Two Urgent Care Visits in Three Days | Finally a Dx

Yep. I tested positive for strep. The bright side, I finally got some meds in me and I am feeling better after spending three days in bed (minus trips to UC). The down side, my boys are complaining of sore throats and...there are hints of white spots on their monster tonsils. UGH. Thinking tomorrow is going to bring more trips to the doctor. I just hope they can actually get in to their pediatrician and not get stuck at Urgent Care as I did.
So, unfortunately, my weekend of hoping to get a small amount of crafting in-did not happen. Here's hoping I can get some done in the next few days as I have some news products in house that are begging me to play with them! You can rest assured, I'll be back with some crafty goodness soon. Here's hoping there is good health in your home.
BBL.
Suz

Tutorial | Quick and Easy Gift Card Holder

Hi All,

Suz here with a quick tutorial on a simple gift card I made with my favorite "go-to" tool; the Silhouette.

Materials &Tools:

• Computer
• Silhouette 

From January's kit: 1 sheet patterned paper from the kit                             

                               1 ribbon trim

                               Velcro tab (optional-could use Glue Dot)

                               Tombo monoadhesive

The first thing I did was to open up my Silhouette software and clicked on the die cut show highlighted below:

I opened up my Silhouette workspace:

 Then I dragged and dropped my chosen design into the workspace and resized to make an gift card holder large enough to hold most gift cards; in this case approximately 7 x 8.5 inches. (If you click on the pic you can see the exact dimensions I used).

I

I went to "file"> "Send to Silhouette" and set the settings to cut at "heavy cardstock" (pink topped Silhouette blade) at "3" blade depth and speed of "33."  Click "Cut."

Remove the cut design from the Silhouette mat and fold at the perforations. 

                               

Adhere with adhesive along the sides of the "purse." There are two holes in the design to string the "purse strap" through. The holes were a little small for my ribbon trim, so I enlarged each a bit by using my scissors to "x" a larger opening. Thread the ribbon trim through each hole and knot inside the purse as shown below. 

Add Velcro attachment to the inside lip of the purse flap. 

Adhere embellishment and sentiment and place gift card inside.

You are now good to go!

 Easy peasy and a great look for a small amount of time! If you have more specific questions, about the Silhouette, or how I made this project, please leave a comment below. Happy crafting! :)

A Few Holiday Pics | 2011

This was our 8th year in Winter Park and our first one without Linny. She most definitely was with us in spirit though and despite some quiet moments and a few tears, we all made the best of it together as a family; remembering the past, cherishing the present and moving forward to brighter days and new adventures.

2011

2010

Linda "Linny" Dec. 2010:

1962-2011 You lived your dash well. This was the last time I saw you alive and this is how I will always remember you. Just wish and pray other family members have this memory as well-in time.

Lil McSteamy. Or at least that's what I thought after I captured this pic of Ian out in the cold. You can almost make out his dimple tucked beneath his face mask. :)

And Casey, full of smiles and giggles and living his life full throttle. Just like his momma would want him to do. She's looking down from heaven and beaming with pride.

And Shelby, sporting her beautiful smile. Amazed by her strength, resilience, and attitude. 

 The gorgeous view around the condo:

 Endless runs down the hillside with the sleds, constantly trying to hit the jump just right.

I have some gorgeous pics of the mountains, but they are on my iPhone. Will try to post them here once I figure out how to gain access to them. 

Be back later.

Suz

Freehand Scraps January Kit Reveal | "Kiss the Cook"

Packed with all sorts of fabulous embellishments including adorable metal kitchen utensils and fabulous Ormolu fabric swatches, this kit is sure to serve up a recipe of great layouts and creations!

Here are some of the things I "Whipped" up with the kit. ;) Click on any picture to view larger.

The next layout I created while on vacation with my kit and a just a punch or two. I brought my trusty and tiny Selphy portable printer with me and printed out this 4-up, 4 x 6 photos sequencing the "cousins" sledding down the hillside and hitting a "boy crafted" jump. Definitely a recipe for fun!

I actually kinda enjoyed utilizing the kitchen recipe card and utensils in an unconventional/non-traditional way. (Sometimes, that's just how I roll. One way I keep the creative juices flowing. Think out of the box. Or in this case, out of the pot!) ;)

Lastly, here's a quick little "purse" gift certificate card holder I made quickly and easily. I will be posting a tutorial later this week on how I created it. :)

Happy 2012 to all! Hope your year is filled with peace, love, joy, and good health. 

Suz

Freehand Scraps January Kit | Sneak.2

Just got home a little bit ago. 800+ mile drive and I am ready to sleep in my own bed. While our trip was lovely, I am very happy to be safely home.

As promised, here is Sneak.2 I apologize the pics are less than optimum. Forgot about the time change and how the light would be for taking pics at the condo.

Wondering how snowflakes and pots and spoons can come together in one layout? Stay tuned for the full reveal on Jan 1!
And from snowflakes to flowers? All in one kit? It's possible people! This kit has it all! :)

Head on over to www.freehandscraps.com to see what the other designers have created with this fabulous kit!

Freehand Scraps Jan Kit Sneaks.1

Hi All,
Hope you are having a safe, healthy, and happy holiday break. We have been having fun with family and I have lots of pretty photos to share as soon as I am able.
Meanwhile, here are a few sneaks of January 2012's Freehand Scraps kit. It is a wonderful collection of embellishments and pattern papers that are sure to please any scrapping enthusiast. Very versatile and the color palette works well for either gender. I have created 5 items with this kit already and am certain I can make at least 2-3 more layouts/cards with it. :)

Without further adieu,
SNEAK.1:

I'll be back late tomorrow night with a few more sneaks! :)

Playing Catch Up | Tis the Season...

To get a bit behind on my goals. The weekend flew by with a visit to a dear tennis friend who collapsed/passed on the tennis court Wed. while we played and is having several tests done. Doctors still aren't sure of what caused his episodes and he is still in the hospital as I type this.(Yes, he's had several-please pray for answers and good health if you'd be so kind). Then I played in an all day tennis tourney and home to the fam and Big Gma's arrival. We went to local sports store and geared up for some snow fun over the holidays. Then out to dinner. Nice time visiting with my mom and chatting about holiday plans. The little "Budder" balled up on our guest bed. Keeping a peripheral eye on on me.

 The boys checking out you tube videos on snowboard. Trying to electronically brush up on their skillz.

Big Grandma (-There is a humorous story behind this nickname of course bc obviously my mom is NOT physically big-and yes, she is completely OK with the nickname and actually loves it.) making herself at home and setting up office on the bed. So very happy to have her here. Missed her so.

Ok, back to the weekend review:

Today, was church and Philip (our Pastor/Minister) gave an awesome sermon on Peace and being Peacemakers. Good stuff.
After church, home to laundry and final holiday preparations. A visit from Aunt Ruth and Uncle G in the afternoon and wrapping gifts has consumed the rest of the day. Just now getting to straightening up my scrap space so I can get my crafty on and get caught up on Dec Daily and make a huge dent in my Freehand Scraps January Design Team Kit.

I will try to post some DD layouts before take a few days off to spend with the family.
Happy Holidays to all! May it be safe and healthy and full of J.O.Y.

December Daily 2011 | Day 10 Part Deux

Finally finished second page of Day 10:

Out of Order Again | December Daily Day 13

Ok. So just a quick to post of my Day 13 as I was inspired by this morning's series of unfortunate events! LOL (Read my journaling and it will all become clearer!)  ;)

December Daily 2011 | Days 7, 8, 9 and (Almost all of ) 10