Craftola

Out of the Crafting Mode...for the Moment....Ganglion Cyst

2011-10-29T18:36:00.001-05:00

I had surgery on Thursday to remove the "Growth" on my left wrist.(AND, I'm left-handed!) Yes, after 15 years of annoying pain and unsightliness, I elected to have my pesky ganglion cyst removed.
I don't mean to sound like a whiney-hiney, but this keeping my arm elevated with a heavy cast and not being able to lift or move anything is getting old...quick! The arm itself is not THAT painful, but more of a pain in the "you know what" to follow Doctor's orders!
I will be off work and out of the crafting scene until Thanksgiving. So unlike me, not having 3 projects going at once, but its necessary for the healing. Happy Healing to me and Happy Halloween to YOU! :>)

What's for Supper?

2011-10-23T14:57:00.000-05:00

October has been an uber busy month, as always! With Birthdays, Pumpkin Patches to visit, Halloween Parties and town Festivals, it seems there is always something to do!!!

On this day, I'm taking it pretty easy, sitting in my recliner with my yarn and hook, working on a particularly complicated lace scarf. To avoid the Sunday evening question, "What's for Supper?", I put some chicken breasts in the crock pot to cook and I'm going to make Chicken Kisses.

If you click on the link, you can see how easy Aimee's recipe is. I think it will really hit the spot on this cool Autumn evening. Of course, I'll have to make some mashed potatoes to go with all the gravy and creamy goodness! Thanks to Aimee for sharing this and many other delicious recipes!

Halloween Rag Quilt COMPLETED! (Yay for Me!)

2011-10-06T18:43:00.000-05:00

I finally completed the Halloween Rag Quilt today!!!! Got up extra early this morning to finish clipping the last 2 rows 'cause I wanted to get it finished in time to ENJOY it this season. The finished quilt measures a little under 5 foot by 5 foot (due to slight shrinkage during the washing today). It just started to "rag out" on the first wash and dry in the following pictures. Can't wait until the seams get the wonderful chenille-like softness...

I'm pleased...hope you like it, too!

Here's more of a close up:

"Owl" Keep You Warm!

2011-10-04T19:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Daughter's Birthday is right around the corner and she wanted a pair of cheery owl slippers which had really caught her eye. So.... being the dutiful mother I am, I decided to make her a pair. It was a real "hoot" when the newest Opus-Gluei challenge happened to be Owls. These are made from plain ol' Red Heart yarn, some scraps of Simply Soft and a size G crochet hook. A fun project, in my opinion!

The Cat in the Quilt....Halloween Rag Quilt

2011-09-24T15:34:00.000-05:00

I am double posting today, but as I said earlier, I really get my "craft" on in the Fall. I have been working on a Halloween Rag Quilt and finished sewing the blocks together this afternoon. I took a break from clipping seams and when I turned around, my little Blue-eyed cat had jumped up on my work table and curled up on it to take a snooze. Oh well, it will have to be washed 2 or 3 times anyway to rag out the seams. She does look kinda cute laying there.

Whole Lotta Craftin' Goin' On! Halloween Altered Bag Book...

2011-09-24T15:26:00.000-05:00

Fall rejuvenates me. Its this time of year that I really get my "craft" on and start making things I couldn't bring myself to start during the hot, lazy days of summer.

Thought I'd share my recently finished Halloween Altered Bag Book. I posted a 2 page spread earlier of the "Little Witches Dancing" and thought I'd show the rest of the book completed.

This is the cover. I used masking tape and several painting techniques before doing the Mod Podge transfer method for the image.

Here's another 2-page spread of just some random stuff I thought would look nice at the time.

I really like the crow and the Ouji Board idea that I saw in another Halloween Book on a search - yes, its NOT my original idea, but what the heck.... Thanks to the person who did think of it!!!!!

Here is the last page. By the time I was here, I just wanted to finish it. I already had the image, so just glued it in and added a few embellishments. I do seal all of the pages with either Mod Podge or clear acrylic spray for protection.

Hope you like it! It was fun to make.

Ready for Fall... A Pumpkin Hat

2011-09-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

I must admit, I'm ready for Fall. After the long, hot summmer, Autumn brings the promise of cooler days and crispy evening temperatures. For his first trip to the local Pumpkin Patch next month, I made my little grandson this cute crocheted pumpkin hat. It fits him perfectly and he loves the bright orange color!

I used Peanutz Mom's pattern, only I used a "G" sized hook instead of an "H". I thought the larger hook would render a hat too large and I was correct. The G hook was perfect for him. This is a "very do-able in an afternoon" project, so maybe you'll get inspired to bring out your hooks and yarn to make a little one in your life a Pumpkin Hat, too... Enjoy!

Little Witches Dancing... Altered Halloween Book

2011-09-13T19:24:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd share a two-page spread from the altered Halloween bag book I'm currently working on. Originally thought I'd use 3 plain brown paper bags for the book (12 pages), but now I'm leaning toward only using 2.

Pictures forthcoming of the finished product!

Inspired...

2011-09-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

Once again, I was inspired last week while "blogging" around. So inspired, I actually made a trek to the local kitchen linen store AND the fabric place. The source of my inspiration was this uber cute Halloween kitchen towel! Being the practical person I am, I opted for Autumn prints so they can be used until Thanksgiving. Hopeful they will be finished by next weekend. ( Have another busy week coming up! )

cANdY CoRN cRAzY

2011-09-11T09:59:00.001-05:00

With cooler weather approaching, I just HAD to make this cute candy corn hat for my little 7 month old grandson! The pattern I used can be found here. I did make one change to the pattern to make it a little bigger...on the 8th row, I increased 4 stitches evenly spaced, as the pattern was sized for a newborn. Can't wait for him to try it on later today. Sure hope it fits!

BUT, I couldn't stop with just a candy corn hat! With all of the orange, yellow and white yarn left, I was called to make something else. So, back to, what else? COASTERS! Here for your viewing pleasure and crafty inspiration, I share my candy corn coasters. Enjoy!

Halloween Blog Candy Give Away!!!!!

2011-08-31T11:45:00.001-05:00

Kris Dickinson over at "A Nostalgic Halloween"
is having a give away on September 6, 2011. I don't know about you, but I would love to win one of these packages! Go on over and check out her lovely nostalgic Halloween altered art-collage work and get inspired!

Deconstructed Tee Shirt with Rosettes

2011-08-28T16:46:00.000-05:00

A while back my daughter and I spent a happy, crafting afternoon decontructing a t-shirt. We started with a Men's white, short sleeved T-Shirt, a tie dye kit (available at Hobby Stores or Wal-Mart), scissors, needles and thread. Basically, we dyed the t-shirt(gradiated), cut away the neck, sleeves and some length from the bottom. Then we cut the scraps into strips to make the rosettes and embellishments. The fun part for us was custom fitting the neckline to our taste while trying it on and hand sewing the rosettes with a twisting, woven motion. We also pinned in and used a sewing machine to make the waistline a more flattering "girly" fit. I was very pleased with the results... How about you?

Petticoat Tails?? Or Shortbread Cookies??

2011-08-28T10:04:00.003-05:00

I like to bake on Sundays. While having coffee this morning, I grabbed up one of my MIL's old cookbooks and while skimming through, I found this recipe for "Petticoat Tails". I guess I've lived under a rock, because I'd never heard of these shortbread cookies... so I did a Google image search and it's apparent these are a very popular cookie!

Anyway, here is the easy recipe from the "Country Inn and Bed & Breakfast Cookbook" (1955):

6 tablespoons sugar
2 1/2 cups flour
2 sticks butter or margarine

Blend sugar with flour, cut in butter until mixture holds together. Using a fork, pat into a round cake pan and chill overnight. (I think I'll try putting into the freezer for about an hour and bake same day!). Using a table knife, score 16 wedges into the top. Bake at 300 degrees until lightly golden. (About 20 - 25 minutes) Store in airtight container. Makes 16.

I can see how these buttery cookies resemble the edge of a petticoat, can't you? Enjoy...

Gray and Yellow Team Up!

2011-08-26T12:02:00.000-05:00

Gray and Yellow have always been one of my favorite color combinations. As a matter of fact, they were the colors I chose for my wedding! When I was looking around on different craft sites this morning, I ran across this lovely nursery ensemble. The website calls it a "Citron and Gray Nursery", but to me, it looks like bright yellow and gray. For any of you who like this as much as I do, you can find the complete tutorials and patterns for sewing these fab nursery accessories, as well as where to order the fabric HERE. Enjoy!

I'm Back...Well trying, at least!

2011-08-24T18:44:00.003-05:00

Hello Bloglanders,
I have decided to start blogging again about my creative endeavors. I hope this time around, I will be able to devote at least one entry a week here and also keep up with my other blog, DejaDoo. As well, I'd like to get back with my friends over at the Opus Gluei and join some of the fun with their weekly challenges!

I wanted to share a quick and easy little coaster I made today. I think the whole thing took 20 min. and that included picking out the yarn! To me, its like a cute little sun which should brighten up my coffee mug on a cold winter's morning. The pattern I found on a deep blog search and for the life of me, I can not get to where I was to find it. If I could, I would give all credit to the wonderful crocheter who shared it. I want to state that I did not design this pattern! AMENDED! Here is the link to the pattern, over at Yarnchick's Blog!

So if anyone is interested in having it, please leave a comment with your email and I will get back to you... Happy Crafting!

NEW BLOG!!!

2011-05-18T17:00:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Wanted to invite you all to stop by and check out my NEW blog. It might be your cup of tea, or maybe not. Anyhoo, here is the url...hope you'll follow me in this newest venture!!!

dejadoo.blogspot.com

Food for Thought Friday ~ Honey Lemon Cutouts

2010-11-19T17:33:00.006-06:00

Looked into Grandma's recipes tonight and found an interesting cookie recipe. This one is called "Honey Cut-Outs", torn from a newspaper. From the information surrounding it and the age of the paper I would say its from the Korean War Era. (1950's?)

I think this recipe would render an awesome cookie. Next time I'm in the mood to bake cookies, this is definitely one I will try! Here it is:

Honey Cut-Outs

Mix thoroughly 1/3 cup soft shortening, 1/3 cup sugar, one egg, 2/3 cup honey and one teaspoon lemon flavoring. Sift together and stir in 2 & 3/4 cups flour, one teaspoon soda and one teaspoon salt.

Chill dough.

Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Place 1 inch apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 for eight to ten minutes. Cool and decorate. Recipe makes about 5 dozen, 2 1/2 inch cookies.

Enjoy! Have a great weekend!!

(Picture Courtesy: A Cookie Project)

Fiber Art Scarves...The Saga Continues??

2010-11-16T16:30:00.002-06:00

My last post was about an adventure in making Fiber Art Scarves. Sunday, I had the whole day to "play" with the process and as yet, I haven't completed Scarf #1. There was a bit of measuring and cutting preparation before I could even begin adding the fibers to the Solvy. Once I had everything in place and pinned together, it was then time to do the endless sewing of the sandwiched layers on the machine. After 6 hours of non-stop work and two spools of thread, I felt like I should call it finished. Being so tired after all of that, I decided to take the scarf to work and do the soaking there. (Yes, being an Art Teacher, I have that luxury!)

But oh no, that didn't happen! Upon taking it out and inspecting it one last time, I decided "What the Heck"... I have some gold metallic thread, I'll just add some hand stitched embellishments before I soak off the Solvy. So folks, that is where I stand. The hand stitched embellishments are half-way finished. I hope to have the scarf completed on Friday. Have no fear, though. Pictures have been taken every step of the way and I will share these. In the meantime, wish me happy hands and creative thoughts!!!

Fiber Art Scarves

2010-11-13T12:46:00.003-06:00

Yippee! My order of Solvy Water Soluble stabilizer should be out for delivery today! DD and I have decided to make a few Fiber Art Scarves for Christmas presents this year. With two art teachers, two sewing machines and a yarn stash that spans over thirty years, I'm sure we can come up with some marvelous, one-of-a-kind scarves. The best part is we might have tomorrow to try the technique out!

In case some of you have never seen or heard of these before, they are a no knit/no crochet type of scarf that you sandwich between layers of the water soluble stabilizer, free stitch on the machine and soak the stabilizer away. This leaves a beautiful open and airy scarf that can be embellished with beading, embroidery or whatever...

I found an example/inspirational picture which I am posting today, here: http://www.nancydorian.com/gallery.html

I hope to post pictures of our works in progress and some final results when we embark on our adventure in Fiber Art Scarves. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Food for Thought Friday...

2010-11-12T18:00:00.004-06:00

Food for Thought Fridays might become a weekly thing...we'll see how the wind blows me on this. I was motivated to write this post after looking through my Grandmother's handwritten/newspaper cropped recipes which I was blessed to inherit so many years ago. Grandma was born in 1900 and some of these recipes are truly a treasure! Today I thought I'd share a very unusual recipe, at least it was for me, "Steamed Carrot Pudding". Judging from the coat advertisement on the back, I would say this one is from the 1930's. I did a google image search and actually found this picture on the http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Steamed-Carrot-Pudding website. You can check their recipe or go by the one I am posting below...

1 cup grated carrots

1 cup grated potatoes

1 cup raisins

1 cup sugar

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon soda

1/8 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix ingredients, pour into greased pudding mold. Cover tightly, steam 3 hours. Unmold and serve warm.

Quite interesting, as I never usually think of adding sugar to mashed potatoes and carrots. If anyone tries this out, please let me know!

Edible Thanksgiving Centerpiece

2010-11-11T12:45:00.002-06:00

With Thanksgiving approaching, many of us have already started thinking about the menu, tableware and decorations needed to host a Holiday Dinner. I wanted to post an edible treat which was a big hit at one of the Thanksgiving dinners I hosted. Its the breadstick cornucopia.

To me, the cornucopia represents our thanks for abundant food and the joy we receive from sharing our good fortune with family and friends. What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than to have an edible representation to share.

If you do an internet search you will find instructions to make one of your own. Hope this will inspire you to try one and share this edible Thanksgiving centerpiece.

The Trick is in the Treat!

2010-11-05T17:27:00.005-05:00

It was one of those nights this week....neither Hubby nor I wanted to cook and nothing ordered out sounded good to us. Thus, checking our pantry and fridge, THIS is what we had! The most scrumptious...the most fabulous.....chili-cheese fries!!!!!!!!!!

Granted, this is not the healthiest of food. I know this. Its loaded with salt, fat and God only knows what else, but on a cool Autumn evening when no one wants to cook, this is a real treat! Quick, easy and filling, it one of my favorite comfort foods. All you need is a bag of frozen french fries, a can of chili and some shredded cheese to create this fine trick of a treat. Are you hungry, yet?

Orange isn't just for Halloween!

2010-11-02T18:22:00.011-05:00

I read somewhere online that the hottest, new color combination is Orange and Aqua. If you stop and really think about it, orange alone is a pretty hot color. I LOVE the color orange (probably a hold over from the 1970's when it was used everywhere, including my first kitchen's walls!). To pair it with aqua....who knew? After a short google image search I found some really unique ideas that paired the two colors. The follow pictures can inspire a whole new dimension to your thoughts on the color pairing.... Enjoy the eye candy!

I love this party table setting.....can you imagine attending a dinner party with this lovely table available upon which to dine?-------------------------------->

<--------Look at the "pop" of chartruese in this tablescape....

Then, of course, you'd have to wear a matching dress for the party...

------------------------------->

It seems that the possiblities are endless on how orange and aqua can be used together to create a fun and lively color combination!

Halloween is Here!

2010-10-31T11:52:00.004-05:00

Happy Halloween 2010! I sure hope that everyone is having a very nice weekend. Here in my neck of the woods, there have been Fall Festivals, several parades, costume parties for adults and of course "Trick-or-Treat" night for the kids to shine in their cute costumes. It's sad for me to let October go, but November and December bring in all of the family gatherings, good food and another Season.

In case anyone is having a last minute Halloween party tonight, I found the most gruesome entree' idea. It's called the "Meat Hand" ~ actually a meatloaf shaped like a hand with onion slices for the nails and bone. The ketchup and sliced cheese on top give it a really gross appearance to say the least. I found the picture and the recipe over at http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2009/10/27/meat-hand/

I'm sure if you get past the shape, its a delicious meatloaf which would be a hit at any Halloween party! So with that in mind ~ Happy Halloween....BOO!

Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs...

2010-10-26T16:14:00.003-05:00

Okay, I don't know where I was when this recipe became popular back in the 80's, but I'm glad I ran across it today! With the Holidays approaching, I like to have a few breakfast recipes on hand to make for any over night guests who wake up hungry. They look to be an ideal sweet offering for a brunch. You can find the recipe at the Pillsbury Website. Enjoy!

Shawl Collar Baby Sweater...Finished!

2010-10-25T14:31:00.004-05:00

When I saw this shawl collared baby sweater, I KNEW I had to make one for my little grandbaby-boy, due to arrive in a few months. Its a Debbie Bliss Pattern that is available for FREE on Ravelry. What a fun and easy knit....I love the way the stockinette stitch curls on the sleeves and bottom, with the wide ribbing to finish the front. It was really hard for me not to add a 2x2 ribbing at the sleeve edge and bottom of the sweater, but the curled up edges add to the charm. The super huge button was a personal choice. ( It snaps, the button is sewn on top.)

I used Bernat Baby Coordinates in the Soft Blue color. I also chose to use size 8 (US) needles for the entire sweater, as the pattern called for size 7 for the ribbing. All in all, it was a very enjoyable knit. My only wish would be that it was available in adult sizes! Can't wait to see the little fella wearing it.... :>D

Outdoor Autumn Decorations

2010-10-23T11:36:00.005-05:00

Here is a picture of some of the outdoor decorations I put up for Autumn. The scarecrow in the picture is made from wood that was cut to shape which I painted and assembled. I added the embellishments to give the little guy a bit more personality. Unfortunately, I can't take credit for the bale of straw, the mums or the pumpkins and gourds... those were purchased at a local farmer's market. I hope it all holds up until the day after Thanksgiving!!

I'd love to hear about how others have decorated for fall. Enjoy the Season, everyone...

2010-10-15T17:09:00.004-05:00

I thought I'd share a pix of our tree in the front yard. It is one of the prettiest in the neighborhood, if not in our whole town, during this season. In honor of my favorite month of the year, here is a poem that expresses my sentiments about the month of October:

"October's the month
When the smallest breeze
Gives us a shower
Of autumn leaves.
Bonfires and pumpkins,
Leaves sailing down -
October is red
And golden and brown."
- Can Teach Songs

( Courtesy of http://www.egreenway.com )

Easy Halloween Crafting...Make a Candle Cozy!

2010-10-14T17:59:00.004-05:00

If anyone is looking for an easy Halloween/Fall Decoration to get their "craft on", this one is it! I loved making this one and its do-able in an evening. All you need are some different fall colors of felt, a needle, some thread, along with a few beads and buttons to construct one. In a short time you can create a Candle Cozy for your home or an Autumn gift.

Since a picture speaks a thousand words, I'll just show the picture. You can measure your particular candle's height and circumference to make up your own pattern. Use your imagination on the stitches and embellishments. Most of all, have fun with it!

Baby on the Brain!

2010-10-13T18:21:00.004-05:00

In case some of you haven't heard, I'm going to be a "Grandma"! This will be our first grandchild, so you can imagine how happy and excited we are. I've been so busy all summer and fall making little outfits, trimming receiving blankets and knitting little goodies for our first grandson. I saw a little tricycle diaper cake that would be perfect for the baby shower and had to share the idea. Isn't it cute?

If you are interested in how to make one of these, I found some basic instructions here:

http://www.baby-shower-ideas.org.uk/diaper-cake-instructions/tricycle-diaper-cake.htm

Soon I will post a pix of the yummy green cables and ribbon baby sweater FINISHED! One more sleeve to go and then it will be on to a Baby Blue sweater for my little grandson!

Gearing up for Halloween with Crafting...

2010-10-07T16:57:00.006-05:00

The Gals over at Opus Gluei fired me up this week with their Challenge....anything crafted for Halloween. I wanted to share a shadowbox decoration I made a while back to sit on my mantle during this Season. Using a 5" X 5" chunky pre-stretched canvas, some paint, vintage clip art and other bits, it was finally finished! I think it turned out really cute! I also used several coats of decoupage medium and a final coat of crystal glitter to give it a frosty look. Oh yes, the "frame" was made from a free yardstick that just happened to be a tiny tad wider than the chunky canvas, which was perfect for the shadow box effect. The fake leaves, gourds and pumpkins are epoxied to the frame.

Here it is:

Opus Gluei Challenge #74

Lasagna in Our Near Future...

2010-10-06T16:52:00.004-05:00

Lasagna is a favorite around our house. Unfortunately, I haven't taken the time to make the "real" thing for several years. When served around here anymore, its of the frozen variety offered at the local supermarket. So... as a special treat for my Daughter's birthday dinner this weekend, I told her I'd make a big batch of home made lasagna for the family's celebration. I'll serve it with split loaves of french bread drizzled with galic butter/shredded cheese and a simple tossed salad.

In case any of you are interested, I am posting the recipe that I always use and always with fantastic results. Enjoy!

Lasagna ~ Serves 8 - 10

Ingredients:
1 pound Hamburger or Italian Sausage
1 clove garlic, minced (or to taste)
1 tablespoon whole basil
1 tablespoon oregano
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 qt. Tomatoes
2 (6-oz) cans tomato paste
10 ounces lasagna noodles
2 eggs
3 cups Ricotta, cottage or feta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:
Brown meat slowly, spoon off excess fat. Add next 5 ingredients; simmer uncovered 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook noodles in large amount of boiling salted water till tender; drain; rinse. Beat eggs; add remaining ingredients, except mozzarella. Layer half the noodles in 13X9X2 inch baking dish; spread with half the Ricotta filling; add half the mozzarella cheese and half the meat sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 degrees F about (or assemble early and refrigerate; bake 45 minutes.) Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

(Recipe Courtesty of the Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook I recieved as a wedding gift 30 years ago!)

Knitting....Again!

2010-10-05T18:50:00.006-05:00

Once again, I picked up my needles to knit (not like I've ever really put them down!) Thought I'd share the newest project, a baby sweater. Yes, a baby sweater for my grand-baby in waiting!!! This will be our first grandchild and I can't wait to meet her/him. So, in the meantime, I've been sewing and knitting lots of yellow and green until we know for sure.

Here is my current project, a Cables and Ribbon pattern for a baby sweater I found on the internet. It's an easy knit, the cables are what slow me down. I started it last Thursday, so with only working on it an hour or two a day, I'm already to the point I can divide it into fronts and the back on holders. Hopefully, I'll have it finished in a couple of weeks. Love the yarn, Simply Soft....can't beat it for beautiful baby things.

October ~ My Favorite Month of the Year!

2010-10-03T14:51:00.005-05:00

Greetings to All!

Its now fall and after a few months of respite, I feel renewed; ready to join the blogging world once again! The Spring and Summer were a whirl-wind of activities and travel. I let my mind have a much needed rest after several months of work and intensive writing. This new season brings on a new revitalization in my psyche and my creativity. I have been working on many projects which I hope to share with everyone in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more posts... I'm back!!!!

Writing for Others....

2010-03-07T12:50:00.002-06:00

Please forgive my absence and lack of posts on my blog. Priorities shift and at this time I have been so busy writing for other people's blogs I have sorely neglected my own. I still do all the things I normally do: Crafting, Decorating, Cooking and all of it, but I have embarked on a new endeavor - being a free-lance writer.

I have found that being a free-lance writer is not only challenging but enjoyable for me. Learning new things everyday is a part of the job that I find the most interesting. The pay is nothing to write home about, but as I get closer to early retirement, I think that this will be one of the many things I will continue to do and relish.

My Mystery Party games have also been selling at an amazing rate. They have been well received all over the world and that creative side of my writing will be one that I continue to explore. Last year alone, I authored four of these scripts which take on average six to 12 weeks, each. That type of writing takes clever dialogue, interesting characters and reasonable outcomes to deduce the culprit.

I am not saying "farewell" but rather "I'll be back". I need to find a balance between my family, writing professionally, working full-time and all of my other interests. I'll be posting once in awhile in the future, but not on a weekly basis. I want to thank all of my faithful readers for staying with me...I have made many good friends from blogging and each are dear to me.

Enjoy the upcoming week and let's all hope "Spring has Sprung!".

Kathy

Belated Valentine's Dinner a Success!

2010-02-21T11:52:00.003-06:00

Wow was the word for our Red Hat Ladies' Valentine's Dinner last night. After trying to find a caterer to no avail (all were booked for weddings and bigger parties!), it was decided to cater it ourselves. With an Italian theme in mind, we served Italian beef, baked penne pasta, breads, garden salad, fresh shrimp, fruit platter and tons of desserts. The best part was having all of our spouses with us and dancing the night away to 70's and 80's music provided by the band playing in the public area. It was a wonderful evening of fun, friendship and frolic that none of us will soon forget.

(Photo courtesy: flickr.com/photos/38684070@N00/3385692754/)

Beef, Noodles and Winter...

2010-01-12T17:04:00.003-06:00

Why is it that winter and the colder weather always bring on the starch monkeys? Maybe its our bodies' way of adding a few extra calories to help keep us warm? No matter, nothing beats a big batch of beef and noodles to warm a tummy on a cold winter evening. I grew up on this dish and always serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans. Of course tonight is no different.

Mine aren't quite finished, but as I was looking for other's recipes, I ran across this website: http://meesosweetandspicy.blogspot.com/2008/04/moms-beef-noodles.html

She posted her mom's beef and noodles recipe, which was mighty close to the way I fix mine. Give me a bag of noodles, I will boil them into starchy goodness! Check out Meeso's recipe for beef and noodles. I thank her for posting it. Now on to the starch!

Anther day with Craftola

2010-01-10T15:51:00.004-06:00

It's been my promise to myself that I would be more obedient to my blog and that's what I'm trying to do in this New Year of 2010. The movie "Julie and Julia" made me think I should have a focus on this blog. Most of my posts have been rambling... random things of what I am doing, how the weather is, my crafts, writing and all of that stuph. But then again, all of that stuph is me. What to do?

So anyone out there that actually reads my blog, for the time being, I've decided to continue on with my random ramblings. Perhaps you might get inspired from a thing or two, get a giggle out of a pun or find something that you find truly interesting that I share. If I get inspired to blog about a specific subject, so be the will of the blog gods. Until then I will remain Craftola with all of my stuph to share!

Gooey Goodness!

2010-01-08T14:49:00.002-06:00

I have a secret. I am a closet chocolate-holic! Since I've been home the last two days because of the snow, yesterday was a baking day. It had been ages since I'd made a German chocolate cake with the traditional pecan and coconut frosting, so I decided to make cupcakes. Believe me, there is nothing more full of eewy-gooey goodness than these babies. The only thing I would have done differently would be to scoop out a little of the cupcake to fill it with some of that wonderful frosting...but unfortunately, I didn't have enough of it to do that. Next time I'll plan ahead! There's nothing like "comfort" food on these cold and snowy days. It makes you want to forget the calories and go for the gooey goodness that only a warm cupcake can bring. Are you hungry, yet?

(photo courtesty of http://www.slowtrav.com)

Big Love... As Only a Mother would Know

2010-01-02T15:43:00.008-06:00

I have been a fan of "Big Love" for many a year and upon seeing the new season episodes will be premiering in January, I remembered something... I received the whole set of previous episodes last year for Christmas! Do you think I could find them anywhere in the house? Not...

As it so happened, our daughter and her hubby stopped by for a visit this afternoon. In passing, I asked her if she might remember my Big Love gift from last Christmas. She told me that she had borrowed the whole set. (Which I'm sure she asked, but I had forgotten about it.) Mystery solved at last!

So in short, it takes a Mother to give up a never opened Christmas gift and let a daughter use it first. Now I'm waiting for her to bake us a cake using the "Big Top" cake pans which was one of the gifts I bought her for Christmas. But that's another story....

New Year's Resolution

2010-01-01T15:46:00.003-06:00

One of my New Year's resolutions is to try to keep up with my blog and post at least three times a week. I got so busy last summer, letting myself get out of the habit of frequent posting. I'm going to try really hard to get back into the swing of things.

Another resolution is to work on my mystery writing at least five hours a week. I have so many ideas and works in progress that I need to get myself structured to get them finished. I spent a lot of my free time in the last six weeks making Christmas gifts, baking and all of the general holiday preparations that I let that part of my creative side slide to the back burner.

Of course, there always the regular resolutions that many people make to themselves. Lose weight, eat healthier, live greener....those are on my list, too. I only hope the New Year will be good to me and help me keep my resolutions.

Happy New Year to All and may 2010 be your best year ever!

Cute Hat for Christmas

2009-12-20T15:33:00.003-06:00

My daughter asked me if I would make a last minute Christmas gift for a friend of hers at work ( for the 1 year old daughter of the friend) and I told her if she brought me a skein of yarn, I would gladly do it. When she brought me the yarn, I was dismayed that it was a light gray. At least she brought a bag of cute lady-bug buttons!

So with that, I embarked on the hat. Used a needle sized too large and hubby is ending up with a gray hat in his stocking. Then found the right sized needle and made a child sized hat...but gray for a little girl? Well, I couldn't stand it and started doing a little of this and a little of that and pretty soon I came up with the finished present. Of course I couldn't stop, so I made a pair of yarn "boots" in red, trimmed in gray and little white florals on each toe. (no buttons, as those could be a choking hazard)

Thought you would enjoy seeing my creation and my last needlework for this Holiday. I am hoping to start a freeform afgan in either off-white or a mustard color the first of the year. I think a solid color would show off all of the textures.

Julie and Julia

2009-12-14T15:33:00.002-06:00

Rented this movie last night and I must say it is one of the best ones I've seen in quite awhile. It was simply delightful, full of facts about Julia Child's "fun" side and just an all over "feel good" movie. If you can't tell, I highly recommend it!

100th Mystery Party Game!

2009-12-13T11:11:00.004-06:00

When I embarked on writing murder mystery scripts, I never dreamed that within a year and a half I would sell this many games! Especially keeping in mind that it takes about 6 - 8 weeks to write each one and another few weeks to go through the editing process. So far I have written 10 games, eight for adults and two for children. My ninth and tenth are still in editing, but they should be out sometime this month.

I love the creative process involved and there is such a feeling of accomplishment when I type the final words, "Case closed.". My husband has a new pet name for me...Agatha Kathy. He is always getting roped into reading some of the lines aloud or being my guinea pig for some of the puzzles within the games. If I have a mental block in an area of a game, he'll make a suggestion that will spark a new twist or turn that I hadn't thought of. He's been right at my side and my biggest supporter.

I can't thank Joanne Smedley, the Managing Director of Red Herring Games, enough for her kindness, patience and for giving me a chance to express this other side of my creative nature. She opened a door to a whole new world for me!

So, off I go to contemplate my next cast, plot, setting and the all important "who-dunnit?"! In the meantime, you can peruse my published mysteries and I hope you'll take the opportunity to play one of my games sometime! Happy sleuthing!

(Image courtesy of www.demonfox.net)

I'm back!

2009-12-12T15:26:00.009-06:00

Where did the time go? I believe the last time I posted was right before Halloween... On November 7th I broke my ankle...before I knew it it was Thanksgiving and now Christmas is almost here! Even though I was home re-couping, I kept busy with my needle work. I knitted 3 baby sweaters, a baby cocoon and have done 4 hat and scarf sets for Christmas gifts, crocheted myself a Christmas scarf and made a friend a ruffled twisty scarf for a gift.

Besides the knitting and crocheting, I edited two Mystery Party Games, hosted a family Thanksgiving Dinner, helped with my Ladies' Club entry for our town's "Festival of Trees", went back to work full time, have been doing my Holiday cookie baking and am hosting two Holiday parties in the next 3 weeks. Need I say things have been really busy for me????

The pattern for my Holiday scarf and all of the Ladies' scarves is my own creation. I love the textural quality of these scarves and I crocheted them using a variety of yarn, colors and hook sizes. I am so happy with my Christmas scarf, with the red bubbles down the center. They remind me of holly berries.

Sooo, I'm back and hope to start regular posting, soon. Happy Holidays to all!

Newest Murder Mystery Party Game!

2009-10-20T09:06:00.005-05:00

Just in time for Halloween! "Twisted at the Transylvanian"...my newest Murder Mystery Party Game. Here is the premise of the game:

The Transylvanian, a popular nightclub in town, is holding its yearly anniversary party. Mike Hobb, the club owner has sent out invitations to only a handful of friends and social elite to attend the gala event and have a howling good time. Unfortunately, poor Mike will never get to enjoy the party as he has been found dead at the bottom of the wine cellar stairs! Was his death due to natural causes…. or was it murder?
Some things might prove to be a bit “twisted” at the Transylvanian…

Help Detective I.C. Moore and the other guests figure out what really happened.

This game has all the traditional Halloween characters, but with a different "twist". Check out Red Herring Games for more details on this game and many others I've written. Next one up will be "Death at the Double D Ranch"...

Joshua Bland wins Indy Marathon!Winner of the 2009 Indianapolis Marathon

2009-10-18T15:36:00.007-05:00

Hot off the Press...My nephew, Joshua Bland, won the Indianapolis Marathon yesterday! The picture I am posting was taken from the IndyStar (dot com). Josh has always been a joy to the family with his humour, good nature and dedication to sports and education. He's currently living in Chicago, after receiving his B.S. Degree. He's always competed in running events and I would have to say this is quite an accomplishment with over 6,000 people running in this event!

Sorry to toot the family whistle, but we are all so proud of him! Way to go, Josh! Hope you can come home for Thanksgiving!

Things are Tumbling around...like the tumbling tumbleweed!

2009-10-14T18:19:00.004-05:00

Working on my newest Mystery Script for Red Herring. This one is of the Western Genre' and I'm calling it "Death at the Double D Ranch". It's been coming right along with the plot and character development. I haven't been able to leave it alone since I started it! No spoilers, but I'll let all of you know some of the major characters: Sheriff, Redfeather and daughter, a cowboy, saloon owner, oriental cook, gambler, school marm, hired hand, dancehall girl, a drifter and a travelling medicine woman. The names for each character are very unique and the whole premise is reasonable but very predictable if you are a fan of the old time western stereotypes. I never thought I'd like to write one in this genre', let alone play one, but I think this will have something for everyone and be hilarously fun! Hope to have it finished before Thanksgiving.... :>)

(Photo Courtesy of SuperStock.com) Check this site out!

100th Post and a Birthday....OMG!

2009-10-12T15:03:00.005-05:00

Here goes folks... my one hundredth post!!!! That seems like it should call for some kind of celebration or something, doesn't it? I thought this would have happened sooner, but life takes priority. How sweet it coincides with my daughter's Birthday! Just wanted to let all of you know how much I appreciate your support and friendship. Cheers to all of you and Happy Birthday to my lovely daughter! Life is good today.

Opus Gluei Challenge... Copy Cat

2009-10-10T15:58:00.006-05:00

Okay, here it is...a dumb thing I had an idea for and made it, but I did flatter Barbie. I gave her a whole new look for Halloween, right down to the hand sewn clothes, stuffing and clay sculpture that encases her whole head and face. Copied it after that Menopausal Altered Barbie that sold for a bizillion dollars on EBay a couple of years ago. If you would like to read my diary of this creation, visit right here. Of course, she didn't sell, but we've had lots of fun with her since. :>)

Otherwise, enjoy her. Unfortunately, she is no longer in my possession. My best friend who thought she was spooky and dumb now has it posed in her China Cabinet on display. I do plan to retreive it on my next visit! I miss my Pumpkin Head Barbie...

sURpRISE sATUrdAy.... :>)

2009-10-10T14:31:00.005-05:00

Here we come...Mr. and Miss America, 1974! Yep, our Halloween costumes for the upcoming party on Saturday. Simple, comfortable and should prove very entertaining for others. I'll make some glittery banners for us to wear across our shoulders, we'll adorn with tiaras and off we go. (Maybe a wig or two here and there and a can of hair paint!) For our next one, in two weeks, we're going to re-visit the Colonel and his "Hot" Chick:

Yeah, Right! :>) Hope you weren't expecting something X-rated!!!!! It will be fun and looking forward to both Halloween Parties, as well as the Birthday Bash for our daughter tomorrow!

Rainy Days and Thursdays....

2009-10-08T16:04:00.003-05:00

Oh I forgot...it's "Rainy Days and Mondays"... none the less, rainy days do get me down! Trying to prevail over the gloomy weather, I had a productive day. Finished sewing DD's Hostess Apron, cleaned the house and in the midst of fixin' a Hamburger Pie. Its my very own concoction that I've been doing for over 25 years. To describe it - I would say it is an American version of Lasagna.... and it is "yummy".

Gearing up for a busy 3 day weekend. Daughter's B-Day is this Monday, so family is coming in for a dinner over the weekend. Two Halloween party costumes to prepare, plus a bunch of other stuff and that puts the pressure on ol' Craftola right now.

I LOVE it. October is my favorite month because it is so busy and fun! Until next time....

Are you Turkin"?

2009-10-05T17:53:00.003-05:00

Maybe I'm a bit out of touch, but I just heard about Amazon's Mechanical Turk. It's probably been around for several years but I found the concept intriguing. In case you aren't familiar with it (like I was) they offer a place where employers post tedious, menial type jobs and "Turkers" can choose from the jobs listed and take the "HIT" (Human Intelligence Task) for pay.

Curiosity got the best of me, so I signed up as a Turk. I wanted to see the types of jobs that were offered and I did some Turkin' for 3 days. Here are a few of the Hits I accepted:

-Went to the listed website and found the email addy of the person in charge. Copied and pasted the addy into the form. (Pay 1 cent per Hit - But this person had over 12,000 hits available for this task!)
-Compared pictures to see if they were acceptable to the requester's standards (2 cents a hit)
-Reviewed words as to if they made sense or no sense to me (nonsensible-pay 1 cent a hit)
-Rewrote a sentence with the exact same meaning, but used different words (2 cents)

In short, if you have a few minutes to waste and want to help someone on a huge, daunting task, the program is a great thing. On the email Hits, it went from over 12,000 to 8,000 in just a couple of hours. There must of been hundreds of people helping this poor soul out. Pay is lousy and Amazon doesn't payout until you have at least $20 in your Amazon equivalent of Pay pal. On the upside, it is quite interesting to see the types of jobs listed and when you take a hit, you get this feeling that you are helping someone out.

October 2009 is here, finally!

2009-10-03T17:12:00.003-05:00

It seemed to take forever but my favorite month of the year has finally arrived. Don't get me wrong, I love all the seasons we experience here in IL, but Fall is my favorite....especially the month of October! It's not just the fact that Halloween is this month, nor the fact that my DD's birthday is this month.... I like the weather change, the color, the crispness in the air and the settling, home feeling that Autumn brings.

When the weather gets cooler my interests shift. I want to bake, knit, do more crafting and concentrate more on my writing. It must be a "nesting" syndrome, getting ready for the colder weather yet to come before the renewal of Spring.

Enjoy your weather...what ever it may be or what it inspires you to do!

Fall is here!

2009-09-29T17:08:00.004-05:00

As I left for work this morning, I had to grab a lightweight jacket, as the morning air was a little "crispy". I looked into the front lawn and noticed the leaves that had dropped to the ground over night. Yep, fall is here!

I love it! The cooler air, the beautiful colors and the smell of burning leaves make this season a favorite for me. Its almost more of a renewal to my psyche than the coming of Spring. I always feel more inspired when the cooler weather hits, as far as my art and crafting goes.

Altered Art Collage'

2009-09-25T17:45:00.007-05:00

Take a little bit of this and a little bit of that ~ what do ya get? An Altered Art Collage'! I started this project right before school began, on a muggy August day, then got busy with preparing to go back to work. I put it aside to finish when things slowed down and I could get back to it.

The photo above captures the true colors with actual depth, layering and sheen of the work. Keep in mind that the water was collage using different colors of tissue paper. I employed one of my favorite photo transfer techniques for two vintage photos used and the actual boat scene was a torn up print that I decoupaged into this. The background was paint, my own handwriting and tissue paper, too. The key was to layer, layer, layer! I love the way it turned out. With collage, there are no mistakes ~ you can always "fix" them.

Perhaps I will be able to offer a workshop on all of the techniques I used in this piece, someday. Let me know how you like it!

Opus Gluei #25 Challenge

2009-09-25T17:00:00.005-05:00

Here is my entry for this week's challenge over with Jana and Rosemary at the Order of the Opus-Gluei. This week's theme was "National Sewing Month", so sew some seams, I did. (alliteration intended here!)

This is my daughter's Halloween Costume for this year. The pattern is from Simplicity - #3685. Of course we had to substitute fabric, as an exact match wasn't available in our local fabric stores. Once the jacket grommets are in to lace up the red ribbon and she adds a can-can slip under the full circular skirt of the dress, it will hang just right and be so cute!

Beware though - this pattern is NOT for a beginning seamstress. They are very fitted and experienced level of knowledge in sewing would be necessary to complete these garments. Even though I am a very experienced seamstress, the garments took over sixteen hours to complete and that was with my daughter's help on cutting the fabric and pressing seams open.

*

Rainy Days

2009-09-24T18:47:00.005-05:00

Just thinking about how rainy days can bring a person down. I guess I've been spoiled by the beautiful weather we've been experiencing and today has been yukky, weather wise. It makes a difference on a person's attitude and temperament - I do believe.

Despite the weather, I wasn't deterred from my project this week. I've been working on a 16" x 20" Altered Art canvas. On this particular project I have taken a pix of every step along the way so I have a record of the process. Stay tuned, folks. I think it might be finished tomorrow??? I'll post a pix when it's finished and framed.

HAPPY AUTUMN - FUN FALL GIVEAWAY!

2009-09-22T17:50:00.004-05:00

Happy Autumn, Everyone! In the spirit of a new season's start, I am holding a Fun Fall Giveaway. The winner will receive a handmade altered art piece from me, signed and dated. I will be giving "hints" in the next week as to what is you might win, but I assure you it is a "one-of-a kind" piece that captures the essence of Autumn and Halloween.

All you have to do is be one of my followers and leave a comment below this post. There will be a random number drawing on October 1st. Good luck, everyone!

Two New Murder Mystery Games...

2009-09-21T11:36:00.003-05:00

Just in time for Fall! Two of my mystery games went live over the weekend; the "Mardi Gras Masquerade" and "Mayday, Mayday... Murder". These last two games took most of the summer to complete. I'm hoping to Have "Twisted" finished by October 1st. To read all about these games and see what others are offered check out Red Herring Games...

More Halloween Altered Book.... :>)

2009-09-20T18:33:00.004-05:00

It seems that I can only put 3 pictures at a time up on the blog.... So enjoy the fruits of my labor. Each tag on the inside front pockets (4) are decorated front and back. Each little piece of candy corn on the niche area were painstakingly cut out individually, varnished, glued and re- varnished for the final effect. This book was a challenge, but a joy that will be treasured for years to come!

Altered Halloween Book...FINISHED!

2009-09-19T19:03:00.017-05:00

After two weeks of work, my Altered Halloween Book is finished! Hands have cramped, fingers are numb, but I really feel I captured the Halloween remembrances from times past and the jovial spirit of Halloween as a child. I have many more pixes, but it's a big hassle to put them all up at once.... Stay tuned - tomorrow even more photos of my be-dazzled, be-stitched, be-ribboned, be tagged Bewitching Book!

I can not begin to explain the amount of work that went into this endeavor. Each piece was precisely thought out and meticulously cut to into place. I struggled with the placement of the handmade beads but decided to include them into the front spine of the book to add a hidden sparkle. Putting them all along the front and back covers was just too "over the top".
*

Sneak Preview...

2009-09-17T19:45:00.002-05:00

Hello my Friends,

Thought I would give you a glimpse of my altered book. This thing has intensified.... I've done, re-done, re-thought, but it seems to be coming together. There is a lot of intricate hand work involved in this monstrosity, but I think when it's finished it will be something that I will be very satisfied with.

I will share what is done to the outside cover so far and my plan for the large niche'. There are other surprises to come on the inside; even though its a front cover and one niche". (I decided to only have one niche' and do something with the front inside cover for some "surprise"). I re-did the bead work and removed the beading while working on the inside of the book. I reattached a couple of them for the photos. Enjoy and remember that this is my own creation...please do not copy my ideas.

(Notice the heavy glitter on the background of the niche' piece...sometimes it's frosty on

Halloween!)

This will entail "The Spirit of Halloween" when I'm finished!!!

Productive Monday

2009-09-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

I made significant progress on my newest endeavor, an altered book. Actually, my hands are cramping from all of the intricate bead work going all around the front and back covers. Having time yesterday to plan exactly how I wanted to do everything was helpful, then a trip to the craft store to buy the supplies and double check my plan of action made it all fall into place when it came time to do the work... helped my brain, but boy do the ol' hands ache this evening.

The base of the book is completed inside with two niche' front and back. My plan is to have hidden pockets within the front cover that hold 4 over sized decorated tags. The book front and back are about half-way completed with the bead work, applied fabric to the spine that overlaps the front and back. It's all here in my head and I can see it as I type, but hard to explain. I'll try to take a quick shot of it tomorrow to share with those who are interested. For now, I must bid ado.

White Elephant Auction Today... :>)

2009-09-12T11:55:00.004-05:00

My RHS Ladies Club is back in action today, after our 2 month hiatus for summer. We're having our annual White Elephant Auction! I'm hosting and am ready for a fun afternoon. We wrap up our "goodies", give a starting bid and a cryptic clue as to what it is. No one knows for sure what they're bidding on until it is paid for and unwrapped! It is a lot of fun and it is one of our major fun-raisers for our Chapter's Treasury. Of course everything we spend is eventually spent back for our merry-making on future parties and expenses. Just incase you're wondering, we are not your typical RHS group... Our members range from 26 - 57, we get rowdy and love to have fun. Our motto is "What is said or done in the Chapter, stays in the Chapter".... everyone can be themselves in a bond of "Sisterhood".

I'll let you all in on what I've wrapped up for this afternoon's event. From down in my basement, I found a wooden "country" cat and a 2 liter "Hardees" thermos. Then from my attic, I dug around and found the most wonderful item, ever...a never opened plug-in Carbon Monixide tester and just what every gal might need: An emergency kit for when you have a fight with your spouse - all in a can...again-never opened. The unopened things are my "high" ticket items!!!!! Starting bid $2 and $3 .....LOL

The Auctioneer can make or break sales and one of our members volunteers every year to do it. She is the best and makes the most of every item! Usually on this deal we make enough to fund our Halloween Party w/spouses, our November meeting and December Christmas Party.

Oops, better get going...almost ime to get my snacks ready. The gals should start arriving in about 1/2 an hour. Cheers!

A Monday Feeling on a Tuesday...

2009-09-08T18:01:00.003-05:00

There is one good thing about going back to work after a three day weekend.... you have that Monday feeling on a Tuesday! That means when you are eating lunch on the next day, the work week is half in!!!!!

Started a "new" project today...another altered book. This one will only have two pages, one of which will be a deep niche' for a very embellished 3-D element. I'll keep you posted on the progress, but I don't want to give away any "spoilers". The only hint I'll give out right now is that the main colors will be black and orange.

My progress on the "Transylvanian Twist" mystery script has been slow but sure. I managed to spend a few hours over the weekend doing some edits and have advanced on into the next two characters. It is my goal to have the main body of work completed by the middle of next week. I hope to have it out in time for Halloween sales.

Lots going on, here, so stayed tuned for further developments!!!!

Labor Day Resolution!...And a finished project!

2009-09-07T13:30:00.007-05:00

It is my hope that I will get back on track with this blog! After a very busy summer hiatus from Craftola and my new position at work, I am feeling refreshed, ready to get back into my blogging.

This week I finished an altered art book. What started with a "bind your own book" kit, this evolved into a Gypsy's Journal. Maybe because from my travels this summer and feeling free to roam? Who knows, but it was a fun project for me.

I used some techniques in this journal I've never tried before, including hand sewing a sound element with the bells and matte medium transfer with heat. I was very pleased with the quality of most of the transfers. My Gypsy journal is not only pretty, it has the sound of a tambourine when you pick it up.

Here are some pixes from my "Gypsy" book. I am going to also post these to O.G. in this week's challenge. Enjoy!

Back again!

2009-07-25T17:56:00.003-05:00

Just returned from vacation number 2 this summer... This time a nice visit with my best friend and family down in Texas. It was way, too short, but we had a blast! Had some wonderful news when I returned home...an article I submitted to the Teacher's Gazette was accepted for publication! I am very happy about that.

Now on to the business at hand... Supper, the fresh peach pie in the oven and the mound of vacation laundry to tackle...

I hope to post again soon. Just in case you have forgotten what I look like, here is a pix of my husband and myself on our trip.

Hot off the Press...

2009-07-15T11:33:00.002-05:00

"Mayday, Mayday....Murder" was just published last night! This was a custom written game that I revised for the general public a few weeks ago. For those of you who are not familiar with the writing process, it takes several weeks from completion to the actual publishing of the work. Here is the premise of the game:

What started out as a routine flight to the Galapagos Islands ended in disaster when, as the result of unforeseen weather, the aircraft was forced to crash-land on an uncharted island. Due to the skill of the pilot, Captain Skyler King, everyone survived unharmed…at least, that was the original situation.

Not long after the survival tents were pitched, the Captain was found dead in his tent. Was it from natural causes or will the next radio message be, “Mayday, Mayday…Murder”?

Here is the link so you can read all about the interesting characters and who knows, you might even want to play it, sometime!

http://red-herring-games.co.uk/catalog/mayday-mayday-murdercharacter-based-large-group-p-377.html

Yeah Twistin', Twistin'...Twisting the Day Away...!

2009-07-06T17:35:00.003-05:00

It was a great weekend and then on to serious business for most of the day. I have started my newest Mystery Party - "Twisted at the Transylvanian"... an interesting mix of characters from all walks of life. My goodness, who could resist playing Pam Pyre, the Disco Dancer, John Wolfman, the DJ, Jacques Rippiere the French Surgeon or Ivanna Hunt, the Safari guide? Many other characters are in the mix.

I'll try to keep you posted on all the happenings at the Transylvanian as it goes, but at the meantime, so far, so good.

(photo courtesty of http://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofnsw/3403038219/)

Just in time for the 4th!

2009-06-28T11:42:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share this recipe that I will be making for the 4th of July. My best friend served it at her 4th of July Celebration last year, when we were visiting her in Texas and it was delicious as well as cooling! It's called Blueberry Sangria Lemonade.

(Photo courtesy of the Food Network)

Blueberry Sangria Lemonade:

1 1/2 cup Frozen blueberries
1 12 oz can frozen pink lemonade
1 bottle (750 ML) Chardonnay
3 cups lemon lime soda
1/2 cup Cognac

Mix all ingredients in a large pitcher. Refrigerate one hour before serving.

Caution: This is a "sipping" drink. Too much could cause dizziness.... *LOL*

I'm Back!!!!! :>)

2009-06-24T14:14:00.003-05:00

It has been a few weeks since I've blogged. Beleive me, I deserved a much needed rest and have returned from a wonderful vacation. It was one of those that you will always remember!

We went to Memphis, enjoyed Beale Street and on down to New Orleans for a four day stay in the heart of the French Quarter and back North, with an over night stop in Tunica, MS (Little Las Vegas). The sites we saw, food we ate and fun we had is beyond words. So was the heat! Of course it was the hottest week on record down there, but there was a nice breeze coming from the Gulf, which helped. It was a wonderful trip!!!!!!

Hope to be posting more regularly, now. I have my "summer" attitude! Ta-ta for now!

Sunday and starting Vacation....

2009-05-31T17:36:00.002-05:00

Can you remember when you were a kid, embarking on the first real day of "summer vacation"? If so, you know what I am feeling right now... Freedom... so many plans, so many things to do, trips to take and thinking of the long, lazy , summer days ahead. Garden is planted....the great fresh green beans, new potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini will be only a few steps away in weeks. There is nothing like Summer... I don't care if I am a teacher! I'm a kid at heart.

So if you find this post boring, so be it... the Summer gods dictated that I write my feelings on the subject. Old Craftola deserves some R & R with the end of year I've put in. I'm sure I will share some different projects I'm working on all summer. Cheers to all to a great Summer!

Off Color - Are ya ready to "scrumble"?

2009-05-30T12:44:00.004-05:00

For this week's challenge over at Opus Gluei, I decided to share this bizarre piece of knit and crochet scrumbling that I created. It is perhaps the oddest thing I have ever made! It started with a bag of vintage yarn my Mother found while she was cleaning out the attic. Most of the yarn was mine that I had bought in high school. I'm surprised it wasn't rotted! Anyway, I never use varigated yarn and this bag had such weird colors I felt challenged to put something together that made sense of all the unusual colors. I made two squares measuring approx. 12 x 12 inches and somehow I think the colors turned out working together...if nothing else they are very textural and interesting. Haven't decided if I will make a purse or a throw pillow with them. Hummm.....time will tell!

Whew....Deadline met...now for re-writes....

2009-05-24T11:35:00.003-05:00

My newest Murder Mystery Party script is finished, well mostly finished, except for a few rewrites.... thank goodness I gave myself a few days "wiggle" room on it. This was a custom written game and had a quick need deadline. No spoilers, but the title is "Mayday, Mayday...Murder". The premise: 18 people rent a chartered plane to the Galapagos Islands, but end up in a crash landing on a deserted Island. Shortly after the crash, the Pilot is found DEAD! Yep, can you believe it? Deader than a doornail! Then, its up to the group to decide which of the 12 suspects "did" him in, how and why... It was a rough couple of weeks to get it all in place, but it will be a fun one to play. I'll keep you all posted as to when it will be available to the public. So, here I go off to start on the re-writes. I only have 40 pages to go through....

Opus Gluei Challenge 9 - Getaway

2009-05-23T14:55:00.009-05:00

For this week's challenge, I thought I'd share a few pages of one of my first altered books. I love going to the beach on vacation, as I am basically "land locked" - living in the Mid-West (unless you count lakes and rivers as having a beach). Some of my best vacations were spent by the sea. You can't imagine my joy when a discarded book titled "Here By the Sea" came my way....it spoke to me.

This book was only made for my own enjoyment... If I am violating any copyright laws on photos I used, turn me in to the Internet Police... This book gives me great joy everytime I look through it - and the poem I found as far as I know, was authored by "Anon". I hope some of the pages speak to you, as they do me! :>) I even used a few shells from my beach combing stash to add to the fringe on the binding.

I am waiting for the middle of June, as I shall see the sea again, tasting the salt and sand - (Pardon my alliteration - its the writer in me, I guess!)

Oh my...very hectic week!

2009-05-23T14:44:00.002-05:00

I can't believe its been almost a week since I've posted, but I have had more than my usual irons in the fire this week. School is almost finished up for this year and there have been many deadlines I must meet. Throw in a few unanticipated bumps in the road and that equals a real rough week for me. Thank goodness for a nice long weekend to regroup with family and friends. I should be back on track by Tuesday, I hope!

The Fiesta and A Birthday

2009-05-17T11:24:00.005-05:00

What a day, yesterday! Our R.H.S. meeting was in the afternoon with a "Mexicana" theme, in celebration of Cinco de Mayo this month. Everyone brought such delcious foods and unusual beverages to our fiesta. As it so happened, it was also my son-in-law's Birthday, so after we ladies had our meeting, several of the spouses came over and we continued our fiesta with Birthday revelry. Needless to say, it was a very late night! Everyone had a great time, I do believe... :>) Probably too good, by the way I am feeling right now. I'm just not used to staying up late anymore, so the old inner alarm clock still went off about 6 a.m., but the old body sure didn't want to get up that early. Thank goodness for lazy Sunday afternoons! Oh, I think I feel a "siesta" coming on....

(Photo courtesy of Bobbie Peachey)

Opus Gluei Callenge 8 - In Reach...

2009-05-15T18:51:00.007-05:00

Okay, here goes....

Scenerio - looked around my work space, saw a papier mache box that I had primed last fall (but never did anything with it!) Looked below that shelf and saw some old sheet music that I had used for my "Memory Bag Book from Memphis"....

then, the big jar of Matte Mod Podge was right behind me, too.... so the 3 met together to start on the box! Of course, I did embellish with stuph I already had. (String, ribbon, some edging stuph and wooden beads, AND the all important GLUE!) The thing I really liked was that I did a new technique I hadn't tried before. The woven flower on the top of the box. I had done this with fabric, but never on a solid surface. This junk came out of a box that I've had in my work room for 20 years+. The flower is made from some kind of silky-ish hem tape - not ribbon..and the white-ish looking one is more like a yuckky ecru color, but it seemed to work and add an antique look to the flower. I'm happy with it and it will go great in the Black and White room! I think it would be great to store some earrings, chapstick, etc....

:>)

Wow...the Kindness of Paying it Forward!

2009-05-15T18:13:00.004-05:00

Upon arriving home today from a tough day at work, I found a package that was delivered in the mail. Ohlalaa, it was the "Pay It Forward" package from Joanna over from This Southern Girl's Nest...

What a wonderful "perk" to my day and beleive you, me....I needed a perk today! Look at all of the goodies she sent me:

Pens, Notecards, a Wish Token, Coconut Candies, Mints and a Postcard from her home in Florida... Such a kind and generous thing to do. I am paying it forward, too. Check my post further down. Thank you, Joanna, for such a nice and thoughtful package. :>)

Black and White - Again!

2009-05-12T14:05:00.006-05:00

Anyone who has ever seen "My Fair Lady" will remember this hat and outfit Audrey Hepburn wore in the movie. Being excited about getting all of the new black and white things for the bedroom, I did a search today just on "black and white". I found several interesting things!

Take for instance this lamp shade:

Doesn't it kind of remind you of the My Fair Lady hat in the picture above? It sure did me. but not as much as this next accessory. I'd call it the My fair Lady Pillow:

I guess classic styles and colors are always in vogue! A black and white combination is my inspiration for Opus Gluei challenge this week... :>)

For My Mother....

2009-05-06T16:57:00.003-05:00

This is a card I made for my mother for Mother's Day! Like many others of her age group, my Mom doesn't need or want for material things and many times I make her a card or a gift for Mother's Day. We have plans to spend the day together here at my house, going out for lunch with my daughter at our favorite Mexican Restaurant and spend the rest of the afternoon at the Farmer's Market, looking at/buying plants and who knows what! Forgive the wonkiness in the photos, the scanner didn't quite capture the colors correctly. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day early!

What Toile I Do? I think I've went Dotty...

2009-05-04T17:38:00.007-05:00

(Photos Courtesty JCPenney.com)

Spring cleaning has been underway and I wanted a CHANGE! We've had the same bedding in the Master Bedroom for too long (years!). So I've ordered so something so out of the ordinary for me - Black and White Toile! And that mix of pattern wasn't enough for me, so I ordered a different dust ruffle to go with it which has polka dots... Being a bit of a seamstress, I'm going to use the dust ruffle that goes with the bed set to make valances for the window treatments and use the other dotty one on the bed. Then I thought I'd throw in accents of rosey pink on some throw pillows, lamp shades, etc. Hope it all pulls together. Time will tell and I'll tell you how it goes. Everything should be in by the weekend. Toile...is it an age thing or what? I used to think it was ugly but I like it now. Comments very welcome! (Pro or Con!)

Pay It Forward... :>)

2009-05-02T13:26:00.002-05:00

I was introduced to this concept at This Southern Girls Nest by Joanna and I loved the idea! The first 3 comments under this post (who are followers) will recieve an awesome goodie basket from me. The only hitch is...by doing so, you are agreeing to "pay it forward" to 3 people on your blog. That's it! I thought it was a lovely gesture and I'm looking forward to my gift from Joanna and sending out some nice things to brighten someone elses day! Please don't comment if you can't commit to "pay it forward".... :>)

April Contest Giveaway - And the Winner Is........

2009-05-01T12:01:00.005-05:00

MrsHQuips was the winner of Craftola's April Contest and Giveaway. Congratulations!! Thank you to everyone who participated in the fun. She will receive a goodie basket filled with Springtime Treasures. The tool was a "Heddle Hook" - used to pull warp threads through the reeds of a loom. TGIF - have a great weekend, everyone!

Opus Gluei Challenge 6 ~ April Showers Bring May Flowers

2009-04-30T18:24:00.004-05:00

I handpainted this water color on a blank card and it doesn't have a "flower", per say. The sentiment inside said, "April Showers bring May flowers". I sent it to a friend in the UK, so she would have it on time. Forgive me for the lack of flowers, but the thought of flowers was with it!!!!! *smile*

The Eights...well more like 6 ~ Eights

2009-04-29T18:58:00.011-05:00

My new friend Rosemary tagged me for this... so here goes, and not in an order of importance:

Eight Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Warm Weather

2. School being out (I'm a teacher!)

3. A vacation down to New Orleans in June

4. Spending time with my best friend at her house in August (* I hope)

5. New Carpet in my living room

6. Being a grandmother someday

7. Writing a novel

8. Retirement

Eight Things I Did Yesterday:

1. Taught 9 classes of art

2. Cleaned the kitchen

3. Cooked dinner

4. Did some laundry

5. Interacted with over 200 people

6. Checked emails

7. Worked on my Memphis Memory Book

8. Watched HGTV

Eight Things I Wish I Could Do:

1. Be more forgiving to myself and others

2. Be a better writer

3. Know how to light a grill and cook on it

4. Heal the sick

5. Know thyself

6. Lose weight quickly

7. Spend more time with my family and best friends

8. Grow flowers

Eight Shows I Watch:

1. Andy Griffith

2. Snapped

3. That's Clever

4. Biography Channel

5. Lingo

6. Sell this House

7. Divine Design

8. Any movie on TV that stikes my interest

(Yeah, I'm pretty boring on the TV shows!)

Eight things I'm grateful for:

1. My wonderful family (husband and daughter included on family!)

2. My friends

3. My mind.... beleive it or not, I am smart.....

4. My workable hands

5. My eyesight

6. My home

7. My creativity

Eight things that I randomly like:

1. The smell of freshly dried laundry from the the clothesline

2. When my cat "walks" on her hind legs all by herself

3. Making things that are pretty and useful

4. Going into "junk" shops and finding a treasure

5. Playing practical jokes on friends

6. Pleasant surprises

7. Chocolate Chip cookies right from the oven

8. Making people laugh

Its harder than you'd think - to limit the lists!

Want some Candy??? Free Candy????

2009-04-28T16:48:00.004-05:00

No, not the kind you eat... This is blog candy for crafters! The gals over at Opus Gluei are having "blog candy give-aways"!!!!!! I just saw the pictures and let me tell you, my mouth is watering. It is a huge amount of all kinds of crafting "stuph". You should hurry on over and read all about it. Or, maybe not... if you don't, then that means there will be more entries for me to win some of it... Seriously, just click HERE if you'd like to win some free crafting "candy". These gals are being so generous and if you have never heard of Opus Gluei, you should go check out their blog...it is as great as they are. Good Luck and tell 'em Craftola sent ya!!!! *grin*

Thought for the Day...

2009-04-27T18:58:00.005-05:00

Read this quote today over at 60Piggies...It fits me for today...humm, maybe it has fit me always but I didn't know it. I'm so ready for summer, this is how I feel:

"There's a fine line between genius and insanity. I have erased this line." ~Oscar Levant

Then I can add my own teaching philosophy for the day:

"I am underwhelmed by that ~ please redo and add a little more."
~ Kathy Roberson (a.k.a. Craftola)

Mardi Gras - Newest Murder Mystery Script...A Preview

2009-04-26T16:07:00.007-05:00

I have been working on and tweaking my newest Murder Mystery Script for several weeks. This is the Mardi Gras themed one that takes place in New Orleans, LA. I thought I'd give you all a sneak preview of the characters:

Victim: Louisiana Williams - Writer

Rufus Reme - Plumber

Mama Carriba - Fortune Teller

Alligator Dundee - Swamp Hunter

Grace Fulle - Debutante

Louie Armsweak - Jazz Musician

Simone Quatella - Chef

Beau Monde - Playboy

Mia Cherie - Exotic Dancer

Selma Page - Reporter

Dooley Slicke - Gambler

Gilda Robey - Lawyer

Will Waitonous - Hotel Manager

Take a guess on whodunnit....?????? You'll have to find out on your own! *smile*

Please remember that this is a sneak preview of my own ideas and characters. This should be a FUN one when I get it finished! Hope its in production by the middle of May! :>)

A Red Hat Day...

2009-04-25T18:27:00.005-05:00

It was great afternoon... We had our monthly meeting of our Red Hat Society Club. We are not your "typical" group, as our ages vary from 25? - 60? As always, too much food, fun and of course our frivolous follies. We decided in June, we will have our "Farewell for the Summer" party, with spouses. We are gonna have a Western Ho Down, complete with Bar-be-que, square dancing and hay. I enjoy the group so much... Yeee-Hawww!

Memphis Memories Bag Book

2009-04-24T16:56:00.004-05:00

Just started another paper bag scrapbook today, for ME! This one is totally different from the travel one I made for Mom. I used 3 normal brown lunch bags and some very heavy chipboard scraps for the covers to construct it. I wanted the covers to be heavy and protective of the pages. The color scheme is not my usual ... but since this is a memory book from an all girls' trip to Memphis, I wanted to go "bold and fun". Usually I go with more muted colors in the ivory, greens, rose and gold tones in my work. The book measures approx. 5.5" x 5.5". I did tissue paper collage in red, on the edges, before binding and adding the vintage wall paper and sheet music accents. I haven't decided whether I will paint the bag pages or not... time will tell... here is a shot of the inside, I used scalloped scissors on the edges of the bags and made some pockets for tags, too...

I'm so excited about it... haven't made something for myself in a while!!!!!! I really wanted to have all the memories of that trip in a tangible form... such a wonderful trip with my daughter and my dearest friends... it was one trip of a lifetime that can never be topped.

Opus Gluei Challenge #5

2009-04-24T12:06:00.003-05:00

The theme for the Opus gluei challenge this week is "Wisdom". My entry is "tongue-in-cheek" words of wisdom... a mixed media on a 4" x 5" canvas panel. When I saw the picture, I KNEW I'd have to use it! Here it is:

:>)

Friday Fill-In

2009-04-23T17:59:00.004-05:00

1. Apparently there's some sort of mistake.
2. This has been a sunny day.
3. 2009 has been cloudy so far.
4. But that was it.
5. For too long I've been inside.
6. I am not obsessed with weather; I am not!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to warmth, tomorrow my plans include an outing with my friends and Sunday, I want to sing and dance!

Happy Thursday!

2009-04-23T17:10:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd share this Vintage Photo that is in public domain. Isn't the little girl a cutie? Its hard to beleive that someday all of our photos, as children, will be considered "antique" and will be sought after by collectors. When I was young, a lot of our family photos were placed in those "magnetic" photo albums. It is now impossible to remove them without damage. I have to scan the pictures while they are in the album. The originals will remain in there, slowly losing their color and sharpness. Below is one I scanned from an old pix that was from my Great Aunt, from the Early 1950's or Late 1940's. They all went on a trip to Colorado. Its fun to look at the old photo's and realize how much everything in the world has changed since then...

Cup Cake Purse and a Cookie?

2009-04-21T17:22:00.006-05:00

As I know the little girl who is getting the custom ordered Cup Cake Purse, I had to try out an idea that came to me...how about a little "cookie" doll that could go with the purse. After 3 attempts, I finally got it the right size. It was a big hassle to make, but I am pleased with the end results. Will I ever make another one? Probably not, so enjoy the pix!!!!! :>)

Friendship Plaque Completed...!

2009-04-21T16:50:00.003-05:00

I finished the plaque today! I was going to add a few more embellishments, but thought it looked understated and very simply finished this way. Hope to get it sent tomorrow. I don't know why, but when I send things down there it seems to take forever with USPS...

A Celebration of Friendship since Childhood...

2009-04-19T14:20:00.003-05:00

This is a surprise gift for my best friend since childhood. I started it a couple days ago...She lives 950 miles away, but despite that fact, we have always remained very close, almost like sisters... Its a 3.5" x 5" wooden plaque that I painted and distressed, then I've collaged pictures and ephemera also. I still want to add some ribbon and lace...perhaps some drilled holes with wire and beadwork, too. Just wanted to share the progress. Hopefully, I'll have it finished int the next couple of days. :>)

Friday Fill-In #120

2009-04-18T12:27:00.002-05:00

Better late than never!!!!! Here's my Friday Fill-In:

And...here we go!
1. Join me in the weekend.
2. Put a little sunshine in your day!
3. Happiness is in your mind.
4. Serene and confused.
5. I'm waiting for my next creative thought.
6. Sloth is hard to resist.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to being at home, tomorrow my plans include doing whatever I want and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

On-Line Murder Mystery Party - Coming Soon!

2009-04-18T11:57:00.004-05:00

My friend and mentor, Joanne Smedley, is creating an online Murder Mystery for people to play. It sounds awesome and should be a lot of FUN! She has some marvelous ideas she is putting in place for this new type of Mystery Party. You can read more about her plans here. I can't wait until it is completed!!

Speaking of completing...I am hoping to have my newest Murder Mystery Party completed within the next month. This one will take place in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Then on to a summer themed one, then it will be time to start a Halloween themed one! It usually takes me at minimum 6 weeks to write one. If you've never played this type of game, you should really try one. Its the best two - three hours you will ever spend with friends or family!

Photo Courtesy: http://oogletutorials.com/website-graphics-photoshop-tutorial/make-a-detective-or-spy-magnifying-glass