My favorite color.

Hey Everyone,

Happy Saturday. I know, the weekend is already half over but let's just bask in the "gloriousness" ..yes, I made this word up... of those 48 hours of free time.

It's been a while since I put up an ATC on my blog but I saw a challenge I wanted to join and thought this would be as a time as any to start. Wicked Wednesday is one of my favorite blogs so hopefully they like this one. So, again, my favorite digital artist is Kenny K or Kenny K downloads. I just love him. His images are fun and edgy at the same time. Definitely reminds me of my personality. The background is made out of a paint chip sample. I actually really like them and they are an excellent way to recycle. I actually did a few punches with these as well which come out awesome. The next link is crafts 4 eternity. They also have the favorite color combo theme.

So, my favorite colors could easily be blue and orange. I went to college at University of Illinois and I wore a lot of blue and orange during my life time. Not to mention I grew up in Chicago so I have my share of Chicago Bears gear which also has the blue and orange theme.

This cute image is used in a few of the projects that I have but I wanted to make her blond for this image to go along with the blue theme.

In my 642 things to write about journal the prompt is " If you could invent a machine to do one chore for you, what would it be? How would that machine function?".  That is so easy. I would invent toilet bowl cleaner It would attach to the toilet bowl and do scrubs around and down. That is absolutely my most HATED chore. In fact I literally just grab the brush and scrub for one day, take a break until the next day because I am so traumatized by toilet scrubbing. : )

Until later

SS

She made me

Alright

Here is actually the post for today. I was going to title this post, Cute and Creepy, because it is named after the blog that I post my ATC's to most ofter called Wicked Wednesday but as usual I just went with the theme of the image. 

I am also linking to the Whoopsi Daisy Challenge Blog for the first time. The theme is dots. So please stop by both of them to take a look at all of the wonderful participants.

The wonderful Pile it On Blog has a challenge which deals with humor this week. I can definitely say that I need some of that.

The name of the ATC is "Hello Frankie" and I am positive she is another Mayzy Art image. Colored with Copic markers and come Spica pens as well. I am such a fan of coloring. It is very theraputic.

The background is a basic black card stock but I was able to incorporate a sampler book with design acetate pages into this one. And of course, my signature flowers.  I popped the image up with foam backing and like magic, the birth of an ATC. 

I hope you like my creation and will come back and see my art again.

Until later

SS

Loving creativity

So, I thought I would start with the creative side of my life before I talked about the normal side of my life. Ok, maybe not. But I just can't help but notice just how unbelievably happy I am right now. Amazingly I have a special friend that like any other interest will sometimes go flaky on you. Make you question whether or not he really cares.  Well, I have learned in my old age, oops.. wisdom, to just let go. I think Mark Twain said it best.  "Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option.".  Amen to that.  Amazingly he has been texting. I can't quite get him to call of his own accord. I could imagine that he just isn't a phone person. Which I'm not as well but the occasional conversation would be nice.

Alright, so here is my creative post for today.  This ATC will definitely be linked to "Atc's with Attitude" blog. Which I found out has changed to "Craftitude".  The theme is anything with an S or anything goes. I can definitely do that one.  This one goes with the "S" theme. Snow white is one of my favorite disney characters. Of course I never understood the apple thing but I guess someone has to enjoy them.
I want to enter this into the 4 Crafty Girlz Challenge Blog as well. I just find this one from another blogger. They have an anything goes theme this week.

Until laterSS

Daniel's Day

OMG

I can't believe it's been over 3 months since I last blogged. That just seems unreal. But oh well. So, I woke up before the crack of dawn to wish my only child a very happy birthday. He turned 22 today. Of course he complained about my waking him up that early but I feel that while I can be the first to wish him a very happy birthday I should be.

So, I have to work today and then go to a social tonight. I actually have had a pretty full social calendar for the last month.  This week I have something planned every night.  

Now to catch you up. YES!! I am back in the land of the living. I am on the right side of the Red River and I LOVE it. In case you didn't recognize, I am back in Texas. For good!!  Still trying to plan a little birthday trip for myself this year. I may end up in Denver. I really like that city but they have had a lot of flooding in the area lately so I am not sure how that would turn out.

I had to take a break on paper crafting for while. Actually it was mostly the swapping. I am putting together my craft room which is taking a ridiculously long time. (More because I am lazy than anything else). However I have renewed my interest in fiber arts and started knitting. (Yes I know! It's a miracle) Being an avid crocheter it was just too hard to get use to two needles but I did it because I wanted to know how. It any case, it is fun so far learning something new.  

I guess I will post an ATC if I can find one. I have to admit I haven't made one in a few weeks but I will get to it as soon as the room is ready.  This image is from Jade Dragonne. One of my favorite Deviantart artists. Her images are perfect for my art journals and ATC work so I have to admit, I use a lot of her stuff.

Oh well, so much for now. I have to actually get around to my day job which will be pretty busy for a Tuesday.

Until later
SS

Missed a Day

Ok, alright, already
I know I missed a day of blogging. I am really trying to get better about keeping up with it. Even if I have to set them on a schedule. I just find creating my art and sharing my art very therapeutic. In any case, there is not a challenge for this one right now. (Not that I won't find one in the next 10 minutes)

I thought I would share a "some odd girl" image with you. She is one the fairy releases that came out a little while ago. I colored her up with Copics and put a little bling on the ATC. This is one of my backgrounds created with the acetate covers and blank card stock. Definitely my go to when I have create block.  I am in Dallas again so "our place" seems appropriate.

Have a great night

SS

23 Swaps

I think I just hit a new record of swaps sent in one day. It took me about 2 hours to get them all together but I sent out 23 swaps. Every time I do it I think that I am sending out a little piece of happiness with each envelope. I love to receive snail mail that is not a bill or junk mail so I can only hope that others feel the same way.

This particular entry is an ATC that I just did for one of the swaps and as you can tell my new style is to use my digi stamps and copic markers to create something  great. It takes me a few minutes to color each one but I think they really make my ATC's pop.  This one was for "what's in a name?" and these have become my favorite swaps.  This one required you have a "spring" type theme, so here she is. The image is from The Paper Shelter.  I mixed some small letters to create the name to match the background theme colors.  

I am sitting here listening to a replay of Candace Glover and "Lovesong". To date that is my favorite performance she did on American Idol. I am so happy she won. As Randy Jackson said so frequently, she could sing ANYTHING!!  That is how great her voice is.

Until Later

SS

Until Later

SS

Hooked on TV

I succeeded in not having cable TV in my house for about 6 months. Let me tell you, it was like pulling teeth but it helped me get out in the world more and do different things. I will tell you however that I am absolutely hooked on the show Dallas on TNT.  I remember this being my mother's favorite show when I was a little girl. I think it came on Friday nights, CBS. I remember some of the subsequent shows. Knots Landing and she also watched Dynasty and Falcon Crest.  I can't believe that over 20 years later I am now a little Cora. But oh well, like mother like daughter. I could only hope to be half as good.

I did create an ATC for today.  Or at least I have one to share. I hope you like it. I have been playing around with my backgrounds again.  The acetate print sheets are absolutely awesome. I only wish I knew how to get more. It would be totally worth buying a few 12x12 of these because of how cool they look on plain backgrounds.

So, I wanted share this little baby. I am pretty sure she is a Dilly Beans design.  But she will go to a much needed swap soon for mermaids and mermen on swap bot.  For this one, she was colored with Copic Markers and bling was added. The background was actually a couple of small pieces of the acetate and they fit together nicely.

This is not for a specific challenge but I am sure I will find something to enter.

Oh Well, it is off to see Star Trek. I missed it last week so it is time to get moving now. 

Take Care
SS

Only Time will tell

So often we go along in our daily lives with tunnel vision. What I mean by that is that we are so focused on ourselves, our families, our jobs that we fail to see the things that happen around us. Usually we notice the bad things because public media helps accentuate it but what about those things that you know the sun is shining down on at this very moment.

Case in point, I went to the grocery store yesterday and noticed that it was pretty cleaned out. This is saying something for a WalMart. I mean all of the water and some other essential items. And then I walked down the dental aisle and this man was buying all of the small packages of disposable toothbrushes with toothpaste. He also had a lot of miniature trial size items. I wondered why and then it hit me. The reason the store was cleaned out was because everyone was buying for the Moore, OK and other Oklahoma cities individuals that were stuck by the Tornado tragedy.

I had a major incident in my life happen recently that made me feel a little sad but it took that to make me see and say to myself. "I am really quite blessed".  Just remember that every day that you can exist in this world on your own.

Until Later

SS

I was born too late

Sometimes I tell myself that I was really born too late.  Being a baby of the 70's meant that my time growing up in the crucial years was in the late eighty's and ninety's. All I can say is that compared to some of the other times in history it paled in comparison.  I keep thinking that the controversial 60's might have worked. In the times of Martin Luther King, JFK, Malcolm X and all of the other era changing individuals.  
Especially the music I listen too.  I am definitely a jazz lover as opposed to hip hop or even disco. And did the 80's and 90's even have a musical genre that got any recognition.
However the roaring 20's seemed like a lot of fun. I didn't look at the history books but I think it was the time of prohibition and the Great Depression.  Shine running and mob bosses were on the rise. In any case. I like to sing and I love to dance. So here is my impression of art from that time. 

This ATC is again from my favorite digital artist, Kenny K.  It's Flapper Girl.  I colored her with copics and put her on some long saved corrugated colored paper. I am convinced, now that I have used it, I need more. It makes an excellent background and has the strength that you don't need cereal board on the back.

I guess this is it for this post. I hope to see you again soon.

Oh, I so forgot to say. This is for the Wicked Wednesday Blog Challenge.

Today in OKC I thought we were all going to float away.  I was awakened by the loudest thunder boom I think I have ever heard.  Bones jumped 5 feet in the air and would not leave my side all morning. Terrible storms again, flash flooding. 

Not sure how many of you out there have been watching the news but we had serious devastation here.  Tornadoes destroyed cities and tragedy struck thousands of families.  My son and I are alright I can thankfully say. However there are so many that are still struggling to get through this and will do so for some time to come. Please pray for the city of Moore, OK.

Until Later

SS

Do you see me?

So,
I wasn't going to blog today but I figured it would help me come out of my funk.  I am going through a life change but I remember that crafting always helps me to focus clearly and remember the good things in life.  I am so blessed.

I am happy but yet sad. Has anyone ever been there. I have before and usually it is because I think I don't have something I want. Only to find out that it was never really mine in the first place.  Lessons in life, you never really know how green the grass is until you get to the other side. Sometimes you get burnt Bermuda and other times you get a rolling spring meadow.

My cat is sick again. I think he has a UTI. He is at the VET now. And that whopping bill would be $300.  I swear this cat is breaking the bank. But I love him so we have to get him all better to come back home.

In any case, my post today is for Wicked Wednesday Blog and the them is "see the future". My image is from Kenny K. My favorite digital artist and it just happens to be the elf. I actually said I want going to fussy cut this image anymore but I think she is just so cute. She reminds me of Arwen from Lord of the Rings.  I also used a new technique or at least background.  About 6 weeks ago I went to a scrapping retreat with a friend and we met a lot of nice ladies. Well one saw that what I mostly create are ATC's and she gave me a 6x6 paper sampler which I just fell in love with. What I really loved about it was it had a lot of the acetate samples and I have found wonderful ways to coordinate them with the plain back ground paper. So, thank you Tracy, from the Whitesboro, TX area.

I hope that you like her.

Until Later
SS

To be Sporty or not to be Sporty. That is the question.

So, the basis of my post today is that number one. Happy April Fool's Day!!!  That is what I am talking about. I missed the joke in case anyone tried to have a "gotcha" moment. I am in beautiful Roswell New Mexico today.  Let me just say. I probably don't need to be here but somehow this is where I am.  So for today, my post is going to be on Wicked Wednesday. The theme this week is sporty girls. My ATC is of a ballerina. So techincally, I happen to know this is one of the greatest skills you can have. Strength, balance, stamina, everything in one tiny little package.

One of the few collage ATC's that I have done. But I hope you like the effort.

Until Later

SS

The day from HELL

I finally made it home to take a much needed break from reality. I am not quite sure whether I am coming or going but somehow I will make it. I just keep telling myself "and this to shall pass". It was a brisk "almost" Spring day in the arm pit of America.  However the sun was shining and I am alive.  Suffice it to say, I am pretty pissed today so I am just letting stuff roll off. I don't want to raise my blood pressure too much. It's just NOT worth it.

So my entry for ATC's today is a little girl. The image is from "The Greeting Farm".  I don't know her name but she is pretty. This ATC is going to be posted for Wicked Wednesday. This week is Spring Fever. I colored her with Copic Markers, fussy cut and embellished with glitter and other items.

In any case, I hope you like this little creation. I am not feeling very blog worthy so I will sign off.

Until Later

SS

Another Lazy Crazy Day

Today was cool, I got to do exactly what I wanted to do. Almost nothing. I did get up and go to brunch this morning. There is this Irish Pub, McNellie's, about 1/2 mile from my house that does a great omelet bar on Sunday afternoon. So, I hung out there for a while, ate and watched my OKC Thunder NBA team WIN.

I did a little bit of crafting today.  I had some swaps that would have been overdue so I completed those. I then made a decision. I was going to stop getting "new" hobbies. And I was going to stop spending money on the hobbies I already had until I had used up at least 50% of my stuff.  If I pull it off I won't buy anything until 2020. LOL

So, onto today's creation. Actually I made this a couple of days ago but this is Purple Arwen. I am such a fan of Lord of the Rings, I was going to title, "where is Aragorn".  But I decided to use her name in the movie. Again, another Kenny K digital design.  This was for a swap on Swapbot. The fussy cut almost killed me, but somehow I made it through.

So, I guess I need to get going now. I am spending this evening catching up on TV shows.  I have yet to see the new episodes "The Good Wife" or "Once Upon a Time".

Until Later my Blogger Friends
SS

Silent Saturday

Hey Blogger World

Today turned out to be nothing of what I was expecting.  I did nothing and I mean absolutely nothing.  I was supposed to go to the knit in tonight, that was a no, pick up cleaning, that was a no, cook dinner, that was a no.  However, I did absolutely what I wanted to do so that was the good thing.

I finally finished my postcards for the swap I have. I wanted to do some handmade cards to see how they come out.

This ATC in from another Kenny K image. I really enjoy his stamps.  I came up with the saying and of course I like purple. As you can see I have been creating a lot of these lately. I want to go to an ATC swap so I am trying to have at least 200 to trade when I go in the summer. 

I have a crop coming up in a few weeks. I can't wait, it will give me the opportunity to hang out with my girls from DFW and do some art as well. 

Well, it is time to go out now and do my thang..

Until Later
SS

TGIF TGIF TGIF

Thank God I'm fabulous and even more Thank God it's FRIDAY!!!
Let me just start by saying this. I am so DAMN glad it is Friday. I am having a hell of a day and I can't wait until this is OVER!!! 

And now onto the good stuff. This little work of art I actually created a while ago. I titled it "I'm cool" because I really think that she is. I had someone tell me that I must really like pink the other day. I didn't see it but I guess after looking at my collection it appears that pink has taken on a little domination. As you can tell she is from the Kenny K collection. I colored her with Copic Markers and then fussy cut.  I just loved the cape.  I hope you like her. I am entering her into the Wicked Wednesday Pin up girl challenge this week.

I really don't have a lot to say today except, bring on 5 o'clock. Oh, and did I mention I am sick as a dog.  I really need to get over this, whatever THIS is.
 Until Later
SS

Rough Night

Morning Blogger Friends,

I just gotta tell you.  I didn't think it was possible to get "less" than no sleep. But I know for a fact that is the case with me.  The story of my stray cat. Bones is awesome. I love him dearly, but he has become a BED HOG. I have a pretty big bed (king size) and I actually pick a side to sleep on. I know when you are single that is not the thing to do, but oh well.  At first I thought, "maybe he just wants this side of the bed because it is closer to the door?" So, when I sleep on the other side he lays on top of the covers right between my legs. I go to move in the middle of the night and I am paralyzed.  Unreal, but last night was the straw that broke the camels back. Not only has he picked a side, but he has not picked a pillow.  I went to roll over and my face went into cat butt. Do you have any idea how disconcerting that is?  He will be sleeping on the window ledge for a while.

This particular ATC is rendition of Cinderella. I call her "Cinder".  The image is from Saturated Canary.  I colored her with my Copic Markers and then fussy cut.  The bling is from my stash. In case you could not tell, I am a fan of the Michaels Recollection Line.  I am going to get some sleep tonight as well as a few more ATC's made. I have signed up for quite a few swaps that require me to make specific themed ATC's.  I am ready.

Until Later
SS

Three years

Hello BloggerLand

I just realized that I started this Blog three years ago. I don't exactly have a post for every week like my original goal was to be. So my promise to myself is to be more consitent. Even if it is just one post per week, I know that I can do it. Writing about this thing "I call Life" can have it's rewards. First off it helps me to stay sane, Ok Maybe a little sane. I don't want to go overboard. : )  You can definitely see how my style and interests have changed. Three years ago I was into Disney Pin Trading and now you can't get me to even look at one.  I do still crochet but not nearly as much. I believe that comes from not being with my normal group of ladies. And onto my new hobby!!!

I discovered ATC's about 1 1/2 years ago and I have been hooked ever since. What does that say about me? I am a true instant gratification person. (Ok, I have not gone to inchies).  But I love to collect them and trade. My goal in the next year is to go to an ATC swap convention. I am certain they have them somewhere.

So, in any case, here is today's little work of ART. I definitely will think twice about using this Kenny K image again. I mean, don't get me wrong, she is beautiful. But most of the time I fussy cut my images. Let me tell you, this was NOT fun to fussy cut. I loved coloring her.  I made 2 of these for a swap that I am in on SWAPBOT. Because I like her so much I may make another one for myself to keep. I colored her with my copic markers and then embellished the card with whatever I could find in the green family. Trust me, with my stash, that is a lot. I am determined to use up some of this stuff BEFORE I have to move again.

I am entering this in the Crazy Amigo Challenge.  The theme this week is "Women". I can pretty much guarantee I have something to match that one. : )

Today I made lunch for my team at work. I have been a little of a cooking mood. I think tomorrow it will be peach cobbler. I am feeling some baking coming on.

Alright, I have to go for now.
Until Later
SS

What an amazing day??? (Joking)

Good Afternoon Blogger World

I just gotta say, today is starting off so much better than yesterday. Of course, I am also one more day closer to the weekend, so that might have a little something to do with it.

I spent the morning going over Performance reviews. I gotta tell you... BRUTAL.  I now remember why I dread this time of  year. But it has to be done.

For today I created this ATC in my usual style. A digital stamp colored with Copic Markers. This time I used and image from Jade Dragonne who is an artist on Deviant art. If you have not taken a look at her work you simply must. After fussy cutting the image I popped it up with foam dots and used marker to help accent the background paper as well. The bling and embellishments I got from my "unbelievable" stash.

So, what is my goal this year, I think I finally found one. Well, at least 3. The first one is to move back home. I gotta tell you, I really miss Texas. Number 2 is to lose weight. I don't care if it is only 10 pounds but I want to lose weight. And number 3 is to make at least 5 ATC's a week.  I think I can do it.  I can't begin to tell you how much fun I have with these small works of ART and I absolutely love trading them as well.

My kid called me last night. Of course the only time he does that is when he NEEDS money. It's sad to say but that is what my life revolves around. Being his personal Banker. I mean, can he occasionally call just to see how I am doing, if I am alive, etc. Is that too much ask for? I mean I am his ONLY mother. : ) Oh well, one can only dream.

I gotta go, lunch is over and it's time to get down to the grind.

Until Later
SS

Pretty Pink Bow

Hey Blogger World
It is actually about midnight but I wanted to get this post in as I want to link to a challenge before Tuesday is gone.

This ATC was created by me specifically for Wicked Wednesday Challenge. This week they have Ribbons and Bows as the theme. I honestly was thinking that I would do one of my new Kenny K images for this but then I ran across this cutie from Saturated Canary.  I am horrible with image names. But at my age now I know so many of my family and friends that have fought or are currently fighting Breast Cancer. I just wanted to let them know, I support you.

Make sure you check out Krista's Blog. I love her and the fact that she keeps a "SMASH" journal with some of her art actually inspired me to put some of the images I color in mine as well.

I am also entering this in the Simon Says Stamp blog challenge. This week it is "Anything Goes".  However when I went to enter and attempted to scroll down to get to linky, I thought I was going to break my finger. OMG, well over 1000 linked and still counting.  I don't think I have EVER seen one that full.  It's nice to see all the individuals crafting their hearts out. Oh, to make the world a better place, with a little bit of paper and a whole lot of crafty stuff. : )

The next challege being entered is the Dream Valley #51. I have to admit, this was the first time that I actually saw this challenge blog but I know I will be back. I loved looking at all of the linky's on this one.

I colored her with Copics and then fussy cut.  The glitter embellishments are from Michaels Recollection line. I think I got them for 75% off.  Unfortunately I lost my mind in the store so I don't think I "really" SAVED any money. HA-HA

And now I have to share my story. This morning while walking to work, I was verbally accosted on the street. I work and live in Downtown Oklahoma City. In all honesty, since I moved here people have been nothing by nice to me. But I guess this was not the day. I won't go into exactly what he said because I am certain it is offensive but let's just say that he referenced my weight and ethnic background in a less than positive light.

Anyway, I really hope that you all like my ATC and see you next time.

SS

Technically Challenged

So I tell you, I use to think that I was pretty technically savvy. And now I think that I was just wrong. I take pictures of my work with my iPhone because it is convenient. I email them to myself and then save the pics. Well I have 2 websites that I use constantly that for whatever reason keep rotating the image to landscape. So I can't figure it out. I almost said, ok I give up but I know that I love posting my work there and sharing with other people. I will try again tomorrow but as you can tell, today I am a little "challenged".

This ATC is called "Take a long look".  I have used this image before from the The Greeting Farm.  I can't quite remember the name.  I colored her with Copic markers and then embellished with glitter, paper flowers and BLING.  The saying I created with Tim Holtz sticker words. 

I left work a little while ago and really needed to just unwind because everything that I asked to get done today. Did not get done. I am not a happy camper. Maybe my bottle of Corona will help the situation. Only time will tell.

Until Later
SS