Fiber Bubble: July 2011

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Mixin' it Up in the Bubble

Number four in the series of requested Christmas cards for friend Mary Lee...

I decided to mix it up by combining both my fiber addictions - paper and fabric. How fortuitous for me that now all my fibers are located in one location! A tape gun, some thread, a sewing machine, scissors, cardstock, fabric, design paper, and a cup of coffee...now THAT is what I call a GOOD morning!

Christmas Star

~Base card - PaperTrey Ink Kraft cardstock
~Layer of Bazzill Pickle textured cardstock - edges distressed (roughed up using the edge of metal ruler)
~Layer of My Mind's Eye Signature Christmas by Jen Wilson (it is the delicious left-over from the previous card)
~Bottom left corner is the same design paper torn - the torn edge inked with Distress Ink Peeled Paint
~Star - free form cut - layer of Bazzill Pickle textured cardstock with three layers of fabrics from the scrap basket - all stitched together leaving the tails of gold thread
Challenges
Just for Fun - soft and gentle fabric or fiber
Just Us Girls - use fabric
Come and Get It - anything goes
Dream Valley - surprise (tendril threads)
I Did it Creations - let's dance (stars 'dance' in the sky)
Bling it On - anything goes

Thanks for clicking by,
Nancy in Iowa

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Whackin' and Whittlin'

Since there was drying time involved with the previous card I worked on card number three for Mary Lee. This is probably what, in the quilting world, we would call a 'cheater' card. This is what happens when you buy cardstock that is actually created for scrapbooking. Large images that won't fit on a card...what do you do? I'm not about to start scrapbooking just to use them up - so I whacked it down to size! It was really 'difficult' to do because the cardstock was so yummy. But...with a deep breath, a slice with the paper cutter, and crossed fingers that my 'vision' wouldn't end up in the trash...I managed to accomplish the task.

12" x 12" Santa was whittled down to fit a 51/4 " square card - a few simple embellishments - and HO HO HO - a card! The sparkle areas (hair, beard, upper right curve) were already part of the cardstock.

Santa Slice
~Base card - PaperTrey Ink Kraft cardstock
~Design paper - My Mind's Eye Signature Christmas by Jen Wilson
~Button (in real life it really does match the background of the Santa)
~Satin and sheer ribbons
~Three metal brads
Challenges
Frosted Designs - circles
Stampin' B's - use ribbon
Craft Us Crazy - anything goes
Our Creative Corner - red and aqua
Allsorts - free and easy
Totally Gorjuss - Christmas in July
Southern Girls - photo inspiration

Thank you for clicking by,
Nancy in Iowa

Christmas Heat

You would think that working on Christmas cards would put a chill in the air, some frost on your toes and nose - but alas, it is still hot, muggy, humid, and generally miserable outdoors. Good thing I'm indoors! I'm hiding out in 'my fiber bubble' - working on Christmas card requests. This is the second card in a series of five ( or was it six?) that friend Mary Lee requested.

Detail of wreath

Detail to show 3-D

Holly Wreath

~Base card - PaperTrey Ink Pure White

~Four different strips of a Daisy D's holiday collection - attached to Bazzill Classic Yellowgreen cardstock then embossed using Cuttlebug Divine Swirl embossing folder - raised swirls smudged with green inks using an Inkssentials blending tool

~Digital image (a freebie) from Bird's Cards, printed on Paper Temptress Cryogen White, colored with Copics, highlighted with Stampin' Up Crystal Effects, and dotted with Stickles Candy Cane - attached using 3-D foamies

~Plaid Christmas ribbon

Challenges

Crafty Catz - Christmas in July

Fussy and Fancy - Christmas in July

Craft Us Crazy - anything goes

PolkaDoodle - anything you would find in an English garden (holly)

Eat, Sleep, Stamp - sketch

My Creative Moments - sparkle

Thank you for clicking by.

Nancy in Iowa

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Pining for a Muse

I admit I've been in a card-making slump. A dear friend, Mary Lee, has requested some Christmas cards. Nothing like a to-do list to provide some motivation!

I decided to put a few fabric scraps to work with her first card. I'm also trying out a 'clean and simple' tactic. I really like 'CAS' cards when I see them but am rarely able to pull off the concept. I always pull out the design paper and start layering. This time I let the homespun kraft cardstock serve as the stage for this fabric pine tree.

Pining for Christmas
~Base card - PaperTrey Ink - kraft cardstock
~Tree - three pieces of hunter green fabric, one piece of gold and one piece of brown fabric
~Sentiment printed (using Alergian font) on kraft cardstock with the edges 'roughed up' and attached using 3-D foam dimensionals

Challenges and Inspirations
Christmas Inspirations - anything goes
Creative Inspirations - Christmas in July
Creative Inspirations Paint - Christmas
Designed 2 Delight - Christmas
Polka Doodles - Christmas in July
Simply Create - Christmas time
Delightful Challenges - Christmas in July
Creative Belli - Christmas in July
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - Christmas in July
Digi Doodles - clean and simple
Sassy Studio Designs - clean and simple

Thank you for clicking by,
Nancy in Iowa

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Wired!

One day I came home in a rage. For some reason I had worn an underwire bra that day. I'd tell you I don't like underwire wire anything but that would fall under the category of TMI! Who's brilliant idea was it to include metal in undergarments...didn't they go out of 'fashion' sometime is in the middle ages? Additionally - this slice of 'titanium' hardly qualifies as WIRE - more like a BLADE!

Anyway, back to my undies fury...I removed the offensive and offending item and tossed it in the garbage. As I gave it a good fling - I thought - 'too bad that damn thing is so uncomfortable because it really is very pretty'. So I did what any crazed, rib-bruised, crafter with a pair of scissors would do (que the slasher genre movie music...). I chopped off the lace, the bow, the satiny straps, and even hooks. The wires went unceremoniously (okay...not so unceremoniously...I think I remember trying unsuccessfully to fold, spiral, and bend the industrial strength rods of discomfort...). The other pieces, for some odd reason, I thought of as having 'potential' ended up in the craft room.

I have two very supportive sisters and because they were on my mind I decided to make a card using this bra stamp from Stampin' Up. Then it hit me! Wonder of wonders - I had bra parts! I used the lace from the bra as a background for the stamp. Whhhhoooooot! Now THAT's what I call a WONDER BRA!

Berry Supportive
~Base card - Papertrey Ink Berry Sorbet
~Layer of Berry sorbet covered with lace
~Iridescent ribbon (transfer of crap from my mother's house) (it was too wide so I folded and taped it)
~Stamp by Stampin' Up - colored with Copics
Challenges
Sparkles Forum - elegance and lace
Digi's with Attitude - anything goes
Joyful Stamper - anything goes
Stamping with Brenda - clean and simple sketch
Cupcake Inspirations - photo
Emerald Faerie - girly
Annabella Stamps - say it with circles
Totally Paper Crafts - girly girl

Thank you for clicking by.
Nancy in Iowa

Monday, July 4, 2011

Literal Interpretations!

I thought I should quickly post something so you don't think I fell off planet earth or drowned in the incessant flooding!

This card was a request from my sister Gail. While recuperating from surgery a dear friend, Mary Lee, was the designated driver for my sister's trips to physical therapy. Gail called me one day and said, "I'm going to need a card to thank Mary Lee for hauling my ass all over town!" I don't think she thought I would be quite so literal with her request - but I just make 'em like I hear 'em! I knew immediately what I was going to create and to do it I needed the artistic talents of two of my favorite designers! Don't you just love it when the details for a card come together like some mystical incantation has been placed on all the proper pieces to gather and just the right embellishments...not sure if I'm thinking "Night on Bald Mountain" or "Harry Potter"....oh well the card seems to work - magic or no magic!

This isn't my first experience using Mo Manning's Bethie series - this is the first time I've ever combined artists on one card.

Thanks for Hauling My Ass Around
~Design paper - from the stash
~Combination of artist images: Meljens (donkey) and Mo Manning (Bethany/wagon/sign template) colored using Copics
~Donkey and sign on the wagon are fussy cut and attached using dimensionals
~Thank you stamp from Michael's dollar bin
Challenges
Stamps R Us - there was a little girl theme
One Stitch at a Time - use a digi
Catch the Bug - anything goes
Craft Your Passion - anything goes
Make it Monday - anything goes
Sentimental Sundays - anything goes
Southern Girls - childhood memories
Just Us Girls - sketch
Play Date Cafe - color inspiration
Do You Stack Up - square

Here are the two other cards I made using Mo Manning's Bossy Bethie.

Thanks for clicking by.

Nancy in Iowa

Random Musings

Why must I always test my vacuum cleaner cord? I know full well it will NOT reach those final 3 inches! It shows ME who is boss by ALWAYS unplugging itself from the outlet.
"Look and see" is NOT a redundant phrase when said to my dear husband.
Dear Genome Project: What is up with the male gender dish washer loading abilities?
I parked next to a 'Smart' car today. I've seen shoes bigger than this!
My mother writes her initials in the corner of her 'hankies'. What?
The closest thing to scrapbooking I've done: rearranging the photos and magnets on the refrigerator.
Bucket Priority: plan a 3/5's holiday
Bucket list: get Copic Certified
A maternal mirroring moment: you realize you have become your mother when you notice you have like items rubber-banded together in your purse.
Remind me why I live in an area that has cattle warnings two out of four seasons.
If I were to be on a design team I would like to help determine the challenges. A "no repeat" challenge list...now that WOULD be challenging - but FUN!
Never listen to an Ellen Degeneres comedy routine while using Copic markers...you will surely color out of the lines!
Why is bra singular whereas panties are plural?
Ahhh light at the end of the tunnel...your name is Graduation!
"Don't worry about that. I'm very maternal and Albert is practically a breast. ~ Armand (The Bird Cage)
Did you know that Clorax Wipes are NOT "to be used as a diaper wipe or for personal cleansing?" REALLY????
Ugggghhhh....the angst of cutting into my hoarded, double-sided, lucious design paper! Which side to use... Why can't one side just be ugly?
Best restroom EVER? Jerome's Old School Diner, Townsend, GA. Totally camera-worthy!
I can't believe I take a camera with me to restrooms...
Can't believe I've been blogging since July 2009. Who knew I was so chatty?
What makes a series of dots on paper or fabric - Polka Dots?
"Tax the Stupid People" ~ Edina Monsoon (Absolutely Fabulous episode)
Always visit the restroom if you are dining at Speeds' in Shellman Bluff, GA. And take your camera with you!
Soul Searching Question of the Day: Why do I blog?
I can't believe that I, sometimes, actually sit and click "next blog...next blog...next blog". I need to get a LIFE!
"Guess what I wear for a hat...a lentil." Marcel the Shell (You Tube)
Dear Apple, I am now officially addicted to my iPad. I hope you are happy!
Elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist, touch your pearls and blow a kiss.
NEVER give an insomniac an iPad to play with.
I need to learn to Copic color with my indoor voice instead of my OUTDOOR voice. I can't seem to get the hang of subtle coloring.
"What's another word for thesaurus?" - Steven Wright
"It's so FLUFFY, I'm gonna DIE!" Agnes - Despicable Me
Pine-Sol. Smells more like 'sol' than pine. I dislike it very much.
Dear Flip Flops, I'm going to miss you. See you next summer. That is all.
Dear Muse: Don't fail me now!
I have "Rock A Bye My Baby" with Judy Garland singing stuck in my head - not a bad song to be stuck with.
Is there a polite way to tell an over-achieving gardening friend, "No I don't want your home-grown zucchini! It's larger than a line-backer's thigh!"?
"SHELLMAN BLUFF (GA). Not a place for Fast lane folks. Ain't got no red lights. No 4-lanes. We move slow here. Try it—good for your health.", Speeds Menu
SUX...believe it or not is my hometown's official FAA airport designation.
Rolling the waist-band on your school uniform...ahhh high school memories.
Shepard's Pie? No thanks I'll pass.
I survived having Kleenex bobby-pinned to my head. (The nun's version of a make-shift 'chapel veil'.)
I really dislike blogs that have auto-play music.
Does Celestial Tea REALLY save all that much money by NOT including a STRING on their tea bags???? What is UP with that?!
Too bad stress doesn't burn calories - I'd be the size of a Polly Pocket.
I need to get more organized.
Just had a conversation about boiling as a method of preparing Hot Dogs for a meal.
"What's for supper?" "Corn on the Cob" "No I mean what's for supper"? "Corn on the cob." "Ok, I understand we are having corn on the cob with supper - but what is FOR supper?' CORN on the COB!!!
"Muses work all day long and then at night get together and dance." ~Edgar Degas
Never pass up a chance to eat at the Old School Diner, Townsend, GA.
If I were queen of the cosmos? Computers would start up just like a light bulb...
Does blogging get easier?

Buwahhahahah! College Student Quotes!

New Alum: When I get married I want to have 9 babies. Me: You want 9 children? Alum: Yes. All born in the same year. Me: So you are saying you want to father a litter. Alum: Litter? No. I want a baseball team. Me: Would you consider 9 babies over - say - the course of 3-4 years? Alum: (furrowed brow/hesitation) I suppose I could deal with that. Me: You do realize you don't even have a girlfriend yet. Alum: I've had girlfriends. The 9 babies clause seems to be a deal breaker for some reason. Me: How do you feel about tennis?
Biology Major: "I had my first day in the cadaver lab today." Me: "Oh? And what was it like?" Student: "The morgue must have had her on her stomach because her breasts were kinda squished on to her sides." Me: "Maybe you should retake physics." Student: "Why?" Me: "One word...gravity." Student.....(wait for it....wait for it...imagine a light bulb above his head....the light bulb turns on..."Oh. OH! Really?" Me: "How was theology class?"
"When they put the name above your first classroom door - you know you really have a 'big girl' job"
"We know when you close the blinds on your office door window that 'Sh!t just got real' and we shouldn't bother you."
"Raisin cookies that look like chocolate chip cookies are the main reason I have trust issues."
Me: "You have on one green sock and one pink sock." Student: "Life is too short to sort socks."
"I'm too young to be this broke!"
"I love college! Except for the reading. I really don't like to read. I hate it when we have quizes. Oh and I really don't like doing research. And I really don't like to write papers. Other than that I love college!"
"We going to start our Saturdays really early - we're getting up at 9 AM."
"I'm going to join the military so I don't have to write a re'sume'."
"What's on my bucket list? I want to sneak a really big wad of gum into a girl's long hair."
"When they put the name above your first classroom door - you know you really have a 'big girl' job"
"We know when you close the blinds on your office door window that 'Sh!t just got real' and we shouldn't bother you."