Izbzee

more sweet treats

I'm hoping you had as blessed a Thanksgiving as we had!  It was quite a joyous but quiet one here.  No extras around the bounteous table of food, however, we had many a blessing to be grateful for as we do every day.  Our year has been one of ups and downs. Changes, struggles, trials, joys and tears.  We've experienced loss and gain just in the past several months.  Yet, our cups are over flowing with blessings and gratitude as we ponder the choices we have made that have brought us to this point and yes, we are in a very good place right now.  We are blessed with family, a home, employment once again, food sufficient for our needs, a positive attitude, the ability to serve others in our community, our church, we have wonderful friends close by and around the world who also bless our lives and nurture our hearts.  We also live in such a beautiful world that we can marvel at each day.  The beauty of a sunrise or sunset.  The changing of the leaves, or the miracle of a snowflake or patter of raindrops on the rooftop.  The random claps of thunder on a stormy day or feeling the wind in your face as you take a walk around the block in the neighborhood.  Feeling the petals of a rose or marveling at the colors of a mum as it blooms in your garden every fall.  I love and cherish it all -- and am great-full for each and every breath I take every day.

 

I am so blessed.  I'm even thankful for the fun I have in "playing" with paper every now and again and the joy it brings to me and those I get to share it with.  This past week, I was able to play a bit more than usual because work was a bit lighter -- or maybe I just hurried through and got done a bit sooner so I could play a bit longer -- not sure which, but it sure was fun to cut, glue and manipulate!  

The first item is a BAP (build a project) from Kreative Cuts - Miss Elf.  I thought she was cute when I saw the first picture they posted online and I was definitely onboard with this one!  Pretty simple to cut with or without a diecutting machine...I'd definitely use Removable GlueDots on the mittens and boots and on the body where the candy canes attach if you're giving to a child - because you know the kids are going to want to eat them!  LOL  I also used papers from Echo Park and some retired papers from Stampin' Up! I had in my stash.  The stamp is from PunkinPatchStamps.com and the glitter is from Ranger.  Cuttlebug embossing folder and CuttleBug from Provo Craft.  I used my Sizzix Eclips to cut the BAP file.  Crystal Effects and a Sakura White gel pen for a little bit of highlights too.  


 

The second project is a pretty simple card -- no stamping!  Surprise!  Simple!  Embossing, inking and getting out the old paper crimper.  I used the Xyron sticker maker to make sure the layers would stick!  Used GlueDots on the back of the buttons.  Paper is from Echo Park's Very Merry Christmas Collection and Stampin' Up!(Crumb Cake, Cherry Cobbler)  Ribbon, Ink, Stampin' Up!(Cherry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip) as well.  Buttons, stash.  Raffia, stash

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Fall has definitely arrived....

Visions of sugarplums danced in their heads....

a whirlwind hit the craft room....

guess who's comin' to town?

may's issue

BEWARE!  This post is IMAGE HEAVY!  Not sure where this month  has gone -- but it's been a busy one between a fitness challenge a couple of trips, LOTS of crafting, a little designing and more crafting and lots of changes in the road ahead.  Who'd have thunk? But let's just plug along for the time being -- the rest will  play out when the time is right.

First of all, we spent some time with family out west for our oldest grandson's baptism.  We got together with a few of our extended family members for a quick dinner at a local restaurant and although our time in Utah was short we enjoyed our time there.  Our kids are doing well and the grands are growing up!

Little did we know that just a couple of weeks later, I'd be making another trip out that way with a dear friend.  Thanks for the fun!  Another short but sweet trip and more time with family along the way.  It's not often I get to see the grands 3 times in a year -- let alone this often in the first half of the year!  I also treasured the time spent with Mom as well.  What a wonderful afternoon that was.  We enjoyed the pictures too.  Hope she'll enjoy it too.

 

 

April and May were busy crafting months - but not busy posting months as you've noticed.  There have been lots of other things going on "my" world from work, some designing and family stuff - and taking on a challenge of another sort.  Hopefully, I'm back on a more regular basis -- like weekly again.  At least, that's the plan at the moment. 

So here goes if we can get the pictures to post (- :
      This trio of boxes were quick and fun to make.  The files were from MyScrapChick.com.  Too cute to mail - none of them made it past the door this year.  Next year, though, they will be mailed -- I've figured out a way.... so be prepared!

 

 

 

 

This birdcage from SVGCuts.com is a favorite and so simple!  Just click on the image for a larger view.  This post is image heavy and rather than making it hard to load this way keeps it light and easy!  3 sheets of paper and a bit of glue!  Keep the decor lightweight and it holds up great!  You can even hang it too from the holder at the top.  We've been able to do that several times. as we move it from space to space.... and no, I can't decide where I want to display it.

 

 

 

 

I made a quick stack of these little 4 x 4.5 cuties one evening.  So easy!  It was fast and the buttons came from a Stampin' Up! bundle I purchased a while back.  The paper was from a Michael's Recollection stack I got on clearance and had in my scrap pile after using a bunch of it for another recent project.  The stamp and ink  are also from Stampin' Up!  I made the cut using a ribbon file cut from SVGCuts.com

 

This was a 3-D card made as a housewarming gift for Leo and Mary at SVGCuts.com.  The card was to use one of their files. This card uses Peony Cottage.  I just resized it to fit on the front of a 4.25 x 5.5 card front.  And yes, that's Leo hula-hooping on the front and if you look through the left window, Mary's working in the studio.

Stamp is from SU!

 

 

 

 

Tim Holtz' die cut and adage tickets adorn this card.  The postcard stamp is an Oriental Trading purchase from a few years ago that's just getting it's first inking.  Embossing and Recollections papers.  SU ribbon and inks. 

 

 

 

SVGCuts created a great kit with a bunch of iris fold cards in April.  They're lots of fun and so easy to create.  This is one of them with a quick adaptation for a birthday I made as a gift in soft neutral colors.  I noticed that it was still on display when we went visiting this month.

 

 

 

 

 

Spellbinders fold dies make beautiful cards!  This is a must have die if you're looking for a die and cards that will take your breath away. Tip:  Test your paper first - these dies tend to grab the paper and some papers don't release easily.

 

The Fit Chicks are definitely a hit with the 30 day fitness challenge around here.  I'm just finishing up the first round and have plans to go another 30 days.  This file is from MyScrapChicks.com  Paper and inks from SU!

 

 

Using Echo Park's Charming pack and SVGCut's file, I made this card for Father's day.  I switched out a couple of things and adjusted the size a bit to fit on a regular 4.25 x 5.5 card.  I inked some of the edges to add a little more depth and texture. 

 

This is my first attempt at a step card.  Not too bad, considering.  I used Washi Tape to cover the steps on the right side... fortunately, the 1 inch tape is just the right size!  LOL  I found a free file for the base medallion and used a spellbinder's nestie for the oval.  Olivia Alpha for the We'll Miss You and an SU stamp for the sentiment.

With Memorial Day, Flag Day and the 4th of July all coming round in close proximatey, I thought I would make a bunch of these rosettes using SVGCuts file from Made in the USA.  I've slightly adapted the file - but the basic rosette is the same.  Papers are from my stash.  About 2 dozen 3-D stars also hang out with the rosettes too. 

 

Last night before the storms raged, we were blessed with this beautiful sight.  Regardless of what the weather brings today.  I hope we'll always remember the joy the the sunset and the sunrise brings each day -- the beauty each can bring to the beholder if we just take the time to look.  Make it a great day. 

 

 

 

 

Easter Joys

It's just about here.  I don't often get into a religious discussion on my blog, but I do have a testimony of Jesus Christ and I do know that he is my Savior and Redeemer.  If you have questions about what I do believe, drop by mormon.org and browse those pages.  There are answers there.  

Family is important to me and takes precedent over everything. I cherish it dearly and hope to be with my family throughout eternity and have made covenants in the temple with my husband and we are working daily to be an eternal family.

*************************************************************************************

Click on the image for a larger view.  I made these tiles using digital images from several kits.  The background paper on the pink tile is from Stampin Up! and most of the rest of the images are from a kit called Terrible 2's.  These were fun to make I like the Spring colors.  I made them as gifts for my primary class.  Remember, I have all girls, but on the off chance I have a couple of visitors who might be boys this week, I decided to make a couple of extras for them. 

Tim Holtz edge die was a new purchase among several in March.  I went a little crazy in updating some supplies - but it was necessary and fun.  Lots of new BIGZ dies and Movers and Shapers.  I think there will be lots of fun cards and crafts coming with them in the future. 

The ribbon has been in the stash drawer for eons and was begging to be used.  Yellow, green, purple and pink!  Add some distressing brown to bring it all together.  The brad charm was a freebie from Making Memories.  Loving all those goodies too!

Still have a few more cards to take pictures of and get into the folders and up... lots of stuff from March to upload.  I'll be back in a couple of day.  Enjoy the weekend.  It's time to get ready for the gals to arrive for a day of crafting!  See you soon.

 

 

 

 

Catching up ....

the holidays are upon us and how quickly they arrived!  I missed November somehow altogether in blogging so let's catch up!

I can't say I wasn't crafting - the room was busy and we were definitely having lots of fun!  Pictures to follow shortly.  Had a few health glitches in there -- oh how I hate that, but I think we have those under control now.

We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving here in the heartland -- the weather cooperated and we even managed to get a few pictures over on the side yard -- our last since we put it up for sale and this past Tuesday, we closed on it.  The buyer was walking the  property again yesterday... I'm sure they'll begin excavating soon and a house will be on site within a few short months. 

Of course no family picture would be complete without Busted.  And if you're wondering who the young man is, that's Elder Abbott.  He's the Elder that has been serving a special mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints here and living with us. 

(I think it was a delightful 70 degrees on Thanksgiving Day). 

Our yard collects all the leaves from all the surrounding yards, or so it seems.  In some places, the leaves are about a foot deep!  We can't keep up with the raking.  One of the reasons for selling -- or so Ted says.  I think it's because we can't keep up with the mowing and watering!  HA!

At any rate, I hate to see the green space go, but it's time and we are grateful for the joy the space has given us over the years. 

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Andrea fixing the dinner all on her own for the second year in a row and doing a really great job overall. I got to lounge around in my jammies and read and sleep in.  How cool was that? 

Edynn Willow, our 7th grandchild arrived a few days after Thanksgiving -- what a doll she is!  Here's a pic  - she's the daughter of our 2nd son and his wife.  Their third child.  She's doing well and gaining weight and already grown an inch in her first month. 

 

 

 

 

 

Now on to some crafting and creating -- this is a cut file from SVGCuts.com.  it's small enough to go on a card and so cute.  Great for using up some scraps.  Lots of inking, some embossing folders adds great texture.  A little more ink and some brads in the corners make it the perfect embellishment.  Thanks Mary and Leo for a great addition to any card or tag! 

 

Here's how I used it on a card!

The stamp is from PaperTreyInk.  I used velum for the top embossed textured paper.  The DSP is an unknown scrap.  Inks and cardstock are from Stampin Up!

 

 

 

 

3-D papercrafting is definitely becoming a passion of mine.  I truly enjoy what you can do with paper and playing with shapes and figures.  SVGCuts has provided lots of files recently that feed that passion!  :D  Oh my goodness!  We're having so much fun building these things!  What's even more fun is to create your own "gingerbread" from white paper when you don't have brown... just ink up!  This was a sample I made to show the gals before I started cutting for real.  Oh they had so much fun making theirs and putting their own touch on the cottage.  So cute. Ink from Stampin Up!, Paper, Office Depot - index weight. 

 

From the Merry and Bright collection by SVGCuts, this cardinal card is so much fun and a quick card to make.  The stamp is from PunkinPatchStamps.com and the Holiday Traditions stamp set.  Papers are from Stampin Up!  and unknown assorted scraps

 

 

This is one of my favorite cards from November's crafting session.  PapertreyInk stamps, Stampin Up!  The cutfile was a gift from a friend.  Isn't it cute?  The music paper was from a swap and the punch, papers and ink are from Stampin Up too.  I heat embossed the snowflakes to make them standout a bit. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's about it for November -- I'll be back in a little while with December's update -- and oh yes, there's more........ Happy holidays! 

home again and time to update

post surgery -- if you haven't been following things on FB, everything went well with Kelty's surgery.  The surgical team was able to remove the tumor  with minimal bleeding and without an extended period of time in surgery.  She only had a few minor problems post surgery in the PICU and was released as anticipated.  We'd hoped for a day early release, but the little stinker decided to get an upset tummy the morning of her release and needed to stay until she could hold solids again. 

We did manage to get those "crafty" projects finished though before Grandma left - Kelty's decorated her room at the hospital.  She loved all the kitchen-y stuff and the cookbook she can now call her own.  I just hope Mom and Grandma R won't mind all the fixins' going on someday over in the kitchen or when a gadget someday disappears into Kelty's kitchen for something unusual! 

click on the pictures for a larger image.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gage's letters got finished the night before I left.  Took a while to find dinosaurs... especially some cool ones to put on his.  I didn't have anything cool on the computer to cut and Michael's supply was definitely limited.  However, he seemed happy with what I did find and once we got his letters scruffed up a bit with some ink - and he got the stickers on - he was grinnning from ear to ear!

  Catching up with family was a little more difficult than I planned -- only half of what I hoped got accomplished.  However, what I did get done was delightful and hopefully, there will be another opportunity to do a visit again in a few months.  I would so enjoy spending time with more family.

Anywho, here's a few pictures from the trip - yep, it's picture heavy! But it could be worse - so bear with. 

On Sunday, the day that Kelty got out of the hospital, a few of us got together for a barbecue up north at Nancy and Jim's.  It was a beautiful afternoon to be outside.  We enjoyed the company and catching up.  It was good to see those who could be there and missed those who couldn't.  Maybe the next time.....

Look who I got to meet in person, finally...  Timothy! 

TJ and Hailee's newest little one.  He was visiting with Amber when this picture was taken.  He and Amber got along quite well during the visit, btw.  LOL  They stopped on their way back towards Blackfoot.  They had come down for the weekend to visit with family

On Monday, Dom, Mom and I went on a a little trip up the canyon to see the colors.  They were just starting to turn.  It was beautiful!  Oh how I love this time of the year in Utah and so miss it out in the heartland.  Yes, there is some "color," but we don't get the vivid changes and you don't see it all around and up high like you do out west.  It was wonderful and it brought back lots of memories of years ago.  Thanks, Dom for sharing your day with me and with Mom. 

click on the pic for a larger image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

don't you love these Fall colors?  This is a gift for a friend of mine.  I actually made two of them.  Added a little bling in the center of the flower to look like a little dew.  so pretty.  Inking added some interest too.  All papers were SU on this project.  The file was from a kit by SVGCuts.com of course and the acorn was a free file I found online.  I also dragged the oak leaves from another kit over.  I thought it was a perfect fit!   I did discover later on that I had one in another kit.  Me thinks I need to do some organizing and get the pictures in my book so I know what I do have!  LOL

 

SVGCuts is one of my favorite sites to get freebies and to buy kits and collections.  This is one of my all time favorites!  I've made two so far, but have cut a bunch of them!  They are so much fun!  I'm looking forward to the next one with GLEE!  It has a special purpose.....  all of the pieces are here next to the computer, WAITING!

This stamped image is a House Mouse image I've had for a couple of years, but never used until now.  The punches are from SU!; The diecut is a PennyDuncan svg; I used my MS scoreboard to score the paper and the ribbon was from MSI --  and I used watercolor pencils to color the image in.  Easy peasy!  and a relatively quick card to do a stack.  I would imagine that if I'd put the one scalloped piece also on the mat and cut it too in SCAL that would have cut down on some time too, but using the nestabilities was fun too.  I just like using lots of tools sometimes.  A reminder that if you have it - you need to use it and not let it just sit there.  (which reminds me -- I need to ink up a few more stamps this week!)

 

I love this sweet file.  Easy to put together and can grow to to quite a few sizes!  Thinking I might have to make a few more of these.  I've seen a few really cute adaptations of these with some flourishes as well as different textures and stamping on them.  Limitless creativity!  Homemade paper?  Hmmm..... 

 

Thanks kids for the opportunity to share some time with you.  I hope Kelty continues to recuperate and heal quickly.  Love to each of you! Our prayers continue each day for all of you. 

 

Tom, Amber - thank you too.  It was good to spend a little time with you and thanks for letting me sleep off the sore throat for a couple of days. 

 

 

Coming home, this was the gorgeous sunrise I saw at 40,000 feet.  Isn't it beautiful?  I was so blessed and grateful to see it that morning.  I couldn't help but think of those that made that trip possible and so I need to thank my very special friends, Krista and Nola for making the trip possible.  We are so grateful to you for your generosity and help. You are truly angels!  Blessings to you and yours! 

 

 

today is the BIG day

it's surgery day for sweet Kelty.  Hard to believe that it's finally here.  The morning is starting out like a typical Fall morning.  A bit chilly in the mountain valley.  It's still dark, and not too many birds singing out there -- you can hear an occasional plane flying overhead and the flow  of traffic from interstate not too far away.

Fortunately the tumor is still small.  About the size of the shell of a peanut and in the same place as the last one.  There's a lot of pros compared to the last time, but it's still a little scary for all of us.  At least we've had a little more time to work through this and talk about it.

Last evening we were able to visit with other family members over dinner and enjoy their company and spend some time together - grandparents, greats, mom, dad and children.  What a wonderful thing.  4 generations together last evening on the Carsey side and 3 generations on the Webster side.  Very special.  I feel so blessed to be here.  Family is definitely a wonderful thing!

A father's blessing has been given -- and today a priesthood blessing will be given to Kelty before her surgery.  Here are a couple of pictures I've taken over the  last couple of days:

     

 

 

 

 

Gage and Kelty            Kelty                                 Kelty and Dad (Kelty was telling Dad how to play the game and giving excellent instructions, btw!) 

Have a magnificent day! 

 

 

 

 

busy week -- but what else is new?

 

 

 

 

 

 

this month is flying by -- right into October!  WOWSER!  Hard to believe that in just a few days, another month will be on the calendar.  Where has it gone?  There's even a slight chill in the air today and we've gotten some welcome rain! LOVE the almost 2 inches today! 

Ok, we've been doing some playing and even more playing with SCAL this month.  Well, lots of playing!  OT sent out a fun catalog and I saw an owl in there I wanted to make -- but not out of craft foam and not quite in the size they were thinking!  LOL  so paper it was -- that was fun... it's different than the OT pic, but that's what makes it mine.

since this picture was taken, I've adapted the file and made the leaves larger.  Yep, it looks lots better.  I used basic shapes in SCAL2 to create the file.  No SVGs or cuts from other files or carts, though I was tempted!  LOL

 

 

  This is another file from MyScrapHeaven, I think.  Isn't it cute?  I think the kids will like it -- I just hope I remember to slip it in the suitcase tomorrow along with everything else that needs to get packed in there.  Sheesh that list is getting longer and longer!

 

and lastly, May Arts Ribbon is having a Birthday Bash and Challenge.  I decided to revisit this design this year and add a touch of ribbon to finish it off.  I think it's a perfect satiny touch. 

Mittens are a cut file, my design. Stamps, paper, ink, punch; Stampin Up!; Ribbon, May Arts.

 

 

Well, time to call it a day... busy day tomorrow.  Ted has a med procedure tomorrow a.m. and I've got some packing to do.  Looking forward to some hugs from the grandkids Saturday afternoon.    

it's been FUN!

The weather switch has "flipped" the last 24 hours and it's cooled down considerably.  We woke up to some lovely cool temps this morning and I don't think the AC has flipped on once today!  I think that's almost a first in the last 60 days - what a joy! 

Even the motivation to do a little more crafting is back as well.  I've finished my 3-D letters finally for Halloween and I think they turned out pretty good.  I still might add a few more details to them - we'll see what touches my fancy when I put them out. 

The 3-D letters and most of the cuts are from SVGCuts.com.  The witch is from a cricut cart (Mini Monsters).  The bats, moon, cat and web are from Salazar Scary Squares, the spider is from Hazel's Wicked Witch Crafts

Here's another view of the 3-D letters with a couple of  cards I made from last year -- using another cut from Salazar Scary Squares and SU's owl punch (the card on the right); the card on the left is retired stamps from SU and House Mouse and some punches. 

Des brought a fun candle for the lantern (I posted it earlier) that changes colors and it's so much fun!  A few more cards got finished this week and a few more are on the design table and idea pad.  So excited about this. 

I spent this morning cutting vinyl for a RS activity this week and got most of that cut - now on to do the weeding and get them taped and ready to go. 

Now we have also had some new additions to the family -- two new grandsons have joined the clan:

Jesse Nathaniel                       and                                        Timothy

 

 

 

 

 

 

Think I'd better get my table cleared so I can get back to doing some more creating!  Have a great week! 

 

we've been blessed

with some rain this past week and a cool down in the temps.  The storms have moved in during the late evening and overnight with quite a light and sound show accompaniment. 

We've been busy with some crafting this past week and having lots of fun "playing" with some new cuts - I guess trying to keep the mind from drifting to other things that aren't quite so pleasant.  We'll  not bore you with those details presently but share a few photos instead.

this is a new file created by Mary at SVGCuts.com from the Pick a Pumpkin Kit set.  I love it and it's quick and easy to put together.  Have a few ideas for this, just need to find a few more hours in my day to do them!  HAH!  Papers and inks  from SU.  Cuttlebug embossing folders.

 

These files are from LetterDelights.com and I thought they were so cute!  I just had to get them.  You know, somoene's birthday is coming up and wouldn't they be fun for some birthday invites?  Now, if you're reading this and happen to think of sharing this with you know who, DON'T!  That really would spoil some fun we have planned. 

This is another SVGCuts file - from the Johnathan  Bears kit.  I left it pretty much intact, just added a little bit of bling on the cape and the star.  I think on the next one, I'll use some glitter paper for the cape.  Wouldn't that be cool or maybe even some metallic paper, or even some glossy paper?  Oh, that's an idea....I wonder what's in my stash????  Oh, yeah, back to this:  I used an OT stamp and then used the Basic Card 1 and the Slice to cut the letters at 1 inch.  The background paper is a digi file I downloaded from Mel's blog a while back.  I'm not sure she still has it in her archives, but you could still look if you like or even just take a book you own and scan it. 

I'm so loving my cutter right now... but looking for a higher end machine because I know I'm going to need one soon if  things continue to grow business wise. We had a lot of fun in card group today.  Lots of buzzing and talking.  It was wonderful to see everyone.  It was like we hadn't been together forever -- and I guess we really hadn't been together for quite a while as a "whole" group.  Sure makes these moments even more precious.  

Have a fabulous week everyone!  Treasure family and friends and tell them you love them OFTEN!   

 

They're married!

  A beautiful couple indeed!  We're excited for both Mike and Lisa as they embark on this new journey together. They were married at the Washington DC temple.  Congratulations!

 

 

  The guys looked like they were having a bit of fun while they were waiting !  LOL Thanks for the pics, Alicia!  What fun!

 

 

Meanwhile, back at the farm -- in the heat of the Central Plains.... where's it's a steamy 106 degrees at the moment (day 43 of 100+ temps) there's been a little bit of crafting going on here while the guys have been gone the past few days.

This cute little pumpkin is from the Pick A Pumpkin Kit at SVGCuts.com and it's got such potential!  The link will take you directly to the kit.  Can't wait to try the rest of the bunch in the kit!  It goes together pretty quickly and I had this one cut and made before I needed to finish setting up for group this morning.  So not bad!  All papers are Paper Studio or SU!  I used some Stickles in the center of the flower for just a little bling.  I also used the Birds and Swirls embossing folder on the side panels and inked the edges for a little more texture and dimension. 

This is the first time I've inked up this stamp set -- it's been sitting in the drawer for a LONG time!  I really should have inked it up sooner.  It's an SU! set. 

Simple, easy and cute.

 

 

  I like this funky looking flower.  the scalloped edged base is a die cut (Spellbinders) and the others are also die cuts (Spellbinders) including the leaves.  The sentiment is from SU! and I used the stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.  Love that tool!  It's definitely a must have.

 

Decided to do a little dabbling again with digital scrapbooking.  Although the page is for a RS activity... all the components are digital for the internet version and then for the poster version for church, I made a hybrid version.  Didn't turn out too bad! I like the hybrid version, just because there's true dimension and you can touch it.  :D This is the virtual version.  It's pretty close to the hybrid.  Picture of the hybrid to come soon. 

In the meantime... have a great weekend.  Off to enjoy some time with the guys.  TJ flies out tomorrow and heads back home.  I'm sure his family will be happy to see him.