Imitation and Inspiration

Sunday I was able to work on a project that was, again, inspired by a project I saw on Pinterest.  When I say it I couldn't wait to cut up the Ouiji board that has been hanging in the garage for a very long time.  I thought I was going to have to really sweet talk my husband into "donating" it to the cause and then into cutting it up.  Cut up a Ouiji board!  That has to be a really bad thing!  Why do you think I asked him to do it?  Thankfully, nothing bad happened.  He also had another one he preferred over this one so I was very lucky.  I am lucky...he is the most amazing man. 
So, back on topic.  Early on in my Pinterest adiction I saw the photo and then went to the site for these little houses.  I was immediatley facinated and couldn't wait to give it a shot.  It's kind of like making cards but these are a little more decorative.  Once these are completed I will attach a way to hand them.  They will be a nice piece to hang on a wall as they are a little too big and a lot to un-Christmas like to hang as an ornament unless you have a tree that stays up year round.  Do you?  I'd be jealous if you do! 
Like I said, I found the project on www.pinterest.com and if you click through you will find it takes you to  craftster.org but I accidently came across it on another blog site but now can't find it....darn.  But I was inspired and used her pieces for inspiration but found that I'm putting my spin on them as usual.  I liked her's a lot, especially the one with the skeleton on it (note the skull bead on one of them), but right now I vow not to purchase anything new until I use, repurpose, sort/organize, give away or throw away some of the "stuff" I've collected/hoarded, over the last year or so and so far I've been able to use what I have on these houses!  Yay! 
Hear are the first few.  I have about 7 more to do and I'm really having fun coming up with something a little different for each one.  Wish me luck on the rest.  I may need it.  Remember....this is a cut up Ouiji board!

Birthday Card

Wow!  Two postings in one week!  It's a miracle! 

I was just so excited about a card I created last night because, as I've said before, cards are not my favorite thing to do because they take me forever to plan and make and I usually look for inspiration for a long time before I ever even get started.  Most of my layouts are inspired by other cards I've seen (with the exception of my Valentines) and then I put my own spin on them and this card is no exception.  I had this wonderful pack of papers by Graphic45 (I actually use a lot of their papers) and I wanted to use the vintage look for a co-workers birthday card so I went to their website http://www.g45papers.com/ and found the paper I wanted to use and there was a small gallery of examples of other peoples work.  I borrowed the layout I found there of a card made by Cheryl Nyboer and, as usual, put my spin on it.  I was very happy with the end product and thought I would share it with you!  Happy Friday all and Happy Birthday to my co-worker Bonnie!

Winter Whimsies

I had taken some pictures of Valentines I made this month and thought I'd get them uploaded here.  Little did I realize that pictures I had taken at Christmas were still on my camera!  Yikes!  I need to get back on my game.  My pictures mean a lot to me but I've just not been real interested in doing what's right with them.  So, it's time for me to get back on the ball!
December was so busy and I did make quite a few Christmas gifts, most of which I did not take pictures of.  I was making and wrapping in the same breath!  I am a huge fan of Pinterest and a lot of the ideas come from there. I'm inspired almost daily and am so very addicted.  I don't think there is a day that goes by when I'm not spending at least a few minutes on the site.   What is Pinterest you say?  It's an online bulletin board where people "Pin, Like or Comment" on postings that others have found.  The pins and likes can be saved to your own bulletin board for review later.  I currently have over a thousand "likes" and have created several of my own boards and actually have several people "following" the pins and boards I have created.  Give it a try at www.pinterest.com and if you need some direction send me an email at kharen@comcast.net and I'll help you start getting around! 
So I'm posting some pics taken between December 2011 and February this year as well as the afore mentioned Valentines which I am actually quite proud of.  The flowers on some of them came from a technique I learned at a Sassy Chic card making class.  My folded/accordian type flowers still need some work but I'll keep trying.  I may have to break down and buy Tim Holtz's die that makes the strips already scored.  Should make them so much easier.  A few pictures of family at Christmas time and from my daughter and nephews combined 25th birthday party.  They grow so fast!

Christmas count down! 5,....4....3...2...

A wonderful day of shopping and people watching in Fort Collins with my husband and my sister.  A few more gifts taken care of but still not 100% done but almost there.  Yes, I am a procrastinator.  I do not like to shop!  I know, right?  A girl that doesn't like to shop.  Un-heard of! I did almost 90% of my shopping last year on Amazon!  Nope....not kidding.  I will give them credit.  Everything came early and in good shape.  Not one item had to be returned. 
On that note if you are a last minute shopper and would like a unique gift I still have several of my wall hangings for sale.  If you are in Greeley I would be happy to deliver.  If you are in Ft. Collins, Loveland, etc. I'd be happy to meet you 1/2 way.  They have a strip across that back that will assist you in hanging them.  I can give you suggestions on what to use! 
Each piece is unique.  No two are alike.  I use upcycled and vintage material, jewelry and jewelry pieces, found and flea market purchased items, handmade paper and hand-me-ups.  Each has a touch of love built into it.  I've learned a lot along the way and know that I still have more to learn!  If you look at some of my older posts you'll see my favorite foursome.  They each have something that coordinates with the others and would look beautiful if they were placed together in close proximity.

Here are some pictures of my work.  If you are interested you may contact me at kharen@comcast.net, leave me your phone number and which piece or pieces you are interested in.  I can't wait to hear from you!

New computer 1, Me 0

I had hoped that my new Dell would get me back on track but it kept shutting down!  I couldn't get much accomplished.  So, here I am with new computer #2...an Asus.  I know...never have heard of it before but so far so good and I am able to publish a few more cards.  I still need to get my fabric collage piece on here...maybe sometime this weekend.

Back up and ready to share!

Finally!  I have a working computer and can start posting and sharing again!  I have created a few projects and even tried my luck at a craft show (along with my very supportive sister).  I didn't have much luck...sold a couple of small pieces that I created awhile back...I even had them up at my office and grabbed them last minute!  My sister was the lucky one!  She brought her handmade cards and sold almost everything she brought with her.  I was so proud of her.
I should have kept a written journal to try enable me to remember what I've been working on but instead I guess I start fresh.  Fresh is good!  A clean slate.  Plus this would be the longest post ever if I played catch up.
I guess the biggest thing that has happened since I last posted anything is that I started a new job!  I work for a wonderful, family owned funeral home!  Yep...a funeral home (or service as we refer to it).  I am the Business Support Admin so mostly office work but I love working with our families when I get the opportunity.  I have very support and big hearted co-workers and we are a great team!  We have a great mix of experience and rookie-ness.  It keeps us all on our best game.  And our owners are the best!  Can you tell I love where I work?  I do!
So, crafting has gone back to a loving hobby and I do miss being able to just pop down to my private sanctuary and not have to worry about spending to much time there but I have done what I can.
I have put together a few more collages and have created several cards over the last few months so I will post a few here as I get the pictures uploaded but here are a couple of cards.  I'm loving Steampunk inspired items and have started small with cards. 

It's good to be back blogging, crafting, and yes....working;  and I even found a new really bad habit....Pinterest!  If you haven't checked it out you should!  But, be warned.  It's very addictive!

Creation out of Desperation

A couple of years ago I re-purposed a couple of straw hats for a birthday party with a hat theme. I received so many compliments that I thought maybe I could make them and sell them? How many times have we all said that! Did I make more hats? Nope. Oh well. But, that left me with an emergency supply to be able to create a hat to wear at a Mother's Day Tea my daughter put together for today.

Inspired by the Facinators at the Royal wedding my daughter also wanted to create something to wear and I think she created a very cute piece.

And, as I've said before, I am not the best at making cards but I think my Mothers Day cards came out pretty well. And this time I made five of them in less than two hours. Must be some kind of record!

Happy Mothers Day!