com

Nancy Cain: Gallery Coming Soon!

Kim Ross: http://kimross.blogspot.com

Karrie Baker: http://stampgirl.typepad.com

Carla Mayfield: http://paperpastorale.blogspot.com

Dianne Kerner: Gallery Coming Soon!

Linda Nicholson: http://lindastamps4sanity.blogspot.com

Crystal French: Gallery Coming Soon!

All of these ladies, as well as our existing DT members are very talented ladies, and we are not only proud, but happy as well to have them be part of our team. Be sure to check in on their blogs or galleries often to see the many wonderful and creative ideas they post on=line.

The new season of classes has started at Creative Cuts & More.

This first class for the year will be taught by myself on two dates in March and at two different locations.  The first class will be held on March 1st in Parker from 10 am to 12 pm and the second will be held on March 16th in Denver from 2 pm to 4 pm. This class is an outstanding steal @ $25 because each participant is getting 3 sets of Basic Grey Rub-Ons valued at $10.50 in the cost of their admission to the class! 3 cards, 3 projects, 3 sets of Rub-Ons, new techniques and tons of fun - now that's what I call a good deal!!!! Seating is limited and filling up fast, so hurry to reserve your spot today! Email me for class reservations and more info.

For those of you who don't know it, I have a sister blog: Mission Possible.  You can find the link to the left of this post.  It's not anything very exciting, unless your a cleaning junkie.  In just a mere two weeks, my "sister" will be receiving a major make-over!  And will transformed into an amazing blog not about cleaning but something much more fun and widely appealing!  I am not going to say anything more you will just have to check back to see what is in store.

It's Finally Here!

No, not Thanksgiving! The launching of Creative Cuts and More's new website.

Terry and her team have been busily working on getting everything ready for this very moment.  And it is finally here after months of adding product and pictures to match.  Whew! The work is not done however, Terry will continue to add new product every week, produce newsletters, and many other exciting features on this new and improved website.  It's all so very exciting. Be sure to click on the link above and see all the new things happening. 

Oh, yeah. I almost forgot.  Happy Thanksgiving! and thanks for hanging in there these last few months as I toiled away with Terry and work.  I will be posting many exciting projects and a new gallery with in the next few weeks. 

Fancy that!

I just love the new Fancy Pants Designs Collections.  I am using the Aged Florals Collection and Bella Brush Stamps for a class I am teaching at Scrapbook Destinations.  The class consists of 7 cards for just $15.00.  Five of the seven are pictured.  If you want to see the other two, well, you have to come and take the class. 

The class is being offered twice this month.  The first of which is Monday, June 4th from 6 to 8 pm.  The next class is on Saturday, June 23rd.  To reserve your spot simply call Scrapbook Destination at 303-779-0024.  If you can't make it to the store you can always purchase a kit after the classes are held; you would just need to email me and I can give you all the info. 

On another note, life is almost back to normal here in sub-burbia. I say almost, because it has been 8 weeks since the whole shower scene started and they still are not done.  It is literally driving me crazy.  I thought that they would be done and gone for good tomorrow, but as it turns out, they made one of many big boo-boo's and must come in and fix it tomorrow.  They had to rip out part of the floor and when they went to put it back together they found that the old tile was 13" square and the new tile only 12". Imagine that?! So not only is half one way, and the other half a different way, but it is not level, and so the toilet is not working now!

I swear these guys names should be Darrell and his other brother Darrell. Scary! Here is just a little photo shoot of the ever so slow progression:

(From left to right) The problematic shower; removal of tile floor to discover that no pan exists only foundation; where to dig; exposed pipe - bottom had channel rotted out about 2" wide. Crew estimates a week tops. Hahahhhhaaaahhahhahhhaaa! By this point it had already been three weeks.

Removal of wall between crawl space and bathroom exposing entire house to who only knows what - no kitchen plumbing at this point as it too had rotted away.  They called me this day to tell me that everything from the mud room (just to the left of the shower) to the street was going to have to go!; Second opinion and new pipes are in place with out having to salvage my house and yard.  Floor is poured. Is this the light at the end of the tunnel?; Framing is taking place and with in a day or so, walls appear.  Yay! almost....

Upon returning home one evening, I found a garage full of used drywall. They framed in the shower before purchasing the stall.  Oi' ! The stall they purchased was not the typed to be glued to drywall but rather screwed directly to the studs, so out with all their work.  Glad I'm not paying for it.; I have a shower! And it drains.  But something is still not right.  So I call and say can you please, silicone the seams, adjust the door, and fix the toilet as it has no water coming in even with the valve open, and the water that was in there has leaked all over the floor.  To which they reply, sure, but we are going to have to remove the toilet again and re-do your floor as it is not level and the flange is not installed properly.  WHAT? If you knew this why did you leave it like this! Darrell. I'm tellin' you, they are all named Darrell.

On a brighter note at least the weather has been pleasant.

It has been raining off and on for about two weeks now.  Everything is so green and lush looking.  I love it.  I dream of days like these.  Wake up late because you are too cozy curled up in the blankets.  Pull on a warm sweater and faded jeans and take it slow for the rest of the day.