Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy 2014

For a happy New Year, just stick to some simple and basic rules. Have faith in yourself and your abilities. Count your blessings before you cry on your misfortunes. Learn to take each day one at a time. Create opportunities for yourself for quitting is never an option. Above all accomplish all you take under your wings - never abandon without completion.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Our Christmas Celebrations have finished.  A quiet couple of days planned to recuperate from a minor bleed in my eye causing temporary vision issues and then on to face the New Year.
This past year we lost 2 very special members of our family, my dad in August and Arthur's dad in November.  We continue to grieve the loss of Granny a couple of years ago.
It has been a difficult couple of years but we have many things to look forward to in 2014. 
Aaron prepares to enter University and is busy with a very difficult Semester but next one will be much less stressful for him.   He continues his involvement with MedVents and hopes to pick up his voice lessons again in  February.
Jenna is doing well in school and will get back to skating in the New Year after missing her "Baby Blues" dance test due to an injury.
Arthur continues to deal with his father's death as executor of his estate and still enjoys his job.
I am continuing on my weight loss journey and had a very successful 2013 thanks in part to an at work group through Weight Watchers.  I am feeling much better and have an extensive wardrobe I can now fit into again.
Aside from minor issues we have enjoyed a year of health.
Aaron. Jenna and I were fortuante to have been able to visit the Big Apple and spent 10 days in New York City seeing the things I always wanted to see.
Not sure what 2014 will bring us be we wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

My house is covered in glitter.

Have been feeling a little blue the last few days.   Had yet another death in the family so decided it was time to do something creative.

This tree is not new but I really liked the one Nicole did for our Treats and Treasures at work.  I didn't win it so decided to make my own for my office..
Used 6 wire coat hangers as the frame, a set of 100 mini lights, a green garland, a pink garland and silver ornaments to complete my look.
Then because all my other decorations are in traditional colours, I needed something to go with my tree.
I found a wreath frame with silver garland at Dollarama, picked up some ornaments and set to work.
My daughter banned me from using the glue gun as in the first few minutes I had blisters from the hot glue. Anyway we had fun together.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Halloween door decoration using my Cricut and .svg files

Completed the cutouts from Misskatecuttables and they are so cute.   I have the small Cricut so resized the files to cut on a 6 X 12" mat.  The haunted house I cut in 2 parts with the roof section and the bottom section separate.  The gray roof pieces covered the seam.  Can't wait to take these to work to decorate my door there.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

svg cittting files freebie of the day plus others at reasonable price

Miss Kates Cuttables has a freebie of the day .svg file that I can use with Sure Cuts a Lot 2 and my Cricut machine.  She also has adorable sets for sale at a very reasonable price.  Can also use .svg files with Silhouette machines.

Friday, October 18, 2013

I don't know where the time has gone

I guess life got in the way and my time for crafting took a backseat to family stuff.  That is all resolved now and I can get back to creating instead of just looking for ideas to create.
Off today to Scrapfest in Oshawa with a couple of good friends for some fun and fellowship.  Its a beautiful day for a roadtrip and who knows what we will discover along the way.
Stay tuned for some projects as I plan to start taking some more time for the things that keep me sane

http://www.scrapfest.ca/

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Oh no what did I start

Whenever I start a reorganization project there comes a point when I wonder what I started.  My craftroom is currently a disaster area.   I had the bright idea of switching the placement a desk from one wall and moving a storage unit with a shelfing unit on top on another wall.  All in an attempt to make my workspace more usuable.   I will get there eventually but right now it seems an undaunting task which I really don't want to get started on.
Oh well, a cup of coffee and some breakfast might help give me the kickstart I need.   Lets hope.  I'll post pictures of my space when it is completed.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Approaching the end of 2012

As we approach the end of 2012, I can almost say we made it through.  There were many rocky moments along the way but with the love of family and friends we have survived! 
Following our life altering tragic accident in September 2011 which took the life of our Mum and Granny,  and my dad's fall in December 2011, which brought the reality of Lewy Body Dementia and its effects into focus, there were many pieces of life that had to be put back together.  We have had to sort out our new reality and although there are many things we would like to have had different, there are reminders all around us that we can't go on without the love of those that we find supportive. I have been reminded it is often the little things like  a card, " I love you mom", or "I'm so glad to see you"  that make it all worthwhile.
Our extended family continue to stay close and see each other as often as we can.   I must admit friends have been neglected as we struggle with trying to maintain some sort of equilibrium and that is something I would like to change in 2013.   I know many of them face their own struggles and challenges and I have not been as supportive as I would have liked.
Arthur started a new job and I returned to work after we recuperated from our injuries.  Aaron spent a month of the summer in Kenya helping build the foundation of a hospital addition.   Jenna started high school and is enjoying it.
We have many things to look forward to in the coming year and so many wonderful people to share it with.  Here's hoping you find comfort and happiness in 2013.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Thanks Lizz for the inspiration.  It was so quick and easy to do.
It took more time to gather the materials than to put it together.  Just used a grapevine wreath and some pipe cleaners.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Lewy Body Dementia Awareness Bracelets

I did a web search for Lewy Body Dementia bracelets and all that I could find were Alzheimers and Parkinson's Awareness Bracelets.


Lewy Body Dementia is the 2nd most common dementia after Alzheimers but almost no-one knows what it is.  Since we are living with it with my Dad, Jenna and I thought it would be appropriate to create our own bracelets for some very special people in our lives.  We combined the silver for Parkinsons with  the blue from Alzheimers and added forget me not flowers and a heart. 
We still have some supplies so if you would like to help us in our awareness campaign let us know.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Fairy tale friends

I think this stamp set is from Hero Arts.  I purchased it when I was planning to do a fairy tale castle book for Jenna but she is now 14 and I don't think she would enjoy it now as much as when I originally planned to do it.  Anyway a fun image to colour.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Love his Fairy Stamp

I love this Fairy stamp so much I purchased it twice.  I passed one set to a friend so she can enjoy her as much as I did.

Thank you card

I've had this stamp set for years and its the first time I have used it.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Another favourite retired Stampin Up Set

Still having fun using forgotten stamps, papers and embellishment with our new Copic Markers

another baby card

This baby card uses one of my favourite retired Stampin Up sets.  I haven't used him for a while but I'm sure he'll make a comeback in my most frequently used stamps.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Baby Cards

Jenna and I have been playing with our new Copic Markers to colour some forgotten stamp images.    I used Sure Cuts a Lot software with files I downloaded from http://fam-bjork.se/monicas-hobbysida/en_craft_robo_misc_3.html      to cut the lacey mats.   Embellishments purchased at the dollar store finished off the cards.   I will post some other examples in the next few days.
These cards used the same image from a Close to My Heart Easter set.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Happy Birthday to a very dear friend.
Wish big Eliz.  Hope you have a
wonderful day.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

We have a new favourite toy or should I say toys.  Jenna and I have discovered Copic Markers and have rediscovered some of our neglected stamps sets as well.  The alchohol markers come in over 300 colours and blend really nicely.  Makes colouring fun again.   We are also using our Cricut digital cutter and Sure Cuts a Lot Software to make custom mats for the images.  Will share some cards we have made when completed.