Let's Catch Up--Shall We?

Hello bloggers:

I've been soooo busy!  The weather is getting milder and I'm loving it.  I'm outside as much as I can so my scrapping has been put to the side.   I can't believe that's it's been two weeks since I last posted so I'll do my best to catch you up on what I've been up to.  

First of all, I've been making samples of flowers for the bouquets for my daughter's wedding.  She's getting married August 17th so I want five bouquets done by the end of July.  I also have to make 7 boutonnaires.   Of course, with a wedding comes a bridal shower and my other daughter, who's the maid of honor, and I have been busy planning that as well.  I'm having a lot of fun with it too.  The shower is set for June 23rd and we're planning on a garden theme.   We'll have a tent set up outside by the pond that her future in-laws have in their back yard and I'll have paper lanterns hanging along with some whimsical flowers and butterflies.  It's going to be pretty.  I just can't wait!

I've also just finished up some swaps:  The "Green with Envy" Junk Journal swap over at Mini Album Scraps and the "Kitschy Flower Kit" swap over at Your Paper Pantry.   My partner for the junk journals was Evelyn Robinson.  I'll be doing a video of the journal she sent me tomorrow and will post on Youtube over the weekend.   Here's a picture of the one I sent to her.  

 

The theme for the Green with Envy Junk Journal swap was obviously green with some accent colors, but I wanted the journal to be about 80 percent green.  The other requirement was that about 50% of the pages had to be envelopes.  From what I've heard, all the swappers were very pleased with their journals they received.  I know I love mine!

The flower swap over at Your Paper Pantry was a lot of fun too.  We had to put together all kinds of items that we could use to make flowers and we could include handmade and store bought flowers as well.  I loved this swap! Here's a sampling of what I sent to Cari:

I also sent along assorted fabrics, doilies, printed napkins, etc.   If you want to see more, you can go to my YouTube channel and watch the video.  Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w22Awy8UPUs    I tried uploading it, but it didn't work.

I also want to share what I bought at the Creating Keepsakes Convention that my daughter and I attended in April in Manchester, NH.  As always, I spent more than my budget allowed.  I just couldn't help it!   I think I'm going to do a separate post for that one.

As I mentioned in the beginning of the post, I've also been making paper flower bouquets for my daughter's wedding.  This is what I've come up with so far:

Sorry about the quality.  I was using my newer camera and I'm still trying to get the 'kinks' out of it.  

Well.....I think that's about it.   I hope you'll stop by soon and check out my purchases at CKC!

Have a wonderful day my blogger friends.

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!

I just want to wish all my scrappy friends a happy and creative National Scrapbooking Day.  I haven't done one bit of scrapping today--had a busy morning and now I'm off to work.  Hope all of you have fun today. 

It's Been One Year Since My Dad's Passing

A year ago today, I lost my loving dad quite suddenly.  I'll never forget that day.   I was washing dishes when the phone rang at 9:20 on Tuesday morning.  I never expected to hear the news that I heard when I picked up that receiver.  My sister was on the other end of the line and I could barely hear her.  She was sobbing.  I asked her to repeat what she had said and she replied:  "Dad just died."  What?!!!!  My heart dropped to the floor and I felt sick, dizzy, disoriented.   Then I thought it was a really bad joke and told my sister that it wasn't funny.  She told me that she would never joke about such a thing and that it was true.  I then just cried and cried and cried.  We were on the phone for several minutes just crying.   My husband looked over at me and I gave him the news.  My youngest daughter was standing there too and she just cried out and ran to her room, crying her eyes out.   My husband was just in shock.  He left the house, most likely, to cry in secret. 

It was the worst day of my life.

I immediately packed a bag and left for Mass.   I live in Maine so I had an hour and a half drive to get to my mom's house and see dad before the funeral home came to take his body away.   I'm not sure how I got myself down there in one piece because I was crying so much and could barely see the road.  It was like driving through a torrential downpour!   My husband stayed home with Zachery and was planning on coming down the day of the funeral.   I went down earlier to help my mother with the arrangements and such.  

It was so hard to walk into his bedroom and see him lying there. 

I said my goodbyes, kissed him and told him that I loved him.  I was feeling a bit better but after about an hour, someone said something (I can't even remember what it was), and I just lost it.  I cried worse than before and my heart actually hurt.  It felt as though my heart was actually breaking in two.   It was painful.   I felt like a little girl who wanted her daddy.   It just hit me that I would never see my father again!   The pain was like a knife through my heart.  I felt weak and sick and I wanted to curl up in a ball, but I needed to be strong for my mother.   My mom was strong.  I couldn't believe how well she was holding up.  She had been married to my father for almost 57 years!!

 

My mother stayed strong until the men from the funeral home had to remove his body.  My sisters tried to take her outside and that's when my mom lost it.  She cried so hard and said over and over again---"This is the last time he'll ever be in the house."  She didn't want them to take his body away.  Oh, it was so awful and heartbreaking to watch.  My sisters finally got her outside and had her face the backyard so she wouldn't see what was happening.  I stayed in the house.   I'm used to people dying and seeing the bodies be removed to the funeral home because I work as a nursing assistant in a nursing home, but when it's a family member--it's so different.

 

My mother was like a limp rag-doll once it was done.  We went through the motions of daily life--eating, sleeping, etc. but it was sooooo different without dad there.  I was asked to give the eulogy and to make some memory boards.  I drove home that night and pulled out every photobox (and trust me, there are alot!) to gather pictures of my father.    I sorted them out and as I created the memory boards with my daughters, we shared stories and it was very therapeutic for me.  We laughed and cried and remembered. 

                                 

 

So, on this day--one year later, I will remember my dad and his life and be forever thankful that I had such a wonderful Dad as him. God Bless you, Dad. I love you!!

A Mini Album Page to Share

Hello blogger friends,

I would like to share a mini album page that went out in the mail to Cari M.  This was my entry for the "Around the World on a Budget" travelogue group over at Your Paper Pantry.  Her theme was "Queens of Opulence" which meant we could do a page (front and back) of any woman, real or fictitious, who fit in that category, yet they didn't need to be a Queen.  In my search to find a person who could be considered a "Queen of Opulence", I found Lady Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire who once lived in the 18th century from June 7, 1757 to March 30, 1806.  Princess Diana was her great-great-grand niece on the Spencer side of the family.   After reading her bio, I felt that she fit into the category, even though she truly wasn't a real queen.  

Here's a link if you want to read up on her: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgiana_Cavendish,_Duchess_of_Devonshire

I originally created this as the front page, but Cari can choose whichever side she wants to be the front.

I used papers from Bo-Bunny and Websters.  The flowers are Prima and Recollections.  I also added keys, crocheted doilies, a stickpin, a metal crown, faux pearls, bling flourishes, faux pearl sprays, rhinestone flower centers and lace trim.

I was trying to create a look of wealth, elegance, opulence and feminity.  I think I achieved that.

Here's the other side:

On this side, I layered a gold paper doily with some Webster's papers and fussy-cut a 'frame' from a scrap of Bo-Bunny 'Gabrielle' paper.   I edged the frame with some silver beaded trim.  Because the portrait (a painting done by Gainesborough) is mostly browns and blacks, that's the color theme that I stayed with.  The flowers are Prima and Recollections with black feathers, crystal spray and bling centers.  The scroll with her name was simply typed on copy paper, inked to give an 'aged' look and then glued to a metal rod by K&Co. (I think).   I then rolled up the bottom and glued it in place. 

 

Here's the video that shows more of the two pages:

http://www.youtube.com/user/loridee21?feature=mhee

 

I hope that Cari enjoys this page in her travelogue.  Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to look at another one of my creations. 

 

Something New to Share!

Hi bloggers,
I just finished my newest creation for a challenge over at Mini Album Scraps.  The challenge was to make a nameplate for our YouTube site.  I had a hard time at first, but then it all came together.  I used Websters Pages, some scraps of vintage paper and an assortment of embellies.  I bought some vintage-style embroidery scissors because I thought they would add something unique to the sign.   And, because I love to take pictures, I added the film strip rub on.  Of course, the name of my blog is so long that I had to hyphenate Scrapmom's and put Musings on a small tag.   For now it works for me.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by and if you visit my Youtube site, you'll see my sign (if I remember to use it--LOL!)

 

 

Two Swaps to Share

Hello bloggers,

I've been busy finishing up some swaps and finally got them in the mail on Monday.  Both of these swaps were at http://yourpaperpantry.ning.com">Your Paper Pantry .  The first one was in the Correspondence group titled:   "Pocket for Your Thoughts".  We had to make 3 file folder mini albums, preferably all different and we will received three different ones back.  I had alot of fun making these and they hold ALOT of photos and/or journaling spots. 

I used three different paper packs--to the far left I used the Bo Bunny "Gabrielle" collection-- in the middle I used the 12x12 Colorbok "Rosewood" paper pack which can be purchased at Walmart and

the far right mini uses the 7 Gypsies 'Conservatory" paper pack (6x6). The tutorial by Michelle of The Paper Addiction, was very easy to follow and can be found here:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZMxfvLOJtc   (Part One)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay_hVYS_nno  (Part Two)

Here's my video of my three completed minis:

The other swap I sent out was for the Embellishments group and the swap was March Grab Bag Embellies--Steampunk.  I made flowers and journal spots, five of each.  

I used the Sizzix Tattered Flower diecut (a Tim Holtz product) and cut the flowers from copper cardstock and foil especially made for crafting.  I then embossed the flowers and 'aged' the foil ones by smudging black ink, gold rub n buff and copper ink to get rid of the shine.  I then coiled some copper wire for the flower center and added a TH ideaology mini gear.  I also added a TH ideaology memo pin and glued a gear onto that.  I attached a clip and I apologize that I can't remember who makes the product, but I used that to attach a smaller flower.  I had some screening left over from a Tim Holtz class I took last year and I used it to make the leaves.  Perfect!  I like how they came out and am hoping the girls who receive them like them too!   

 

Above is the journal card I made.  I embossed steampunk clocks and gears over an entire sheet of 12x12 black cardstock that had a bit of a shine to it.  I believe the paper is made by Recollections.  The embossed a butterfly, added some wire for the antennae.  I had some bolt style brads and added them for effect then glued on a spiral paper clip, a large eyelet, an eye screw, a TH mini gear and a TH memo pin.  When the card is opened it looks like this:

The inside left is covered in copper embossed paper with a stamped Steampunk lady.  On the right is a spot to journal with stamped gears.

I have one more swap to complete and then I won't be swapping until the Fall.  I have bouquets to make for my daughter's wedding and a bridal shower to plan.  

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll visit again to see what else I've been crafting!

My New Creative Space

I've gotten alot, and I mean ALOT, of visitors to my blog post "Where I Create" found here: http://scrapmomsmusings.blogspot.com/2010/06/where-i-create.html---

and I appreciate all the wonderful comments I've received.  But.....this isn't my creative haven any more.  We moved a little over a year ago and, although I miss my old creative space, I have a new one.  This one is in the basement.  It's not as "fancy" as the other space, but it's much bigger and I'm able to have everything in one room, not in 2 rooms as I had before (my bedroom and basement in the other house).    I do love my space:

 Here are some pics to share:

Here's the view when the basement door is opened:

My husband put up an old sheet to cover the wood and wires, etc above my head.  Plus it reflects the light and makes it so much brighter.  The work table is lined with a table skirt that I created using up yards of old fabric that's been in my sewing stash for YEARS!  I finally had a good use for it.  I'll share more pics of the work desk later. 

This is the view walking from the door to the left to give you an idea of the entire room.

Turning towards the door slightly to view the paper stacks.

 

Still moving to the left and back a little.  Unfortunately the ugly metal post cannot be removed.  Oh Well.  The wicker chest is a very old storage unit bought at a yard sale.  The concrete floor had been painted red by the previous owner and I hated it.  For now, hubby put down a white carpet on the other side.  Someday, the floor will be painted.

To the left are the shelving units my hubby built that holds all my storage containers.

Turning just a bit to my left to show you how far out the shelves extend.  The small table is covered in batternburg lace table cover and the box is a yard sale find that holds all my laces.  The jar in front is a fairy jar received in a swap.

A shoe bag organizer (or whatever you call it), that I cut in half and attached to this 'wall' which was made using foamboard and covered with contact paper.  This organizer holds my heat guns, glue guns, and drill.

Just a few of my photo boxes.

I covered the inside of all my containers with paper using the colors pinks, blues and greens (the colors in my room).  I then labeled them with tags bought at the dollar bin at Michael's. 

Okay, so picture yourself on the other side of my work table, standing in the middle of the carpet and looking around going from right to left:

This is standing in the middle of my room looking toward the cellar door (right of the photo).  The small white bookcase displays alot of mini albums that I've received in various swaps and some that I've made as well.  The brown bookcase stores paper packs, and alot of other items that is too long to list here.  Beside that are 3 paper stackers. 

This is looking directly at the bookcases mentioned above.  To the left are two tall units that came from an old entertainment center which was dismantled.  These units hold photo albums, tons of books and magazines, and boxes full of goodies!

Here's the view standing by the cellar door looking to the back.  These are the two units mentioned above.  To the left is a small table that my daughter gave to me which houses my Cuttlebug, my sewing machine, my Cricut, a mini sewing machine, the Slice,  a sewing basket and my Cinch.  Two very large cutters stand between the table and the tall unit.  You'll see to the left of the little black table is another table which is covered in a white flat sheet.  On top of that is my homemade 'clip it up' shown below: 

Here's a close up of the bookcase holding all the mini albums (at least some of them):

Another view of the table:

 

Here's a better view of the table holding my clip it up.  I also keep my punches in a small suitcase and an old strainer.  This table was supposed to be used for my machines, but not yet!  Beneath the table, hidden by the sheet is a box storing tools and a Rubbermaid 3 drawer unit holding Sizzix dies, Cuttlebug folders, etc.

Here's my Inspiration Board above the table (above).  I've put up tags received from swaps and pictures, etc that inspire me.

This is what's hiding under the table.

The suitcase and strainer holding my punches.  I don't own many.

This is the view standing by my work table.  The tall white book case was given to us from a neighbor and it stores CD albums of my photos, buttons, lace, and baskets and boxes of more goodies.  To the left of the bookcase is a smaller one displaying my favorite (and unused) stamps as well as a wooden house and another wooden unit with doors that displays little bears and other mementos.

 

 

 

Even the smaller boxes are covered!  I find that it gives the room a cleaner look.  I like seeing what I have, but I don't like the 'cluttered' look of so many containers holding so many items.  So, I covered them with the same papers I used for the bigger containers.

This is how I store my bigger flowers.  I do have one more box that's been added that stores all my handmade flowers that I've received from various swaps.

 Here's a look from the middle of the room showing a very big white bookcase (another yard sale find) that hold all my smaller storage units.  Most are labeled.  If there isn't a label, then the container is empty. 

Continuing to move to the left, these are all the '3 drawer' containers (Sterilite, I think) with the wheels and frames removed.  I just stacked them.  When my husband made the shelves he measured these containers by height and width, giving me the room I need.  They are snug and can't move at all.  No worries at all that they'll tip.

Now we turn and viola'!  My desk/work table.  This is where I sit and create.  I covered my ugly black chair with a sheet, a king-sized pillow sham and a chair pad.  Someday I'll make a better chair cover, but that's it for now.  Let me show you around the desk:

This unit is at the right of me when I'm sitting there.  There are containers holding everything I need to use from pens, glues, stamps, inks, sponges, staplers, small tools, etc. Loads of little things.

This is the top of that unit.  There's a family of turtles all lined up that were given to me from my oldest daughter.  Of course, these turtles represent all of us in the family--LOL!  I have two spinners on the top--one came from Marshall's and is supposed to be used for jewelry, but I always repurpose items for my scrapping use anyway.  This spinner holds some nice ephemera that  I love to look at.  In the middle is a box that holds every card I've received in a swap.  And the black spinner on the right holds Ranger Inks, daubers and alcohol inks.

 

 This is on my desk.  The gnome I've had since I was very young and is supposed to bring good luck.  The ceramic 'purse' in front of the gnome is filled with assorted hand tools from scissors to piercers.  The item next to it is a lazy susan holding jars of colored pencils, paint brushes, glue sticks, and another jar holding blades.   I altered two tin cans and store pins, and other loose items.

 

To the left on the table is an antique bed tray that I bought at a yard sale and is perfect for displaying two vintage sewing baskets that hold lace and ribbon goodness.  In the front is an altered cigar box received from a swap last year.  There are also two altered tea cups holding some beautiful stick pins.  These were also from a swap.  I love to have swap items around me!

Another angle of the jewelry boxes and one of the tea cups.

This vintage sewing box holds some of my favorite laces and trims.  The two bracelets are made by a good friend of mine-Sandra Knapp who creates these from vintage typewriters. 

This is the back of the bed table.  A terra cotta pot holds foam brushes and beside that are a couple of old baking pans that I use for heat embossing.

Sitting on the table against the wall is my DIY clip it up. 

 

This little piece is a vintage jewelry box--another yard sale find!  The drawers hold business cards, clips for my clip it up and Cricut blades.  Sitting on top of the box are more altered items I've received from assorted swaps! 

Around the room, I've placed lots of items from yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets because..well....they make me happy.  Above is a vintage suitcase filled with stencils (that I never use!), sitting on top of the suitcase is a metal birdhouse-an iron anvil (I think it was a door knocker at one time), and a 'cake slice' made from paper.

These birdhouses and bird cage sit on top of one of the book case towers.  Again--yard sale finds!   I just LOVE birdhouses!

 

That ends the tour of my basement scraproom--better known as my "Happy Place".  Thanks for stopping by and I hope I might have inspired you.