Buttons n' Bows

January FINISHED!

2012-02-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

To think I'm going to try to do a total of 12 layouts....yikes...I have to speed up a bit on the next. I have all the days "journaled" though, so IF I were to move at the pace I did in the olden days, it's doable. It used to only take 2-3 nights to do a 2 page layout....I'd be up til early morning though, still in bed by dark....a bit older and much more tired...I can't do that anymore! :( So, I chip chip chip away at things!

I have started a card...that will come first...have about 10 to make for my RAK friends. Glad I didn't start it until today though. (OK I stamped ONE image this morning to start the thinking process...).... I found a bit of inspiration at the post office....which gave me "ideas"...you'll have to drop back by in a week or so...I hope it's "done"...I promise to make this one as "simple" as I can...I don't want my friends waiting on me! I'm already a week or 2 behind!

Oh, and my signature mark, on all my layouts...a bird...it's pretty obvious on this one!

Trudi

Gnomey

2012-02-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

It's been a few weeks, I know! I discovered Pinterest and I'm literally hooked! I waited to sign on, glad that I did, as I had "stuff" pressing, now that I'm fairly caught up....business wise, I have a little down time to explore!

I did finish my layout, just need to put my trademark, a bird on it...somewhere on one of the 2 pages. I'll take a picture and upload when I do...

In the meantime...I made this years ago...I probably cased something that I had done somewhere, it looks like maybe I did....If I recall, one of my craft friends had a SU party and she demonstrated bookmarks....I just don't recognize this as something I dreamed up. I'm not one to case very often, so when I do...I like to remember and give credit where it's due...forgive me on this though, since I don't know who to give credit to!

I luv gnomes....and will be doing my Feb layout...(not started yet! yikes!)....with a gnome.... :)

Trudi

Month Journal

2012-01-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

Although I can't honestly say I'm spending oodles of time in my craft studio, I can say, that I am spending a few minutes each day....which is a step in the right direction. I decided to "attempt" keeping up with a year journal, month by month, day by day. I had discovered this wonderful project idea smack dab around the 1st of January, and decided this might be a project for me. I do see, that I'm probably doing mine a little differently than the others...most of the designs are as if they are in a "book"... I never really looked closely to the way they were being done...I just saw the idea and ran with it my way. So, while many are "painting" their paper, lots of stamping, etc...and gorgeous result,...all in a "book"...I'm doing mine as a 2 page layout...perhaps I'll scrap a page or 2 of pictures that can help tell the month story...I don't know though...time is all a deciding factor for me...

http://thekathrynwheel.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-bring-it-on.html

It was half way through the month, with spring like temperatures, I was suddenly wishing I hadn't taken the snowman approach...since it didn't appear that we were going to get any January winter around here....then all of the sudden BAM...the big snow/ice storm of 2012 happened....although it only lasted 5 days or so...it did make an impact and I feel I can now justify the snowman that I wanted as my element!

I am NOT finished with the layout....I still have more to add...the upper left corner and the lower left corner has some work yet...(I struggle with blank spaces, it's my style, not for everyone, but for me....it's mine...I'm sure I'm breaking a scrapbooking rule out there somewhere....I tend to spend way too much time, but like a picture...some artists are clean and simple and some have oodles of detail that the eye can absorb bit by bit....I tend to think there should be NO RULES to any of this....I do like to use quality supplies though...afterall...if it's going to take a month to create...it better last for a long time!

I will post a finished product picture probably next week....I feel I have about 3-4 hours left on this, besides entering my daily comments...I will be starting February...this time though, I'm going to do something I rarely rarely rarely do...I'm going to follow the color scheme and possibly capture an idea or 2 off of a beautiful beautiful beautiful design I had seen .... I just luv the colors here, and I want to add some mushrooms....we'll see....don't you think this is GORGEOUS!

http://artfulwings.blogspot.com/2012/01/joining-in-with-kate-cranes-365-art.html

In the meantime, I apologize for this being blurry...rather than bring this to my picture place in the factory, I brought the camera HOME...so, the lighting is not right and the edge of my table really wasn't the best place to photograph!

What a month!

Trudi

Dang!

2012-01-19T16:56:00.001-08:00

WEATHER!~

You wonder...where did I disappear? Anyone who reads my blog knows, I am not short of words to say...so bear with me...

IMMEDIATELY after New Years Day....my husband and I headed out of town for a few days of R&R....I was hesitant for a couple of reasons....first....I was JUST GETTING OVER BEING SICK! Yep, I was in bed by 3:30 in the afternoon, New Years Eve....one might think I had the flu....I don't think I did...just a huge let down from Christmas business ... I go from high energy to no energy practically, and for 25 years of business...it's always the same! :(

Second....the morning we left (January 2)...I had the phone ringing off the hook...I think 50% of this month's business was all taken/done in 2 hours ... (not really) ... it just seemed like it. One of my national accounts was put on a spending freeze late November...so, I heard from most of the account execs that we deal with bright and early January 2nd. I'm tickled pink (and red since it's Valentines....) that we have such a loyal company that orders from us. Still not sure I should reveal names of who I work with...lets just say...it's a big company and a wonderful one to do business with. Some time in the future, I'll put a "plug" in for them...unrelated to this post.

Third....I was leaving at a time when I really couldn't....but....if I can't leave for 2 days without the sky falling....then something is wrong. I'm "working" at trying to get things where I can leave a day here and a day there....just probably shouldn't be directly after a major holiday and a time when the stores and companies need to "reload"!

So, I'm finally back on track...and DANG!

WE HAVE BEEN SLAMMED WITH A HORRIBLE SNOW/ICE/SLEET STORM!!!!!!

Just when I think I'm back to normal...I have delays in shipping and all that nasty stuff....a customer who is white knuckled for a deadline and another pushing the delivery limit...what a fun business I'm in! LOL!

I will say, however...after 25 years I've learned to shut the lights off and hopefully leave most of the stress at the factory (unless I'm being contacted every hour while having a couple days of R&R!!!)....so...when the employees went home tonight...our fun city is basically CLOSED due to bad weather...I'm hoping to continue my very fun project! Yep...I've been creating!

I don't have a picture yet, but will soon.....I'm thoroughly enjoying this project...so much that I'm hoping I can see it through....

I never did state any craft goals for 2012...so, here they are...and I'm going to be simple since I failed last years!

1. Complete a whole year (yep, 12 months!) of the "journaling blocks" pages! (it's fun!)

2. Stay current with my RAK group. I sort of stumbled this last year...I'm still current now, and I don't plan on not. I really enjoy my group of friends that I've exchanged cards with since....about 2004!!! I think it was around then when I joined this group...haven't ever dropped out...I did flake last year...but, I'm really going to try to not again. Personal life sometimes takes over!

Now for my "personal resolutions"

1. Get back into the size I was 2 years ago! I never fit that slinky dress for my class reunion, but I will this summer! It's doable!

2. Sit back and "enjoy". I guess this first half of my life I've proven that I tend to get a little stressed out....I'm going to TRY really hard to "chill"....enjoy my kids while they are kids....take it all in because it can slip away fast....

3. Embrace my family and friends....know my blessings; make each moment spent with them as if it was my last...know what really matters.

There you go....this picture was taken a few years ago...I am not energetic enough to go out and take a picture of the snow of 2012. Trust me...it's about twice as much with a sleet coming down on it...it's icky...the picture is, however of our lower orchard...the last one that I would need to walk through in the event I end up walking home from the factory. I don't really want to do this in the dark...the wild animals come out at night to play...there is a coyote I see every day that doesn't even run anymore when he/she sees me...by now, I'm sure wiley coyote is pretty hungry!

Couple of days from now...I hope to have a show of what I'm doing! It's really fun! (did I mention it was fun?! lol)

Trudi

Challenge!!!!

2012-01-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

http://thekathrynwheel.blogspot.com/

I think I found the challenge that suits ME!!!!! Finally, something that has me thinking...I really want to do this...stay tuned over the next few days....and...I'm taking my sweet daughter shopping to use her gift cards from birthday and Christmas.....will just have to stop off at a craft store on the way home!!! :) Up late tonight? Maybe!!! I feel back to par...slept through the ball dropping fighting a terrible cold...but 3 hot bubble baths later and leftover Chinese food...I feel great!~

Oh and Happy New Years to all!!!! Stand by for my New Years "post"...I failed on last years craft resolutions...am rethinking of what might be "attainable" for 2012!!!

Trudi

Time to Move On!

2011-12-27T15:35:00.000-08:00

Move on from 2011 that is!!! I think I flunked all my last years New Years Resolutions, so I'm going to be careful what I commit to this year! I'm trying to find some sort of challenge for me to be a part of...I belong to a group that mails cards out and so far, I have not fell behind my committment. I have so many fun cricut cartridges that I have never even registered let alone ever put them in my machine!!!!

I have stamp sets galore....and I'm afraid my inks are going to go dry because of lack of using them!!!! I want to find a challenge out there that is open to a wide range of supplies...not one that is exclusive to a particular company....

I'm going home early tonight from work...as soon as the employees leave for the day...I'm heading home .... I'm going to clean the craft table and start "something"....so many ideas...so little time....and a few too many little boxes of 80% finished projects. YIKES!

Going to bed and catching up on much needed sleep sounds good too!

Picture: This was a project we were contracted to do over the holidays. Not working direct with the buyer, I'm not 100% sure what it is for...but, I think it involved an executive meeting....our claim to fame for the day....this was the "last big" day for us...(December 9)...I shipped these out (about 600) the same day we shipped a 70 gift basket order out. I came home in tears that night...it was a meltdown day for me....so much stress/business/activity that leads up to our final days before it all comes to a quick end....this year, it was December 9th...(we still had Christmas business...but not the huge stuff....the Nike order wasn't huge...the basket order was and it about killed me...these were HUGE baskets....)

Anyhow...now for some fun again and rejoining the land of the normal people...whatever that is...I'm convinced I'm far from "normal"!

Trudi

Believable/Unbelievable

2011-12-16T12:02:00.000-08:00

My first thought was to start this posting out as UNBELIEVABLE...because relating to "crafting" and the card that I have pictured here...it is unbelievable that I made a card in less than 10 minutes. Any of you who have ever received a card from me will/can testify...that "less than 10 minutes" in NOT my way....I have to tweak and add and embellish until it's the Las Vegas showgirl of cards...(I almost put a famous singer's name in that...but thought twice...afterall, this is a public board and I want to show NO disrespect...just envision a famous singer who has lots of bling bling...definitely a country singer, been around for a LONG time...and one of the most talented "legendy" singers I know...)

So...when I thought...I'll title this post..."unbelievable"... I started reading more into that "title"....Because...of the image I stamped. How can I say "unbelievable"...when the image is a "believe" image?!

For unto you is born this day

in the city of David a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

This is not an "unbelievable" type card....it's one that brings us back to the beginning...to what Christmas is about...not that commercial stuff that my business world revolves around. I was raised with faith and I'm glad that the warmth of this is part of my value system...so...that's my "believable" part of this post.

That being said....I LUV Santa...and red and green and all of that too. I LUV the fact that my kids still believe that Santa sneaks into our house and leaves presents....that at the North Pole the elves are busy making toys for kids and even thinking about what "pre tweens" might want to find under the tree on Christmas Day. The "commercial part" of Christmas...if you want to talk economics....(which IS my background)...plays an important role in keeping our economy moving....when someone buys from me...I make money, pay taxes, employ people who spend money elsewhere (more taxes are paid by them and ME again...yada yada yada....)...you get the picture....

I also like Santa because he's INNOCENT...it's innocent and magical and it keeps my kids still young and innocent....my son covers his ears when I watch the nightly (local) news...I never really paid attention to it...but, he's right...the first 10 minutes is filled with car accidents, shootings, gang busts, meth labs, robberies...stuff a 10 year old doesn't want to know is going on in the very same city, sometimes only 5 miles away from his very own house....so...I'm open to Santa sticking around in our lives for a long long time...

Yet....I have close to my heart...."for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Chirst the Lord." Luke 2:11

I didn't intend for my post today to go down this path....but, it did...and after glancing over what I wrote...thought I'd keep it. I'm still surprised with the card...My original thought was to make this look like a "sign"...like one you might see at the Inn in Bethlehem...but, the "sign" die I have for my big shot what not big enough to stamp the image...If you look closely, this is the "wood" sheets (I bought mine from SU)...I've kicked it around to do this simple card now for a couple of years now and have never used my wood sheets! Next option was to "tear"...hahaha...be careful on that....that was the hard part of the card...I felt like I was getting little "slivers"...so if you try...be careful....beyond that....I intended on putting some warm toned designer paper behind the wood image...but, I kept thinking I wanted this SIMPLE.....I stamped the verse in gold encore (too much to emboss, plus, I don't like to emboss...I like to see it...just don't like doing it!)....the more I thought about the card...the more simple it got! I did stamp the Chocolate Chip card base in Canvas....I thought Canvas reminded me more of what textile would have been available back then.

So....believable/unbelievable...now you know...

Trudi

Completed Project

2011-12-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

I have something to share this week!!!! I don't have a picture of it yet, I like to take pictures at the factory and I'm taking the weekend OFF! Christmas is on the decline for us, thank goodness...I had a meltdown on Friday...worked so hard I was almost crippled when I came home. The herniated disk in my neck is acting up, and I think it's time I find out what's wrong with the lower back....unfortunately, learned some hard lessons this year about not getting things looked at "timely".

In the meantime, this picture is from years and years ago....my :) and joy...my 2 kidlets.....I will always beam with pride that they are so close....hopefully, forever and ever, always and always.

Trudi

My Friends

2011-11-26T12:26:00.001-08:00

Wow!~

I just hit a button and now I have a whole new writing format for my blog! I will have to play with it to learn it...so bear with me!

So, here is what I want to say....before it's December, I wanted to get the last little bit of fall on my blog....and along with that is the result of a card that I started in 2008!!!! This card required a LOT of cutting little details, designing and refiguring...I refused to send it out "after the matter" and so a few years have come and gone and it was still left undone in my little box .... (I have about 6 "boxes"....this year was my year to "finish"....I cleaned my studio, added new storage (my daughter's hand me down dresser!)....and I tackled what I think has been a huge factor in my inability to let my creative self out of my stumbling block of a cage....my cage being myself. I can also blame things on "life" in general...I've had some pretty ugly cards dealt to me over the last 4 years....and I'm not one to take the bad hands very well...I'm pretty self-destructive in that category. My life has been filled with huge blessings...so, when it is MY turn to deal with sadness...I simply do not and did not know how to "deal"....

Over the summer, my pastor asked me...Trudi, how HAVE you overcome these last few years? You appear to be a strong individual...I think you would be good for others who are faced with tragedy...just how do you cope? (If she only knew...not well...I guess I appear to be strong?) This was all told to me during a casual conversation at our local club, where my son in his neckbrace was enjoying the 100 degree weather splashing around like other boys his age....

I think it was about that time that I decided it was time to get through my obstacles...and face the music. My response to her was somewhat "made up on the spot"...but as I drove home that day....I thought about it and thought about it....I either need to accept what fate is mine...or simply not....and by not accepting "fate"....is basically to deny living....I could continue to be down in "that valley" that I've been getting quite used to...or I can choose to reach the peak of the mountain....so climb climb climb I do....and will, I'm not ready to exist at the base of the mountain....

Here is what I know.....as I climb back to the top....I've had help....lots of help.....help from family...although my traged(ies) have been their tragedies too...we have bonded together....when my son was diagnosed with the tumor this summer....it was my sister who dried my tears in the waiting room...and my family was with me 24/7...at midnight as I sat with his surgeon...it was family who anxiously waited by the phone to hear my tears of joy...and it was FRIENDS....friends, who also reached out with encouragement...who listened when my niece was killed, who were with me every step of the way with my son's surgery and who recently sent prayers for my Mom, who is also a walking miracle today.....

As I ramble on and on and on....I can't say enough...how much I have appreciated so many....today and everyday is the "season of friendship"....I know it's just a card...but the sentiment is one that has huge meaning...

Thank you my friends, from the bottom of my heart!

Trudi

6:00 Friday Night

2011-11-18T17:30:00.001-08:00

And...I wanna go home!!! Wanna Wanna Wanna! Waaa Waaa Waaaa....It's crazy busy here....and I hope that some day soon, I will have time to actually see what kind of business we are doing. The paperwork part is getting neglected. As long as I pay our suppliers promptly, I guess I'll worry about the rest "later"....

Anyhow, while rummaging through my craft studio...I came across this card....it looks rather "autumny" and thought I'd share. This was made in my pre-sewing machine stitching days, I see the faux cross stitches....also...early button days too...these are way too geometrical for me...my current style is to slant them somehow...I am consistent with the odd number rule though...3 buttons are better than 2, much more pleasing on me eyes! Oh dear...the card I just finished only had TWO! YIKES! Well, it did have 3 "elements"...that will have to do!~

Come back in about 3-4 days, and I will have that puppy posted...as promised, I want the recipients to see first! I'm thinking some of those recipients pop on here once in awhile, you know who you are! LOL!

In the meantime...here is a PARTY MOOSE....something which I want to be doing in about 45 minutes...after I tidy up my desk to make my coming in to work over the weekend...a little easier! ha! I guess it's better than no business!

Trudi

MIA for awhile

2011-11-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

It's the season, and I'm a bit crazy at work...plus, have had the 2nd scare of the year with a near sudden tragedy, this time concerning my Mom. She had to have emergency surgery on her spine for a spinal cord injury...I'll skip the scary stuff...this was right up there scary....but all ended well...and she, like my son, is a walking miracle. I'm so ready for 2011 to leave. It's almost like it has been hexed!

This all happened last week, this week, I'm in a very happy place. Busy with chocolate...yes...and about ready to land a very big account...this cold calling stuff isn't that bad...I'm getting good at it! When and if I get an order ... I'll post a picture of who it's for. I have to keep you in suspense, don't I? hahaha Actually...I want to keep it quiet for now, just in case I don't get a PO. The buyer was uber excited, and we are fast becoming friends....so, I'm optimistic...but...I have said the same thing over the years....sometimes it works out....sometimes it doesn't....I will give a hint....

April ... and opening day .... something to that effect ... although, an order would go out earlier than that ... cross fingers and hope I don't strike out on it ... (oh what a sense of humor I have!) I *might* know in a couple of days!

So...it SNOWED today...YUK...I don't like cold...at all...and...GOOD NEWS!!! My dear daughter was offered a spot on the U14's volleyball team this year...pretty good, since she is only 11. I'm not saying this because I'm her Mom...but, I suspect the game will be a part of our lives for many years to come....like way beyond high school....we saw this in her play when she was only 8 and playing with 12 year olds. She can hit like a rocket...(serves) and is ready to set way before the ball even comes near her...she knows where the ball is going before it crosses the net...like I know what I'm talking about....anyhow...it's fun to watch...and I'm thrilled for her. You never "really" know until you "get the call"...there were 106 girls at tryouts...and sadly only 30 spots to fill...she played this club last year, but...you never know. I'll be making lots of citrus green/black and white things for the next season...goes til June...so...be prepared!

I have a card to post in the next few days. I really want the ladies who are receiving them in the mail to get them before I post a picture...so...for now...this pic will have to work! This is an old picture...she had just turned 9 and had learned that killer serve!

Trudi

Visit Tri-Cities!

2011-10-19T10:14:00.001-07:00

(sorry about the picture glare...these are not done professionally, just for MY reference)

I'll give a little plug to my customer, the Tri-Cities Visitors and Convention Bureau. This is an order we put together for them yesterday....I'll emphasize, "we" is actually "I". I kept this project for myself! :) It was a fun one. I did not pour the chocolate piece, I'll give credit to others in my company for that...but, I did order the mold for the TCVCB, if that means anything! Oh...and made the bows...we imprint the ribbon here.

Lately, I've been ordering quite a few custom molds....as you travel throughout the country, to "touristy" places...you very well may see our label on the bottom of a chocolate piece! Our recent tradeshow, although not many, did bring in some good business, and also good contacts (ouch...I need to cold call...shy little me...although, is it really cold calling IF the customer gave me their card and advised me to call? I still stutter and stammer...I'm not the best at "hard" selling, and never will be...either you want my stuff or you don't...period...so, that's my philosophy...of course I have other elements which contribute....like good service, I'm sort of the "good experience" kind of company....from the very first phone contact, all the way to opening the order....it just has to be all warm and fuzzy!

Anyhow, I know this isn't a crafty card or scrapbook page...but, lately, my life has been sorting out tradeshow and holiday orders...I'm pretty ready to go home and chill at night! (And play WWF) So, for now, this business card holder with the chocolate "smart phone" (for trademark reasons, I think I better not specify which "kind" of smart phone)...customer branding on the face of it. If you had never heard of our fine (3)cities....and you have time...you ought to pull it up.

http://www.visittri-cities.com/

There is NO place like here...I'm convinced of that...doesn't have all the bells and whistles that a major metro has...but, we do have some pretty cool things to offer...especially if you are into wine tasting, fishing, agri-tourism, GOLFING, sports tournaments, yada yada yada....not sure it compares to Hawaii, but, there's some history here too...like the names: Sacajawea, (sorry Sacaja, I didn't bother to spell check your name, but since you are pronounced differently HERE than in the midwest...then...I can get by...you know there is a story to that comment!) Lewis & Clark, Oregon Trail...sort of cowboys and Indians...oh, and Ancient KENNEWICK Man, I think he was dated 1000 years old bones...maybe it was 10,000 (I know, huge difference I know it started with a 1 and had 3 to 4 zeros)...it sparked a LOT of controversy here (he was discovered about 6 miles from my house!)....should ancient Kennewick Man's bones be buried in sacred tribal fashion? Or....should a scientist be able to study this ancient man? We sat next to one of the tribal leaders on a flight to Vegas once....my input, I kept to myself...I had a chuckle listening to my husband digging himself deeper and deeper on that one....Seriously, hard to say....if I were part of the tribal nation...I'd want my bones back...but, if I were a Viking, not sure I'd care...ok...enough about ancient man...

Just thought I'd ramble about my "homeland"! LOL

Bye for now!

Trudi

25th Anniversary

2011-10-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

So, not your typical guest book. The idea was to make this book inviting enough to write a memory, sort of casual, personal notes to the teachers who have been there from the start. I had offered to make TWO books...but, the committee advised against it, there are 2 new teachers on staff, and they felt one was enough, and the 2new ones might feel slighted. I even offered to make FOUR...Who am I kidding? I barely pulled off enough time to make ONE...and that ONE wasn't to perfection...but, it is what it is...my word "Treasures" didn't fit on one line...but, like a preschooler might also not fit on "one line", I didn't fret too much about it! Anyhow, here is the book. I was hoping to get a few more "entries" in this book...the dinner was at an event center, the room and dinner was above and beyond...lots of chatter going on...my little book, although there were full pages of writing...there is still room for about 2/3ds of a book! Oh well...it is what it is...glad I only spent 5 hours on it...rather than 5 weeks! hahahaha

I need to clean up my very messy studio...then, I might find craft inspiration AGAIN! Speed creating...was NOT fun!

In the picture: Those crayons, are chocolate crayons. We make these and sell them by the thousands to a certain franchise that makes Candy Bouquets. (not exclusively)...anyhow, FYI...

gday

Trudi

Our booth

2011-09-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we head back home. We have been gone now for a week and so much to share. I'm learning how to blog with my iPhone. I can't figure out how to upload a picture. I guess just picture the lights and ding ding bling bling that you would see in Las Vegas. If I can figure out how to I'll upload a picture or two of our booth. We wrote some good orders up and have some too good to be true potential. If even one of my handful of "potential" deals do come through, we will be very chocolate busy!!! In the meantime I am thrilled with the real deal orders that we are going to be working on. I see a long term relationship with several!!!!

My Display

2011-09-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Will have about 12 different tourism themes...one being:

ZOO

Did I mention that I'm off to a trade show in VEGAS ... next week at this time, it will be 1/2 over. I'm still gathering my display...it seems like after the brochure is done...most of the stress is over...or...maybe just beginning. I do NOT like making brochures, which my assistant once questioned me why...since I like scrapbooking so much!

Gotta go...lots to do!

Trudi

I Need To Scrapbook This!

2011-08-30T09:38:00.000-07:00

No time to write...this was taken October 2005...look at the little penants in the background...I LUV this picture!!! I need to get this one scrapbooked.....

Trudi

Today

2011-08-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

The phone is going nuts...and I'm trying to multi-task...and feeling my blood pressure going up. I need to STOP...take a BREATHER...it's JUST CHOCOLATE....I really enjoy working for the advertising world and public relations...but YIKES....instant sometimes is not doable. It IS fun working on promotional events for big companies...just the chain of command is what it is...I can only do what my suppliers will do for me!

So, here is MY breather (for now)...I will hopefully unwind later, after the matter...it's been a chocolate challenging week! Lots of stuff going on!

Yesterday, I sent an order out...the last of a particular product...as we are no longer going to offer this item. Unfortunately, the customer could not get what she originally wanted, because our supply was short...but working with her for over 15 years...she told me ... just make it look good ... it has to have some sort of apple theme.

There was absolutely no profit in this order, IF I were to pay myself an hourly wage (she ordered 40 only, but the apple making, with interuptions took about 3 hours to make!).......after chasing lost chocolate down in hot parts of the nation, meeting impossible deadlines for others, bidding on projects we have no possibility of getting (you never know though, so I bid) ... I wanted something fun to do! I value all customers, but this one in particular has been through thick and thin with me...so...I made a little apple for her!

My crafty thing for the day....

I used "Give A Hoot" (this cartridge is the sweetest cartridge...I think I (heart) it. The cookies...are cookies with cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on them...sort of like pie dough (cookies) ... a thing my Mom used to make for us when we were little with the leftover pie dough...(what is this with PIES lately! LOL!)

Speaking of pies...over the weekend, I'll tally the results to "Trudi's Friends Favorite Pies" I have a feeling it might be in the holiday kinds...pecan was pretty popular....but so were the cream filled ones....

Back to my reality...enough unwinding for now...

Trudi

TGIP!!!

2011-08-19T17:48:00.000-07:00

You know the saying, TGIF?! Well...TGI .... PIE DAY!!!!!! At first, I felt funny about printing God on my card...this is not a serious card, and I don't want to offend anybody. If you all have followed my postings, you already know, and if you haven't followed since the beginning...I'm careful to not misuse anything to do with faith. I have faith, and I don't willy nilly abuse it...however...this card has inspired so much conversation with family and friends...that I can't help but think that *maybe* this was meant to be....let me explain...

Before I get started I wanted to make note that this card was inspired by the BBTB2 card challenge:

http://heather-bittenbythebug2.blogspot.com/2011/08/pie-challenge-paper-dolls-dress-up.html

Boo Hoo....I missed the deadline to upload this to the challenge!!! I dawdled and missed it...but, truly wanted to upload it on a "Friday".... I was :( (not really...missing a card challenge isn't the end of the world...but...I was wanting to add it to the other fun "takes" on the challenge...you ought to go browse, if you haven't already" Anyhow....I was pleasantly surprised to see that my card met the criteria for the current card contest on the BBTB2 board!!!!! I stamped the word "apple" on my card and used a very old SU alphabet set of mine on the inside (crayon kids lower case alphabet).....the whole card is inky and my duplicates will probably even have MORE stamping on them....the "red" I used was Red Riding Hood Red from SU current c/s offerings....the rest...is retired stuff and supplies from the big time olden days...I have no idea where I acquired the green gingham dp...all I know...is it was what I was looking for! Here is the link! (I was saying oodles of oohs and aahhhs viewing the "ippity" stamps offerings....me thinks there is room in my studio for a few of these sets!)

http://heather-bittenbythebug2.blogspot.com/2011/08/new-contest-ippity-stamps.html

Here's where I'm coming from, when I say, how I think *this was meant to be*....you all know the wonderful world of facebook? So, I've had a bit of hardtimes this summer...and I have received tons of facebook support... I know how nice it is to see comments in the double digits...I pitched a question out there....expecting only ONE person to answer...I had told my sister about my TGIP day....(will elaborate on that next)....and as a joke...I facebook marketing researched it...."WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIE"....I'm not kidding...I had facebook friends from all 4 corners of the U.S. answering this question...stories to share and all...from "Grandma's special rhubarb pie" ... to "I luv the smell of the holidays...pies"..... so what's cool about all that ... WHAT A COOL WAY TO CONNECT WITH FRIENDS! It wasn't a heavy hearted thread...it was one of fond memories and fun stories....hmmmm....

My original thought...why I didn't nix putting God in my card....MY idea was to TGIP my friends! You know, maybe a friend who is sad for whatever reason...I have a girlfriend very sad right now because her oldest child is off to college for the first time....another because her "baby" is starting kindergarten....a friend struggling with very personal issues...another leaving the country for 2 years....and then there are for good reasons....a sister who was so so supportive to me while my son and I were in Seattle...without her, I would have been alone there, possibly....another sister who unconditionally, no matter what...is my soul mate...another who is the leader of us all...and one far from home, but close to my heart....THEN...there are people who I DON'T KNOW...but, I see them at church, or hear about things...who have hit a spot in their lives, who being the recipient of a TRAK...a TOTALLY Random Act of Kindness...just might give them comfort, if only it's for the length of time to eat a bite of PIE. (I've been there...when STRANGERS offered comfort...this happened a few years ago after my niece was killed....it's the little things sometimes that help get us through....baby steps)

...THAT was my idea....to bake a pie...and deliver to (fill in the blank) with a homemade card.

OK...my facebook question was a 2 part ? You see...it takes me an eternity to make cards...that I know...I am making about 16 right now....so, the liklihood of flouring up my kitchen on top of that...plus run a business...sounds a little optimistic...so, I involved Cyrus O'Leary. I think the company makes the same kinds of pies that my cards will be... :)

I have to thank BBTB2 for giving me inspiration on this!!!! This card sparked so much conversation...it's unreal! And...I had to put my thinking cap on it......I hope I'm not out of the wakky world with my idea...my 11 year old "doesn't get it" .... nor does her friend....my son thinks I'm a little weird...but, I sure enjoyed making this..., I guess that's all that matters! I also kind of know a company that sort of named their chain of resturaunts after the "concept".......it's not that far of a stretch!

NOW..............go make a pie.....and give someone a SMILE!

I will/can follow up with the results of my research...as to which won as favorite...

Oh...forgot to add! I used supplies that I thought I would never use again!!! My original sizzix alphabet!!! (for the chipboard TGIP) How cool is THAT!!!

Hey...I still don't know how to e-mail back to anyone who leaves a response...so, don't think I don't want to...if I can I will..but..if you would like to share....I'd really like to know...WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIE!!!

Trudi

Celebrate!

2011-08-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

I guess today is a day to celebrate...(it's my husband's birthday)...although I didn't make this card for him. My 11 year old daughter made him a cake...it is the first she made on her own without anyone around to help her...I suspect this will be the best cake my husband has ever eaten...she was worried it didn't look good...to me...it was award winning! :)

Another reason to celebrate....I stumbled upon this card while in my craftstudio...I snuck home during lunch and pulled out dp for my NEXT card...if I EVER make it home tonight from work....(I'm back at work after a long day...just came up to "finish" after birthday dinner)....I plan on hiding out in my little papercrafting playground....I have to say...I really enjoy attempting these challenges....(on the BBTB2 board...)...I'm pretty slow, and since I can't seem to make JUST one...I obviously can't participate every week....but, I sure have the ideas going....and this last week isn't any different (pie cut)...so, by the weekend...I'll have my "take" up....I have to see this one through...I've involved all kinds of facebook friends in on it too...GREAT choice for a cut!!! You'll have to wait for my idea with it though...my sister and I have laughed ourselves silly on it....maybe only she and I will think it's "a keeper"....I guess that just goes to show how much fun this obsession with cardstock can be!

Celebrate....I'm not going to lie...it's been a rough rough summer...I find myself bursting into tears....thinking...what "could have" happened with my son...if that tumor hadn't been caught....time really was running out on us...Celebrate...lots of meaning there for me....

I went to my class reunion...the one that I wanted to wear a slinky dress to...those who know me here locally, will vouch that probably a year ago...I could have...but...with stress...that you know about, which I share openly about...and stress...that I keep to myself....which although not as devastating as what my son went through, but rocky times just the same...things I don't ask for that make me feel "trapped" stress....added on top of everything....somehow, fitting into those skinny jeans wasn't important...what was important was being there....I feel sorry for those, for whatever reasons, felt like they couldn't/shouldn't wouldn't go....I know some of these people....being fat, in hard times, hated high school, people are jerks, kind of excuses...that's sad...with the exception of making a teeny fool out of myself *thinking* I knew someone (OK...it was a big school)...I'm *glad* I went!

Back to celebrate....you all know why I celebrate. I look at my kids faces...I celebrate ... what a blessed Mom I am ... and Happy Birthday to my husband....uh...this card wasn't designed for you, but, you know what your gifts are! Really, probably one of the best birthdays...you know it! I didn't proof read this post...I wanna go home...long day! :)

Trudi

Bees

2011-08-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

So, I *try* to stay in the crafty mode on my blog, since this is a paper-crafting blog...but...the last couple of years, I started to nix the 2 a.m. crafting...I get my sleep that way, and I'm a little healthier because of it. I am getting back in my groove though, and have been really enjoying finishing up my last cards...taking about 3 weeks, but that's OK...I sketched something out this morning...

To look forward to is a card using my "A Kids Year"? (not sure if I'm recollecting the name right)...you know, how what is chic right now are all those cool sillouettes EVERYWHERE...even on "America's Got Talent"...there is the coolest dance routine, sillouette style...so, an idea has sparked...and I sketched out my design this morning....I *plan* on using one of my impulse SU sets too...that's all the deets I'm sharing...you will have to wait and see in the next week or so for the result.

I *might* make a PIE card before it....BBTB2 has a pie challenge:

http://heather-bittenbythebug2.blogspot.com/

We'll see...so many hours in the day, and it's been suggested to me A LOT lately, that I need to take "something" to calm my emotions...(not sure how to take THAT advice)...honestly, I'm working on it!

So...factory stress....this little project, I bid on, while I was in Seattle with my son....late night correspondance with the distributor...and sadly, I underquoted in price...so...my hope is to BREAK EVEN on this project....it's all good if we do...I have our employees here working and not having to take short days...business is still a little scary out there, so we'll take it...imagine (the picture you see)...this little guy

6000 times. ....

Yep...you read that right...6000 of these...all hand done....YIKES!

As tigger would say....TTFN! (ta ta for now!)

Trudi

SU Order

2011-08-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

So, I received my box...my order was filled with all kinds of fun things...I ordered a little out of the ordinary, and splurged on some fun dies. Although I have a cricut, there are times I prefer (a lot of times actually) using my old sizzix or my Big Shot to make the diecuts that I need. I think, actually I KNOW...having a die that makes the cut PLUS puts the score lines on the cut is worth every penny to me...IF I intend to use the die in volume. Time is money in my work world, in my craft world...any way I can streamline my creative efforts...gives me more time to do something else.

About a week ago, an online friend was asking me about the little milk carton die that I had ordered in. I told her, once I had this in my hot little hands...I would cut one out and take a picture for her...

This I know:

CUTENESS!

WILL BE MAKING CHRISTMAS FAVORS WITH THIS...IN BIG VOLUME

A tad bit tricky to "assemble" at first attempt, IF you don't read the directions, which I didn't. Duh..pretty easy after you do ONE

Itty Bitty...but perfect size for favors

The actual dimensions are: 3-1/4" tall from base to the very top, 1-1/2" face width....

SIDE NOTE: This is very plain jane....(for me)....the first piece of cardstock I saw, sitting next to my big shot, was the piece I used....no particular reason....the ribbon I used, is a #3 ribbon...I spent no time thinking about it...I did this ON THE FLY...and when I make them for real...yes, there will be stamping and fun stuff...this is only for size purposes....

THAT BEING SAID: I think I could fill this up with blue and white jelly bellies and call it done, it is still cuteness...whether it is bling blinged or not!

So...there you go!!!! My picture for the day!

Fun Picture: this is PART of our gummy candy that we use for our business....the jars are for the "opened" bags...keeps the gummies ... GUMMY!!! You will see the "empty" jar on top...it USED to contain gummy COKE BOTTLES!!!! It was FULL too...and I can't recall a recent order where we used them....(let's just say, I did NOT lose my 15 pounds I needed to prior to my class reunion, which is TONIGHT!) Stressful month....I LUV gummy coke bottles! :)

Toodles,

Trudi

Going Buggy

2011-07-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

So, I'm thrilled I'm motivated to create again, just that my shell card turned into not the 4 that I wanted to make...instead it's 12. I have a lot of people I want to send one to....my timeline is getting late with it to...I really want to send out thank yous to many who held my hand through my scary time with my son. I had many who helped me here, there, through prayer and through cyberland....now I'm at TWELVE...

That being said....this card caught my eye...I display my cards in my craft studio every time I finish one. I try to make a couple of extra...but some I only have one of...it's been awhile since I made the one pictured here...and it's still on the shelf, has not been replaced with another card...(either I have not managed to make much over the 4 years OR I (heart) this card!!!

Business is calling me right now, so I'm not going to go on and on and on like I usually do....for now, my deets on the card is that this is THE FIRST card I ever made using COPICS ... which in my mind are WAY UP there as must have supplies as my cricut is!!!!! OH...and I refuse to not use my beloved sizzix...this was one of the first major tools I ever got...12+ years ago....something like that...a long long time....I luv using it to cut out felt and chipboard and such! (the stamp set used is from Crafty Secrets...isn't it cute?!)

Gotta Go!

Trudi

My Personality

2011-07-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

I've been accused of dwelling on things...and being obsessed with itty bitty details...I've actually been told some very hurtful things by close family who I think were trying to give me some constructive criticism. (my husband...I guess you could call it constructive criticism...I'm being nice here...I didn't call it that...by you could.) Anyhow, point being...

I'm going batty here...I have a ??? Something that has bothered me for awhile.

For bloggers out there who use blogger....

How do I e-mail people who leave comments on my blog? Is there something I can add? I'm a self-taught computer user...I tend to get a little frustrated. (Maybe this is why I haven't take the digi plunge yet....I just don't like computers...I have to deal with computer communication ALL DAY...yep...I can't avoid the 21st century...the scribbles on the side of a box day and a good ole fashioned handshake days ARE GONE...)

Back to my ??? IF anybody knows...I'd LUV to know!

So...a picture for you...these were done WRONG today...(breathe deep, breathe slow...not a big deal...even after I met with my team...I'm SURE...I failed somehow to communicate...) That being said...I have 250 of these now to sell...and no home...I've been contacting my closest retailers and "nudging" them a bit....these may be donated to my class reunion...I have to say, they look nice! And taste good...but, for a custom chocolate company...I don't get this requested often...and 250 to sell...we'll see how good I am at my job!

Trudi

Peep Peep

2011-07-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

Or tweet tweet...chirp chirp...whatever a little chickie would say...although the little beak and web feet sort of look like a duck...not sure if this is a baby chickie duck or what. All the same....this was my intended "bit off more than I could chew" Easter card...(I could have done it, if I hadn't decided to make 16 of these...if I had kept it to 7 or 8...I could have done it...so, when I didn't...I lost interest)...These became a "spring card" which soon became a summer thing...grrrrr....

note to self....don't cut it close and do too much...if I'm gonna do too much...only do a couple...not a couple of dozen....because I'm "hard" on myself if I can't complete the mission...and the project then will sit UNDONE...this is the year for finishing UNDONE projects...and...I will be getting back to my Christmas Monday....took a little detour...note to self....(leave an "out" on my resolutions...just in case an emergency pops up!)

Anyhow...this funky little duckie chick...went out to my RAK friends. I *think* they are already delivered...so...I'm sharing!

Deets on this: Simply Charmed Cricut Cartridge...this is the one that my 11 year old daughter just had to have...not sure why since she doesn't make cards or scrapbook...she's consumed in volleyball....I reluctantly bought this...and then decided before I used the carts that I had to have...I'd make something with hers...I was trying to PROVE to myself that I didn't want this....well....this cartridge is absolutely adorable...the little faces on the different cuts are precious....I'm already planning another project...and this one fairly soon...since it's in my mind already...I need to be impulsive and JUST DO IT! (sort of borrowed that slogan there)...oh...and this time...I'll stick to just a few....they will then have a better chance of getting finished timely!

Bye now!

Trudi

Creative Therapy

2011-07-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

So...what an overload of emotions I've had this last 2-3 weeks. Still have that "perspective" word going through my mind....you know, the reminder...that when you get right down to it...there are very few things in life that are important. My children...my husband...my parents...my sisters...my friends...the air we breathe...our freedom...you know...sometimes the people and things we take for granted....until we are "reminded" that in an instant ... we could lose any and all of the above....

Petty little things become unimportant and you want to hold tight and close to you the things that do....

So...during scary hours with my son...I sort of overlooked my faith. I admit this openly and I'm ashamed of it. I have struggled with this...and it occurred to me...that it wasn't just my son who needed prayers and who received them...but me too...and for this...I am thankful. Sort of like the "Footprints in the Sand" message....I too, was carried through a tough situation. (The prayers were heard...my son is recovering very fast...and the tumor was benign, no spinal cord damage...I could go on and on and on...)

The overflow of cards/e-mails/phone calls/and the knowledge of prayers has been very comforting ... and without hesitation I created a few cards yesterday...cards I want to mail to a few ladies who brought us dinner when we came home from the hospital. (Therapy...this was the FIRST time I created w/o a block in a LONG LONG LONG time...like over 2 years...everything up to this point...I've had creative blocks....)

I purchased the stamp I used...probably 12 years ago...a "sale" item at Michaels...and never ever have used it....it just seemed like a nice message...one of comfort and a "reminder" of "the bigger picture". I have to admit, when I saw the challenge on the BBTB2 board...I purposely made it to fit the criteria....to use a STARFISH on the LIFE'S A BEACH cartridge. All four of my cards are spoken for...and I have only completed ONE. The one I'm showing is my "test" card....I'm 100% positive I will TWEAK it a bit...in fact, already have....(my next 3 have my very favorite background stamp....LINEN (SU) stamped on it...this one is NAKED. Not that you can really tell...since the margin is only 1/8"....I will probably change my "mat" on the actual ocean scene...I'm not diggin it 100%....we'll see...the shells, though WILL REMAIN. They are ready to use on whatever I come up with. (the added shells are covering up a stamped image on the stamp that I was too lazy to cover up with tape...)

I don't want to be unfashionably late mailing my "thanks" out...(like I usually am)....perspective....how blessed I feel to have family and friends...and I want to let them know...I could not have gotten through the last 3 weeks without support. Life lessons...what we already know...just get "reminded". How humbling.

That's all for now...nuff said....thanks friends....I know many of you sent cyber hugs ... and I appreciate that ... (((hugs back)))...oh and some cyberchocolate foiled shells.... :)

Trudi

My Life

2011-07-02T08:31:00.001-07:00

Where do I begin...a few of you may already know, but for those of you who don't...I'll fill you in. A couple of months ago, my son started complaining of mild neck pain. It bothered him, but not so much to not play sports. As parents, we don't always know how to "make the call", when is it time to have things checked out?

My son plays catcher and looking up with that helmet on, we all figured it was neck strain. As the season progressed, I decided to call the doctor, it seemed to be bothering him more and more. She wanted us to do a heavy dose of Motrin, 2x a day for a week...and if it didn't get better, she wanted to take a look. He made all-stars, was so excited...but after the first tournament...the pain seemed to be a little sharper...and I wasn't going to let him go on without our doctor taking a look. We all "knew" it was a minor muscle strain....even she, our doctor was thinking this...we followed what we thought was perfect protocol.

24 hours after the x-ray...I got a call...she was in the process of scheduling a CT scan for the next day. She was making all the arrangements...my role was to get him there...they found an "incidental finding"...that was the term....my world went numb...we did the CT scan...but was unable to leave...we turned around and did CT #2 with contrast. I've had this done before, and I know what they are looking for.

How does a parent stay strong during this? My child was so vulnerable and if I could have swapped places with him...I would have in a heartbeat. 2 hours later, I had a phone call from the doctor...she had an appointment lined up the following day at Children's Hospital in Seattle.

Last Friday, a team of specialists....Tumor/Spine/Neuro/surgeons....met with us for a 4 hour consult...and surgery was quickly performed this last Monday.

Aneurysmal bone cyst

This is what it turned out being. Benign, but locates in senstive and dangerously close proximity to the spinal cord...My son's tumor did not cause damage to the spinal cord nor his main artery...the surgery from prep to finish was 5 hours. What it did do, was corrode the 3 vertabra, which is now replaced with 2 pins and donor bone. We had a very good outcome.

One of the very first posts I ever made was about my use of certain words. One was LOVE the other was GOD. I am one of those that does not throw either of those 2 words around lightly. I don't pray to win games, I don't love craft supplies....I really really like (LUV) craft supplies. I have always thought..."Say what you mean" and "Mean what you say".... I have to admit...sometimes, I have a hard time with both of those...I'm not the most articulate, and the analogies that I come up with at time...confuse people...but, that's me...it's that creative side of my brain...

I bring this up, because after all was said and done...I know God listened to all the prayers that were coming in my son's direction...

My son is home and mending quickly. He will be wearing a neck brace for 8 weeks, and doing some heavy duty TLC for about 6 months. There will be limitations in his future activity...no wrestling and most likely football...I'm not sure he knows that yet. I'll take it. This is the least of my concerns. We have 2 years of follow up, and we will get to know the trip to Seattle pretty well, especially for the next 6 months. (I already do, since we *typically* do a trade show there once a year).....all of that...is a non-issue...just me babbling...

Now...to LOVE....My love for my kids is so deep, as any and every Mom knows. My world stopped...without a doubt...my hardest hours in my life were spent in that waiting room Monday night. I know I'm not alone in this...there were "Moms" and "Dads" all over the hospital...and the outreach from friends (Laura, your support meant a lot to me) was huge. If not for my family too, especially my sister...

So...that was my week(s). It's been a very difficult Spring on so many levels...but, once again..."those" issues seem trivial....and that dang "perspective" surfaced. I've learned "perspective" before....(not necessarily "learned"...probably more "reminded" is a better term)...and I've been "reminded" perspective again. When it comes right down to it....there are only a couple of things in life that really matter. Perspective...ahhh

Today, this mom is thanking the brilliance and skill of the surgeons, the support of family and friends and thanking God for saving my son, who I love with all my heart.

Happy Birthday, my Dear Son...Double Digits!

Trudi

It's All About Baseball

2011-06-16T16:26:00.001-07:00

Couple of things...I finally broke down and now have a new digital camera to use in the factory. I am learning the new thing...keep in mind...I like reading manuals about as much as I like doing computer stuff. I don't...so, a little frustration here and there, but at least I won't break my thumb trying to hold the battery holder down, since the little spring on my last camera broke. My old camera I think was a 3 mega pixel, if that tells you anything...it's been awhile.

Now, on to baseball....my family is consumed with the sport right now...my son earned a spot on the All-Star "B" team...and once he did, my husband offered to coach post season as well. (We just finished his 2nd season of coaching minor league, Cal Ripkin program...I know way too much) It wasn't until a few years ago did I learn really how baseball talented my husband is. I knew he ate, slept and drank baseball his entire life...from young until about 4 years before he met me...you see, during a 96 mph pitch, he threw his elbow out on the mound...walked off and never looked back...I did not know that at 18, he was drafted to play major league baseball (the Dodgers)...he is not one to brag...so I will for him. I did not know him in that life...we met as young adults, after college...and after his career took a screeching halt.

So, now, as a coach, I see his knowledge being poured onto our sweet 10 year old son...I guess it's a little about reliving his boyhood...yet, the approach he is taking with our son...is definitely not the route he went. We do not LIVE at the baseball field. We don't have a career that lends that way of life for us...(sometimes I think it would be much simpler if we did have 9 to 5 jobs...)...(I still wouldn't change a thing)...that being said...the growth that we have seen our son take...is like leaps and bounds...and how proud we, as parents, are to see him blossom ... it should be all about having "fun"...yet, any baseball parent will tell you ... the politics is way more than that...I guess any sport...the politics gets dicey.

Fate ended my husbands career in baseball, but if not for fate...he and I would never have met...and our 2 beautiful children would never have come to be...

The pictures I have posted for you...are 2 of the very first creations I ever did with stamping. I'm almost 100% positive that I semi-cased the first card a long long time ago off of SplitCoast Stampers. (The saying) In the beginning, I perused SS for hours (when I learned about it)...until I got brave enough to start stamping w/o a plan! Creating is one of those things for me...that I just have "DO IT"...kwim?

The other card..literally is the first card I ever watercolored, and probably the first card I ever made. I've been in gift / chocolate design now for 25 years...and scrapbooking for about 12-13...but stamping probably only 7 or so (my style has really changed in the last 7)...which makes these precious little signatures on here from my daughter about 4 years old and her baby brother 2-1/2. This was one of the first SU sets I bought, and I have cherished it. The "thank you" card...was one that I made for my nephew to give to his sponsers.......wow...for a girl (me) who grew up on the farm, never ever watched a game of baseball in her life until I met my husband...I sure have it all around me now!

Tonight: Game ONE for dear son...of his post season...

I (heart) Baseball!

Trudi

Bah Humbug!

2011-06-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

So, I flaked on last month's Christmas card...I wonder if it is even possible that I get one done before Monday. We'll see....I do have my RAKS almost ready to mail...first things first! (baby steps)

I'm having to get tunnel visioned with our holiday stuff...we are in a show in Las Vegas this September, targeted towards resort gift shops and touristy places. We have been planning for a couple of months now, and while business is slow...I need to work on it...just don't have that motivation, and every thing I do, seems to require a computer...something I really am not that savvy with...(baby steps again)....this show will be 100% new to us...for the last 25 years, we have attended tradeshows targeted towards Gift Basket Businesses and Gift Shops....we needed to be a bit proactive, however...the world is changing...all we need is one large customer and it will be worth it. If we don't manage that...then, at least we are in a fun place trying!

Hang in there, I tell myself...now, back to work!

Trudi

MIA

2011-06-04T19:16:00.001-07:00

Hope sis doesn't mind...I did not crop this either, so her fingers are in the picture...this is one that she designed for our nephew's graduation. She has one up on me...I'm such a sheepdog...I haven't had the energy to even make a card for my nephew who just graduated from WSU and is on his way to Disney University!!!!! Not sure what has happened to me in the last month...my adrenilen dissapated (not sure of spelling on either of those 2 words...sunburnt, tired and sick...I'm not going to check it out either! so there!)...anyhow...

I have flaked on my resolution to make an XMAS card for May...I could have ventured into my studio today...but...here has been the way my life has been:

1. Volleyball Tournament: THIS WAS HUGE...180 TEAMS IN THE HUSKYDOME, SEATTLE...wow is all I can say

2. BASEBALL
3. BASEBALL
4. BASEBALL
5. BASEBALL

6. Ear infection: (out in the cold during baseball and on the way to Seattle for volleyball)

7. BASEBALL

8. Oh, a little work too...had some fun shipping experiences exporting into Canada this last week NOT...my shipment is still waiting to get cleared through customs

So...I OWE...I owe my people their RAKS...I owe my dear friend Nance an e-mail at a minimum (dear Nance...I have a little something more than that for you!)...I owe my dear friend Laura P a "how's it going e-mail...I think if you look up the definition in the dictionary for friend...Laura should be one of the meanings....)

and I owe my people who read my blog...my MAY CARD....I am not DOWN...just a little overwhelmed...I will feel MUCH BETTER WHEN MY PACKAGE MAKES IT TO MONTREAL....and we are still in the city tournament...so BASEBALL is still part of my LIFE...RAK peeps...I have THREE cards waiting to be bundled up and mailed....

life life life life

Now...off to bed with pain meds and antibiotics for this EAR thing...in my almost half century life...I have never had such a bad ear infection...this made my FACE swell...and landed in my THROAT, JAW, TONGUE, etc...ick

Trudi

Country Living

2011-05-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

I know why I didn't like the picture that I posted on the previous post. It was because it wasn't the picture that I used. Geesh. I have the one I ultimately used (baseball chocolates) stored on my computer at the factory. This has been bugging me! I'm not there, so you will have to trust me!

I'm slowly chipping away at my baby journal. I never did buy my new camera, so that is on the agenda for tomorrow.

In the meantime: Living in the country, we get all kinds of wildlife on our lawn. These pictures are 4 years old. I woke up one morning to this awful screeching sound. Outside my window was this beautiful creature. Our neighbors are few, and I know for a positive fact that NONE OF THEM have peacocks! This majestic animal quickly came and quickly left...I guess they travel fast. I would have luvved to get a picture with his tail fanned out...no luck. This was right after my niece had been killed and I had been so so sad...this was the first day that for a few moments my thoughts were directed in a different direction....my kids were fast asleep, it was about 5:30 in the morning...it was just me and the peacock (camera and coffee)....so...later that day, we all looked for evidence of him...it was fun to find the print.

Yes, some day, I WILL do a scrapbook page of this. The morning moments with this fast moving bird (very very fast) had some meaning to me...even if it was only in my mind! I see ALL kinds of fun peacock stamps/designer papers, and an image on "French Manor" Cricut cartridge....(a couple of years ago, peacocks were BIG...I'm a little slow)...and the colors are my colors...(I had my colors draped while I was in college...I'm a teal/purple kind of girl")....so many ideas...so little time!

Trudi

Camera is FRIED

2011-05-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

That's not why I have not uploaded a picture....I'm going like a turtle on my recent project. Here's the scoop....my son obligated me to donate to a school fundraiser....that I'd make baby cards or something like that to add to a huge baby basket. Each classroom is making a GIGANTIC basket to raffle off at the carnival this Friday. Well...I started it...but could NOT finish it. Our 2 weeks of babysitting an orchard in deep-freeze weather...threw my whole system off...and I literally got craftwise off my "routine"...so...he said...just donate money, which I did. Here's the problem...I started the project...and now I'm WELL INTO IT...I can't "move" it ... or change creative gears. I have my "cards" that I'm working on during my daughter's piano lesson....but front and center in my studio is this BABY JOURNAL.

I was so so so excited to buy NURSERY RHYMES for this journal...(cartridge)....which I did....funny thing....my designer paper didn't "look" like Nursery Rhymes...SO...I used another new cartridge of mine: GIVE A HOOT!!!!!

My book is a work in progress...and I'm enjoying every moment of this process!!! I've found all kinds of treasures in my craft studio to complete this...and I intend to follow up with 3-4 more of these to give to my 2 nieces who each had a baby in the last year, plus a cousin...and my daughter's newly pregnant volleyball coach! You will have to wait for the picture...I need a new camera, plus I need to finish! All I can say....there are some REALLY cute cuts on this cartridge, and I know the illustrator had to be in my generation, the cut I chose to use...is one patterened after a popular nursery rhyme that I don't believe is even known by the generation below me! Hopefully...in a couple of days...I'll be able to share with you!!!!

Meanwhile: the picture: I'm not particularly in like with this picture, but it was about the time my camera was going kaput, so I used it anyhow for our current advertisement. Since our team is red and blue...I decided to go with this color scheme and have these ready for the sponsor gift. Clever, huh? No last minute running around this Saturday since he will be there throwing out the first pitch. "He" is our neighbor as well, who purchased property from us...and raised about 15 kids (seriously)...all have been candy buyers from us since they could walk across the field! How fun is that!!!!

It's game night tonight....will miss half of it...I'll be at my daughter's piano...finishing little duckie cards...they were SUPPOSED to be my RAK ladies (I still remember you all...don't worry...your wait will be worth it...) Easter cards...well...they took a little twist and now are SPRING cards...having fun with these too...just got impulsive with them in the beginning and now, I'm not sure I like them. :)

Gotta go...close up and scoo-daddle!

Trudi

This One Was MINE!

2011-04-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

All MINE!!! I've had stress packing this week, having to deal with some shipments going into Arizona, which requires ice and special handling. I really am used to it, and it is easy to do...but stress hits, realizing that in about 2-3 weeks...I'll be doing this to every shipment that leaves here!!! No complaints, however, business is business, and I'm glad to have it.

In the meantime, I could have given the task to package and bow this order up to someone else, but chose not to! I did not make these, my head chocolate designer did...but, I thought the presentation was so cute, that I sat down and packaged and bowed all of them up myself. (It was a small order, less than 100) It was nice for me to dabble a bit at it too...it's not always fun doing the "other stuff"...like making decisions, distribution, sales/marketing....AKA...(summer shipping/hard sales/brochures!!)

These were made for an event that has a Cajun theme...cuteness!

Craft News: I'm working on a NON Christmas item right now! I was supposed to have it to my son's school TODAY...so, it will be finished SOON!

Trudi

2nd Verse Same as the First

2011-04-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have NO idea why that little jingle (my title) has been playing in my mind ... I have struggled to remember the little diddie....and what concerns me is WHY DO I EVEN CARE? For some odd reason, when I was designing my Christmas Card Monday card...mind you I was delirious...and probably reached a point of sleep deprivation that was making me wonky ... my creative thinking kicked into high gear...this my friends, happens to me from time to time...and when it does...I have to pounce on it.

So...2nd verse, same as the first...WHY? I think it was because I was trying to duplicate a previous design and give it a twist...so, WHY TODAY? Here's the answer....when I learned that this week's Cricut Circle Challenge was to add a handmade flower....I was glad that my project just so happened to fit that criteria...when I read the rest of the criteria....TWO CUTS....I realized, although I have THREE flowers...they are the same ole same ole....if you read my yesterday posting....I was almost pass out tired...so I am accusing myself of "settling" on my card...when I took the picture yesterday, I felt all along that it still needed yet one more element....yippee to me for reading that fine print....TWO CUTS!!!! All along, I intended to add "something"...sort of like my little birdbath on the pink version of this card....but, I "quit" .... and in my sleep last night...I decided to do a SECOND version of my FIRST!!!

A Christmas Candle...my first choice....I looked through 3 cartridges that I own to "see" my options....Christmas Cheer...NADA...I don't recall seeing a Christmas Candle in this one....Joys of the Season (yes, but a very wide one...) and Nursery Rhymes. (Jack Be Nimble Jack Be Quick)....I say this, because as any cricut cartridge buying addict knows....you can never "label" a cartridge.....For instance....look at the Disney "CARS" cartridge...as much as my son LUVVED these figures...I suspect I will use them only once in awhile.....I will use the SIGNS and sayings in this cartridge however, for so much AND BEYOND the theme of Disney "CARS"....(thus Nursery Rhymes)...I settled on "Joys of the Season" however....After I took a second look...I was STUCK for what color to cut it out...(oh joy, NOW WHAT? I am NOT going to obviously pull this apart....and I can't put a burgundy candle against a burgundy flower....green? not gonna fly....) grrrrrrrrrr.....flip the pages over a bit...and there it was: A PINECONE!!!!

I know me...and I know I'm going to find a way to make that candle work....I have 7 more copies of this card in the making....so, most likely...this card will take a few more changes! (MY PERSONALITY IS SHOWING NOW....I OVERTHINK...AND NOW YOU ARE SEEING PROOF OF THAT...) I probably will make the pinecone bigger....maybe play with these colors a bit differently...I don't want to add any other colors to this...and as much as I want to add glitter...it's not going to happen...it does NOT look like a bling bling thing!

So....Cricut Challenge Week #29.... Handmade Flower...2 Cuts...I used the same cartridge (although I did search, but not oversearch like I usually do....)....I used "Joys of the Season"...pages 67 and 69...Each poinsettia is cut and then cut again 1/2" smaller...the smaller petals, are adhered with dimension...ALL of the cuts are stamped with pattern for character and the edges inked. I used my beloved True Thyme cardstock for the green and Baroque Burgundy for the flowers...both...retired colors...boo hoo on the True Thyme!

Long explanation, but...it sort of is a repeat of yesterday...just a little extra!

Trudi

Christmas Card Monday

2011-04-20T13:22:00.000-07:00

OK...If I typically sleep a regular night ... about 8 hours ... then by combining my last 3 nights of sleep time....it would be about 8 hours total...It must be Monday...(this makes absolutely NO SENSE...but, it does to ME)...I'm so so so tired...so tired so tired....3rd night of below freezing temperatures. Just hope we got the machines on in time....we had a little mishap with the alarm....I turned it OFF...thinking that the machines were ON...and they weren't. I'm so tired right now...that I'm not even going to think about it...

BUT....so, TODAY is MONDAY to me....and I'm getting my card uploaded to share my April Christmas Card. I did previously indicate that I would be casing my Bingo card...

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JGs2WQ3JczQ/TZ-WuPP26iI/AAAAAAAAAfU/e64yPIMMk4s/s1600/IM004238.JPG

I sort of did and sort of didn't. I actually decided to case a different card of mine....which was sort of happening....and then...I flipflopped back to sort of case the first one. Totally not making sense here...so...I'll be brief.

First, this week's Cricut Circle Challenge (Challenge #29) was to create a handmade flower/flowers. It didn't say it had to be a spring flower...I wasn't sure if I picked the best sizes, or maybe that I may even need to include yet one more....I stamped a pattern on the Burgundy (and the True Thyme leaves)...inked the edges as well...when I came to the punched out branches....green just didn't seem to work for me....I like the brown....wouldn't have been my first thought...but, to be honest, I can't imagine the branches green.

I like this stamp...I really do...but, there are a few things you need to know. Stamping these little images is TIME CONSUMING...What I liked about the pink version, is that I was dealing with ONE color only....this multiple color thing is a bit tedious....

The other observation, and it's merely a thought...the card it BIG....I'm not used to making BIG cards....I guess I'll mail these to friends that I have lots to say on....

In the meantime....as much as I tried to add more bling...this really didn't remind me of a bling thing...but more distressed and old fashioned....I adored making the poinsettias...and because I was in a hurry...instead of searching through my 60+ cricut cartridges, I picked 2 that I knew would have one ... and decided I liked the one found in "Joys of the Season". My greens were hard to match with my designer paper (which I think I paid a nickel for in a grab bag at my local craft store...Basic Grey too!!! I have about 8 sheets...perfect to make my extra copies, since I can only get 2 cards out of a 12x12 sheet....big stamp big stamp big stamp I say....)

For those of you who know me....It didn't take much for me to choose the True Thyme for my green of choice of the cardstock......(one of the bestest colors SU has ever launched...too bad it was one of the "in colors" and was only "in" for a year. As a scrapbooker/card maker ... I have to say, this green is an easy match....it looks vintagey to me...and I have had this giant pile of Baroque Burgundy c/s staring at me for awhile (my own stash, plus I inherited a bunch from my friend who was reducing her inventory)....

Lastly, I don't think I have EVER stamped on colored cardstock for my main stamped image! I've always used a white (Whisper White) or an off-white (Very Vanilla) or a light cream (other quality brand)...so, this was a FIRST for me....I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome...I will do this again!

So, that's the skinny on this card. If I wasn't so tired, did I say so so tired, so very very tired...I'm sure I'd be a bit more full of info, and a little less of "trivia"....

On a FUN scale of 1 - 10 ... I'd say this card deserves an 8 or 9...as it was pretty "fun" to make...just not when I was so tired...so so tired...when I make the "copies"....I'll be all awake, and I'll let you know then!

So, pretend it's Monday....aka Christmas Card Monday (April)...the next Christmas Card Monday is: May 16 I have something fun and light brewing for this one!

Thanks for stopping by!

Trudi

WHO KNEW!!!!

2011-04-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

That Mother Nature was going to deprive me of my precious sleep.....For those of you who know me...I'm sure you have heard me sing the blues about cold, rain, wind, etc...all the elements that can wipe out 1/2 of our livlihood for the year....(thank goodness we are diversified!)....well...WHO KNEW...that the last 2 nights we'd be babysitting our trees with freezing temperatures. What little apricots we have left (the 10 degree temperatures 2 months ago wiped out 2/3 of our crop) are in danger...and a very abundant crop of cherries are now at risk...plus peaches too! (26 acres total in trees)....NOT TOO MENTION...26 acres of asparagus simply cannot grow when it's cold! (thank goodness the 10 degrees didn't kill the crowns buried deep in the ground...)

SO....last night and the same the night before that....we anxiously waited for the temperature alarms to blare....when that happens...it's MY job to rally my husband out of the house to turn the wind machines on....he likes to talk himself out of it...and I can't sleep until I hear the truck leave the driveway up to the orchards.....so....NO sleep for me Sunday night....(it didn't dip down that low until about 3:00 a.m.! I can't sleep until he's GONE remind you.....last night was better.... 1:00 a.m....but something at about 4:00 didn't seem right....the WIND came up...and what was once 31 degrees...was climbing back up...so, not only did we have to worry about frost damage....WIND MACHINE DAMAGE...which is costly costly costly....OY! OY! OY! He had the machines on at 1:30 and at 4:00...I was nudging him back out of the house to check the mph of the wind...(can't exceed 7)....so...the machines went off...and I never ever slept....I was watching those temps so closely...as the coldest time is *typically* DAWN...

So, my friends...this long story explains why I didn't have my Christmas Card Monday to share yesterday! I planned on uploading LAST NIGHT...afterall, it was still MONDAY!!! BUT BUT BUT...I layed down to "rest" at 9:30 or so...(still had about 1 hour left to "finish"...) and FELL ASLEEP! (I could have made the midnight deadline)....I knew I needed to stay asleep for a few hours...as last night proved to be SLEEPLESS...(I really couldn't leave my alarm system, although that alarm is very loud...I probably could have heard it in my studio...maybe...we have a fairly big house, and my studio is in our daylight basement....

I couldn't risk it...

Good news...it is ALMOST finished....I snuck in for about 15 minutes this morning...and I only have a few finishing touches....So, I'm going to cut myself some slack on missing my deadline....I guess our livlihood does pay for my supplies...and I'm a work hard, play hard kind of gal...Since I'm not the one out in the chilly orchard...the least I can do is stay in my cozy bed...and watch the temperatures...(I don't completely trust the temperature alarm....)

On the positive side...I think I've seen almost every episode now of Housewives of Miami, Orange County, New York...and now...New Jersey...there isn't much on TV this time of the night...and it seems like BRAVO is playing these! I think they need a Housewives of Eastern Washington....could be fun!

For today....I am sharing something we shipped out yesterday...in the 25 years of business...this is one of the prettiest orders we have shipped...I sell to a jeweler who ordered 300 of these for a Mothers Day promo...I have a great team who takes a lot of pride in their work!

I will post picture tomorrow! Just have a little of this and a little of that to do on my Bingo Card! I didn't overthink it either...still have lots of "steps"....but, it's coming along! I was able to join in on a Cricut Challenge too!

Til Tomorrow, TTFN!

Trudi

My Dear Niece

2011-04-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

4 years ago today, I tragically lost my niece to a senseless act of violence. One would think that over 4 years time...it may be possible to move the pain away and find a way to trudge forward....Although this indeed is the case...the pain has shifted from the center of my heart...to another place that surfaces, although less frequently, still appears....as if it were yesterday, I can't forget...and never ever will. I can't drive past the baseball field I was standing at when one of my sisters indicated to me...that my dear niece was one of the 32 victims, her precious life being taken in Norris Hall. I can't drive past here without thinking about that phone call. I can't stand at the post office window that I was at when I chatted about being concerned that we had not heard from her yet...I can't stand there and purchase STAMPS...without recollecting that conversation. I can't stand in the express grocery check-out at Yokes...without remembering the tears running down my face in front of complete strangers...and recalling a "stranger" who put her arm around me and shared how she tragically lost her brother years ago too...that things WILL get better....

Since 4 years have passed...I have grown so much....I try to be a better person...I am ashamed at all the times where I "could have" been a better friend for friends who may have struggled through a loss, or tough situation. It is only until I personally endured such horrific pain, do I realize that often times...people "don't know" what to say or do...so true that was with me.....I pray that I have become a better person...and I know my sweet niece, Leslie, would not want any of her family to live a lifetime of hurt and pain....grasping to find a new direction, I've channeled my pain at times very unproductively and inappropriately, but have caught myself in moments where finally I've started the path to being more positive. My niece, in her 20 years gave so much kindness to others...so so so much...that in a lifetime...I could never imagine giving so so much. I would hope that all of mankind was so generous, but I know better. We give, we help, we do what we do...but this young woman did so with such ease and grace. In her young years, she taught me much....

I can't let today go by, however, without lifting a prayer to her, and her 31 classmates and faculty....if only we could turn back the hands of time...I'm sure we all would have done and said things differently to others...I know I would have. And for that I need to share her favorite quote

"And we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once. And we should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh."

-Friedrich Nietzsche

Sweet Leslie, I love you,

Trudi

Egg Shaped Card

2011-04-11T16:19:00.001-07:00

This is sort of a little afterthought to post a picture of this card. First, I don't think I've ever posted it to my blog, but IF I did...oops on me. This is not a new creation, but one I did awhile ago....in fact, if I recall...it was one of those that I wasn't sure how the outcome would be...but in the end...I was pleased. I absolutely adore the stampset I used, it is a current SU set, I'd have to go look at the name of it...if anybody is interested, just shoot me an e-mail. (I don't know how to respond directly after a comment is made, I want to know how to do that...as I appreciate the comments!!!)

I see that one of the blogs I frequent:

http://heather-bittenbythebug2.blogspot.com/

is featuring egg-shaped cards to fit the Easter/Spring theme.....it was only after I had thought to upload this card today did I notice this theme on the BBT2 blog....it didn't say these had to be newly created cards, so I thought I'd attach to the Mr. Linky on this go-to blog! Every Monday they have a new theme...I've considered jumping in from time to time....

I did use the cuts on my Storybook cartridge ... (oval and scallop...and I OH SO HOPE my memory is correct on that...it's been awhile since I made this card...but...this would be my assumption!

The card screams Spring as well...and playing around with my never-ending supply of chocolate....the little foiled eggs seemed like they belonged in the picture! I just wasn't liking my pictures...so, I tried...gave you a couple of angles of the eggs...haha

Hope to have another card up on Buttons n' Bows this week....and of course...we all know Monday is CC Monday....aka Christmas Card Monday...so, for sure...(can't guarantee what time of the day though!)...there will something either green/red or green and red/or perhaps some variation of green or red ... maybe burgundy and hunter green...we'll have to see...I may just pull a fast one and do some fun new Trudi Christmas colors....I think over the last couple of years...I've had customers ask for purples and magenta and citrus green trees and Santas....so...I guess we'll see what my mood brings for my Bingo card, which I am casing of mine! LOL!

Thanks for stopping by!

Trudi

Friend Card

2011-04-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here it is! When I saw a glimpse of this background set in the holiday mini SU catalogue...I knew I wanted it....mostly for fun enhancements in scrapbooking....(not sure why I was thinking that...since I haven't created a layout for ages...)....I had just seen some really cool designs created by a few of my scrapbook idols...and I wanted to give the bingo card concept a whirl too....so, this stamp was definitely coming to my house....(I could kick myself all over for not ordering other fun scrapblocks from CHF...so, I wasn't going to let this SU background disappear on me since it was in a mini catalogue...no guarantee it would end up in the "big" catalogue which comes out yearly....we'll know if this one made the cut this summer!)

I'm really not an "itty bitty" stamp kind of person either...so, it surprised me...when I kept thinking of all the fun possibilities I could do with this card and the little holiday stamps that coordinates with it.....well, one thing lead to another...and before you know it...I was almost talking myself into buying all kinds of itty bitty stamp assortments for this card....(I think there is another set in the SU main catalogue that has the right size and quantity that could work....)

I decided about a month ago, that this stamp was going to be my April Christmas Card design....but couldn't get the possibility of other sets to use as a non-holiday design.....I KNOW I have oodles of small stamps! I settled on doing a spring one with flowers...and selected my assortment of mini flowers that I purchased over 12 years ago from our local craft store. This is like the first assortment I have ever purchased.....going back to my earlier comment...I'm not a little stamp sort of person....I have to chuckle at that...because of the over 300 stamp sets (maybe even more) that I currently own...many have never seen ink...EVER...but this little flower set has been used over and over and over and over. I'm not even sure what company makes it...I have a little animal footprints set similar and a Halloween assortment too...about 18 mini stamps in a little cello tube-like box.....

Originally, I wanted fun spring colors on this....but NIXED that...it was too busy for me (I'm sort of surprised at myself on that too)....so, I went with the soft one-color stamping....(which after doing 11 of these....that's stamping 264 little boxes....it still looked naked to me, going the one color...I remember going to a baby shower where we played bingo with baby things typed in each box....that's when my oldie but goodie word sets came to mind....

The rest sort of fell in place....

I really had fun making this card....(I have 9 still to finish...basically assembly though!)....I didn't have enough of the prima flowers (I remember when I bought these...I was afraid to use them up! That was about 6 years ago...and I have so many bottles of these...I still luv them...) But, not having enough...I turned to the next best thing...my own flower creation. I'm the kind of person that needs a different texture on my designs....thus...my reliable sizzix with one of my many dies...produced the little felt flower.....

So, there you have it...probably a too long post about this card...but, I have warm fuzzies with this all over the place....the limited color (I first stamped in a charcoal gray, then aligned the stamp with my stamp-a-majig...stamped over in Silver Encore.....to give it that shimmer look)...I'm not convinced the white cardstock I used was the best "kind"...I knew I was going to use a lot for this project and felt I could get by with a lesser quality brand....it's OK...but, if I were to ever reproduce...I'd do so with SU's whisper white, or a similar quality...but, overall...it's probably just me who will notice the difference...although it's a "lesser" quality....it still is a GOOD quality...just not the BEST quality!

So....the next time you see me using this stamp.....it will be on April 18...the 3rd Monday of the month, AKA, Christmas Monday.... I will have cased my own design and turned it into a holiday theme.

Thanks for stopping by!

Trudi

Got Side Tracked....

2011-04-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

OK...Taxes got in the way of my card-making plans over the weekend. But...yippee...I pretty much am FINISHED with my taxes...(thx Turbo Tax...I (heart) you. (I don't know how to put a little symbol in here...so just imagine a heart there....all I need to do is buy a new ink cartridge and print, sign and oh...write a check (ouch)

But...I hope to have a new picture on tomorrow. Once again, my less is more card is turning into a more is more card. I guess leopards really don't change their spots...(you know the saying)....analogy meaning....I'm destined to always put more labor into my designs than probably necessary, and always not everyone's "cup of tea"...but for some reason, I like to do things this way, and I'm not complaining....I could save time and probably bling bling money if I left elements OFF...but...my personality at this stage of my creative life is not leading me to do this...and...I work entirely on IMPULSE....I am going to case my own design (the one I'm posting tomorrow)...and turn it into a holiday design...as we all know...that 3rd Monday of the month (Christmas Card Monday, I now call it...) is RAPIDLY approaching...and this is a resolution of mine that I am on a mission to NOT flake on!!!! I truly think this has helped me get my creative inspiration back....I am already planning on what I'm going to do for May...

First things first, however...and RAK ladies....I really DO have a pile of cards for each of you....honestly....(ok, a pile of 2 so far...but they are THICK...haha)

My pictures: This is an order we shipped yesterday for a customer who will be handing these out to tenants...I'm not sure the details, as I don't work directly with the customer, but through one of the event/ad specialty customers of mine...anyhow...we separated by "bundles" some needing up to 50 units....what a fun order....the mini chocolate flower is bowed on top of a little package of chocolate sunflower seeds which we package...we make the flowers and tie on the imprinted ribbon (which we print here)...anyhow...a little glimpse for you all into my "other world"...next pic I promise will be "crafty".

Toodles,

Trudi

I'm creating something new!

2011-03-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

I'm actually convinced it's back! My creative motivation is finally BACK! I'm designing something that I will turn around later and turn it into a holiday design...but for now...there is really no "reason" for this card....JUST BECAUSE...it's a JUST BECAUSE card. I see on the Cricut Circle Challenge this week...that is the theme....I've picked out the criteria, WITHOUT OVERTHINKING TOO! Now...to execute.

I will be going off to the store...then go for a 3-4 mile run/jog....because I KNOW I'll be eating late night "treats"....while I'm finishing my cards!

Big Smile here!

Trudi

P.S. The picture: My grandpups! Although, their daddy is yellow lab/golden retriever mix...they don't carry the color resemblence...but, they sure have his fun personality. The mom...she's border collie...what a great mix!

March Christmas Monday

2011-03-21T10:44:00.000-07:00

It's the 3rd Monday of this month, and I have my new card to share. I TRIED to make this into more labor...and I struggled and learned a few things....

First, this stamp does not require extensive! That's my first lesson. I was going to stamp another "25" and cut it out to make it "pop"...but decided against it....The little bells do NOT need to be colored in glittery gold pen, that was a waste of time...the STAMPAMAJIG is VALUABLE on a design like this....my original "stamp" was in a rich brown "I thought pigment" ink .... which I used because I colored my flowers and leaves in with my Copics, then restamped over with Gold Encore...lastly, I spritzed with an opal "glimmer mist" (or brand similar)

So, what lessons did I learn?

1. Don't glimmer mist with a dye ink...it will RUN (I'm glad I started with 11 cards...because 3 are ruined, and my goal was FIVE)

2. Card Stock: For coloring with Copics...use the cardstock that is recommended...."one" of my cards was not with the suggested brand...and it got "trashed"...it was my "cut up and practice with" card....keep in mind...it took about 15 minutes PER DESIGN to "color"...so, waste of time and ink!

3. STAMPAMAJIG: I can't believe how much I really do use this. BUT...there is NO REASON TO RUSH THINGS...thus, pretty card...all messed up....trash trash trash (another 15 minutes of wasted time) (make sure it is aligned!!!)

4. Being impulsive: This doesn't pay off all the time....often, when I create, I AM impulsive.......grab a supply and run with it....in this case....on a couple of my "glimmer mist" foible cards.....I tried to stamp very lightly a music score over the "running ink"....WOW...it looks like I tried to stamp music notes over the running ink....the cards are OK...but, as you can see...they are not the ones I chose to photograph!

5. Take the effort to do what you "should" do in the first place rather than "improvise"...this meaning EMBOSS. I embossed the "warm wishes" sentiment...but attempted alternatives on a couple of the cards....the alternatives, are with the music notes. :) I'm surprised I don't like to emboss since I don't mind spending too much time on other techniques...just not something I ever really liked doing. I guess that's why I like using the "Encore" metallics so much!

All lessons learned....I will probably do this card again....This year, I plan on sending cards out to my biggest clients, hand-made, hand-written, we usually send an appreciation gift too, this is my industry and it's all about wining and dining....BUT....as much as I'd like to spend oodles of energy crafting...that time of year, I can't. So, having a quick design is critical! It was just pointed out to me too, that we will be celebrating our 25th year of business here in the chocolate this holiday season....how appropriate is that? Yep...I'll revisit this card....

It's great being back in the crafting spirit again....

Trudi

Monday is coming...

2011-03-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

I actually spent 2 hours in my studio last night and finished something! The gnome card ... 12 finished and it is tweaked a bit, so the recipients who may have already seen it on my blog...are in for a surprise....the dude is modified, and I prefer the new and improved version....

I'm working on my Monday (3rd Monday of the month, I guess I'll call it Christmas Monday, March) card....I was only going to make FIVE...somehow, I can't do that...so, 10 it is...what is WRONG WITH ME?! It's this over doing it that gets me all out of whack. Five would be doable...but, this is a new Christmas stamp, never used...and I really like it...and it seems easy....?! I don't want to break my resolution, so I may have dark circles under my eyes on Monday...burning the midnight oil Sunday night! Hey, I'm in town this weekend...with only ONE thing to do...(besides clean house)...

Signed up for the Run For Ribbons FunRun...a funrun supporting our local cancer center. It might be rain...it might be windy...it might be rainy and windy...but, I'll be out there with my 11 year old daughter running a 5K....YIKES!

The picture: I brought this to this last weekend volleyball tournament for the snack item....the tray was loaded full of white chocolate dipped giant pretzels, foiled mint chocolate shamrocks and gold foiled chocolate coins. I may offer these trays at Christmas (decorated accordingly) as "office gifts"...probably not quite as loaded, but the presentation similar. What a hit!

Maybe a new picture soon....for sure a new picture on CHRISTMAS MONDAY!

Toodles,

Trudi

Moment of Time

2011-03-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

So, my project that I put off to the side while needing to finish the last Christmas card...(btw, March card...easy smeasy....and moving along nicely)...

I was thrilled to see a need to finish my little gnome card, as this little guy is one of the possible components for the Weekly Cricut Circle Challenge #22: "Once Upon A Time" ....include a fairytale or folklore image ...so, what better time than NOW to move forward and FINISH!!! Besides, I have RAK peeps to send these out to.....

A little info: I've used 3 cricut cartridges on this design:

1. Stretch Your Imagination (the tree) (3")
2. Freshly Picked (the gnome at 2")
3. Celebrations (the banner)

Bit of trivia here...I have limited banner cuts on my 50+ cartridges!!! I searched on my gypsy...nada....I have to tell you...Celebrations is one of my first cartridges I've ever owned...my kidlets gave it to me for Christmas the year I bought my original Cricut (2006)....this is MY go-to cartridge.....it seems to have the components that I need...this time the little triangles that I painstakingly attached together with the french knots. I wish I had a banner cartridge with the little scallopy edges...this WILL be in my future...but, I had fun playing with this just the same...

Another tidbit of triv....I'm a bit slow jumping on the banner bandwagon. I like what I see others do, ... I "get it" now....I REALLY like banners!!! I even have a banner included in on a FUTURE Christmas card design....not sure what month I'll be doing that one...but, standby...you will see more banners in my crafting future....hmmmmm....I wonder if you'll see banners with the little scallopy edges next time!!! I'm on a cartridge buying mission I see....

Look closely on this card...lots of dimension: polka dots on the hat....giant POP UP thingies on the little dude...of course a button (was going to attach brown macrame thread...but, decided I'm a button kind of girl! :)

Off I go...I made 12 of these....this is my first completed one....oh and the little guys EYES...I merely punched holes, put brown on the backside of the diecut...and applied glossy accents ... so, they sort of TWINKLE...all the little "cuts" on the gnome...I KNEW I wasn't going to be successful with him being so small...I decided to improvise and save a LOT of frustration!!!! Sort of reminds me of putting Goofy's teeth on once....(4" Goofy)...near impossible...freehand cutting, coloring of eyes, etc...works best for MWA!

Toodles and Happy Spring!

Trudi

It's the 3rd Monday of February!!

2011-02-21T10:20:00.000-08:00

And that means....Christmas Card #2 is ready to show!!! I finished!!! I have already designed March's card....my craft inspiration is baaaaaaacccccckkkkkkkk!!!

A little comment about this card though....I started these almost 2 years ago...and put wayyyyyyyyyyy more labor into these than anybody should during busy holidays...so, finishing it NOW...when that December 25 date isn't lurking over my head...was a lot more fun....I like this no pressure approach....no wonder I gave up and didn't mail ANY Christmas cards ... this was too much ... Note to self....it's OK to make labor intensive cards...just don't tackle when there is a time crunch...that leads to not doing anything AT ALL....and picking up where I left off...almost 2 years later isn't fun either. Sadly, I have about 3 other projects in the same unfinished state....none of them Christmas...but...it's hard to get excited about something that was started over a year ago....(I took a long craft break)

One good thing about the long break...I've purchased supplies in between that helped "finish" the card...that I didn't have before....that being said...there are things that initially were "done" that I would NOT have done NOW....but...these are FINISHED!!! AND---they will be ready to mail out in early December!!!!

As for unfinished projects....I have one ready to get put back in "the spot"...the spot that I occupy on my giant craft table. I started it about a month ago....but moved it out of the way to get these cards finished...I intended to put this card on my January Christmas card posting...but discovered my little tin soldiers were TEDIOUS (which I really wanted to be a nutcracker...at THAT time...I did not have that cut on my cricut accessable...I do NOW...so, that would have been ONE change)....I even tried to draw a mustache on it...but...that is one skill I lack in....the hand drawing stuff....

Next Christmas card posting is March 21st....I am tickled with what I'm doing....pretty "flat" too...not as much dimension....nor as much labor (I don't think at least)...and I *might* actually do this one for my customers...I am going to incorporate some imprinting on it ... (what we do in my chocolate business...on packaging, ribbon, etc...)

I should have another card posted this week...just need to tweak it a bit...it's pretty much done!

Trudi

Fit For a King!

2011-01-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

So, this isn't really how I would have painted these, but this is what the customer wanted....and I thought they looked sort of cool in the shipping box...before I taped it up to ship out...thought I'd take a picture....(actually, I wanted a picture for future reference if there is a re-order..I'll save the image in my customer file...since we've never done these quite like this before!)

Craft news: I'm faithfully cursing at myself for putting so much labor into the Christmas card that I'm finishing off right now....this is a 2 year old project that I don't want all my previous time and effort to go to waste....I tell ya....these (17) cards will ONLY be given to people who appreciate the fine art of card making...I am having fun though, since I don't have that magic December 25th date close ... and by challenging myself to produce a card (x5) once a month is fun. I have ideas all lined up for the next few months....I just don't want to leave these unfinished for another 2 years....so, 17 cards this round...

I see my other project ready to finish....but, I don't want to shift things around on my table quite yet...these Christmas cards are almost finished...I've been working a bit of them every day....I almost wanted to play hookie from work, but...can't really do that this time of year!

Anyhow...shipping a couple hundred of these out today along with the rest of todays orders!

Toodles,

Trudi

Where Did Winter Go?!

2011-01-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

I would be lying if I said it was warm...as farmer talk goes...something to do with inversion...and without clouds the warmer temps aren't trapped under them...in about a month...this will be our household topic as we watch the night temperatures dangerously drop and put our orchard at risk...oh man, it's starting again! Howeva...I look forward to a new year...new challenges...somehow all the owies of the previous year get replaced as we anxiously wait to see what Mother Nature will do to us in the next few months! It's a way of life I've chosen and good, bad, or UGLY...I luv my lifestyle...

In the meantime....look what Mother Nature gave us today!!! Not a cloud in the sky...I'm off to do the weekly grocery shopping...and when I come home....I'm putting my Under Armour on and going for a run through the country....

Life is Good!

Trudi

Pictures: What a beautiful sky...I needed to share...the canyon shot...I attempted to capture a picture of the most beautiful pheasants...by the time I got outside in the bitter cold...they had hidden...if you look close though...you can see their clawprints....and...last but not least....proof of my February Christmas card...WHAT WAS I THINKING? This card has so much labor put into it (and I'm finishing 17)...I started it 2 years ago...no wonder I wasn't anxious to finish it...this is just a sneak peek too...there's more labor on it...but, you will have to wait until the 3rd Monday in February!!!

Christmas in January!

2011-01-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in my New Years Resolution:

New card x 5 to put in my stash (10 months in a row)...November rolls around...I'm all ready to mail cards...something I have NOT done now for going on 4-5 years....oh...and post on the THIRD Monday of each month, up to November...

YIKES! The only work I had to do on these were to move them from one storage container into another. I feel I failed somewhat my resolution!! haha...but...I will have February's card ready probably in a day or 2...so...no need to burn the candle at both ends in February! Drats these all unfinished projects! If not for them...I'd be posting new pictures like crazy. I think that was Resolution #3 or #4...get caught up with unfinished projects! I'm so ready to start something new for a change!

Anyhow, here is my first card to share for this Christmas Card goal of mine I have set....Card #1!!! Hope the lighting in my photo spot did justice for the sparklies! If it didn't ... trust me ... you might need sunglasses to wear this one....lots of GLITTER and STICKLES!

Trudi

p.s. My grammar and writing style has been a little lazy (proof reading and I'm more like rambling)....I've just been multi-tasking...and rather than edit, edit and rewrite and edit...I'm publishing! You get the jest of it...in the real world...I'm not that lazy with my publishing and writing...I just know...if I sit on things...I'll never post...so better to push the publish post button then not at all! (this is very hard for me to do....it's so not like me...I'm trying to ... relax a little, and I guess write like I talk?!" not sure...bye!

It's the 3rd Monday!

2011-01-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

And it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas....NOT! OK....so, I don't want to flake on my resolutions already! As I publicly indicated in my Resolutions posting...

http://trudi-buttonsnbows.blogspot.com/2011/01/resolutions.html

I will feature a new Christmas card on the 3rd Monday of every month...so...as I was happily creating yesterday (my current non-holiday card...yep, that resolution I broke already...I was only going to make 6 or so of cards...I don't think I made that an official resolution though, and when I cut part of my design out, with my Cricut...12 cut out perfectly on my dp...so, I decided to make 12....) Anyhow, I had my Christmas card (obligation) "Ace in the Hole", so to speak....an unfinished Christmas design from 2 years ago....YIKES! Like about 25 cards...ready to finish....) My resolution was to complete FIVE....so...EASY SMEASY....at about 9:00 last night...I put my current project (It is so so so fun!!!) off to the side....(will post finished result when I finish in a day or 2)....well...my Christmas project from 2 years ago had more than a couple of hours work....my goal was FIVE....and with those FIVE....still more than 2 hours...

What to do? Not to break my resolution: Like in business ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B....like if our equipment breaks down (I don't want to jinx me here...) PLAN B....have backup for production/raw
materials/etc....unfortunately in the "real world" that isn't always possible...but....I KNEW somewhere hidden I had 5 finished Christmas Cards yet to be sent to friends or family....whew....I had full intent of using these for a "month"...and with the exception of only a couple of friends (family) ... these have never been seen.....I did NOT intend to use these my very first month...but, I don't want to break this resolution....

I really like the card I'm working on (all 25) right now, however...so it WILL show up in February FOR SURE...I'm not moving it from my table...not even to finish my fun everyday cards! :)

Well...I PREFER to do all my picture/blog stuff here in the factory while I'm working like a busy bee...so....up to the photo area (it sounds professional....it is NOT....but, I try)....I go....and slowly, slowly, I hear the camera lense doing it's thing when I turn the camera on....slow slow slow...I'm not surprised I see BATTERIES TOO LOW....they are charging currently, crossing fingers I don't need it today for any chocolate proposals!!! My PLAN B card is all set up to take a picture of.....

WHAT TO DO? Slide over to tomorrow for my picture? (that would be breaking my resolution...and I don't want to do that!!!) I guess I'll post a late picture, but still have it on on this 3rd Monday of the month!

In the meantime....I don't think I've shared this card before. I was zooming through my picture gallery and found it. This was one of the most labor intensive cards I have ever made....I luv the technique of making my own dp with the smooshing the stamp ... I honestly don't know the name of the technique....but, it's fun.....

Anyhow, stand by for a Christmas card photo! Might be tonight!

Trudi

Bad weather is expected

2011-01-11T19:10:00.000-08:00

AGAIN! I forgot...tomorrow I'm at a mandatory meeting ALL DAY...and it's out of town...and the expectation of snow and sleet is being told by weather guys! YIKES! So...if my creation is not pictured tomorrow or even Thursday...it's because of my meeting, which except for the free lunch and pastries...I'd rather not attend! It's a farm thing...and since I'm part of the farm...my body needs to be there! The future of our asparagus is at stake here!

I didn't think the asparagus field was as pretty as the orchard picture. I took these about a month ago...and actually have some beautiful out of the ordinary pictures.....I may upload those later if I don't get to my card first!

I'll touch base in a day or 2!

Trudi

It's Monday!

2011-01-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

Just 1 whole week and my first Christmas card will be posted! That is not what I'm working on right now, however....that card...I should have finished by Wednesday. I have to say...it's sort of a tweak as you go kind of card...and part of it is my style and part of it isn't....(I have everything lined up straight right now...I'm not like that...I'm a "tip it" person...or ruff it up a bit cardmaker...so, I have to figure what I'm going to do....anyhow....it's well in the making...and doing 6 "easy" cards...has turned into 12 labor intensive cards...but, fun...so, an hour here, 2 hours there, 5 minutes here and there, and woa la! it will be finished...be looking for it this week!

The picture: I'm pitching a variation (need to modify for brand recognition) of this to a major client. Cross fingers...wish me luck....it's a huge order .... the client is wanting something from us with their logo on it...so, whether this gets picked or not...should be nice! I've been around long enough to know though...don't get too excited until you see the actual yes on paper!

Off to go make that phone call....

Trudi

I'm Glad I Found This!

2011-01-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I created this card. I actually made a little pile of sympathy cards with this...and unfortunately mailed them all out. (I would prefer to never have a need to mail a sympathy card...)...in the process, I had made one as a Thank You card...and thought I sent this in a different direction too....I like to have at least one of my cards, for example...in the event I want to re-create it......this is one of those...that I have actually recreated...in wedding colors, anniversary, etc....for awhile, I've wished I had my sample...if I can avoid using my memory...(haha)...I will! Sometimes it's just easier to copy me....rather than to try to figure me out! (yes, I'm complicated, so I've been told)

I have to be honest...I do NOT like how high my "Thank You" is stamped...and that is probably why it was sitting in a stash that I sort of call my "don't look at much stash"....but....I'm just glad I found it! I'm not a sticker person AT ALL (you know those kinds we all collected to use in our scrapbooks about 12 years ago)...however, the little sparklies on these are stickers...and the shiny trim on the bottom is a sticker....I'm a HUGE FAN of these....so, I might rethink my opinion of stickers....I suspect in a fun combination cardstock, ink, fun colors and craft magic....a sticker card could "pop". There are so many cool things in the craft stores...(stickers) that don't even look like stickers (these are not the stickers I consider stickers). And how easy to apply WITHOUT having to struggle with "what kind of adhesive?" I actually have thousands of stickers...from my early scrapbooking days.....Now...it's got me thinking....(oh no! I have to think! hahaha!) (you know tonight....I will be digging those stickers out....plus die-cuts that I purchased back then...)

As far as my current projects?! I have a design in the making...and I actually CUT DESIGNER PAPER before heading off to work today!!! (I'm taking a little breaky from my pile of Valentine orders...yippee! 2011 off to a good start!) I have to tell you...this dp is something I've HOARDED for years now...it's Basic Grey and one of my favorites...when it's gone...it's gone for good! (After 12 years of "collecting"...I finally learned.....that yesterday's favorite...can be replaced with a new favorite...therefore....CUT....CUT....CUT....)

The idea I "wanted" simply isn't coming to me...so, I decided to do something a little different....hope it works out too...because if it turns out ugly...I've wasted my DP... and if it's ugly...I've wasted my time and brain power! I'm just glad I'm in my studio again....and inspired!

Plans are to post a pic early next week!!!!!!!!! I'm on a mission now!

Happy Friday!

Trudi

Resolutions!

2011-01-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

I'm almost excited ... I have a few crafting resolutions...and I can't wait to get going with them!!!

Resolution #1: (previous post): 1 new Christmas card design per month for 10 months in a row...I will make 5 of each...which allows me 50 cards to have in my stash to mail out in November!!! Pretty doable....every 3rd Monday of each month: January - October...I will post a picture!!!!

Resolution #2: Get caught up on all craft obligations.....I belong to a card group...and I've been very non-committed....this is typically not like me....I'm going to go back to my ways...and KEEP UP! I actually have several pretty close to being done projects...which are more than a card..so, I have been committed...just bit off a bit more than I could chew during my peak time, so to speak...and missed the "season" to send...will do so next year....finish that is...and mail timely!

Resolution #3: Get back to scrapbooking....this really is my passion....I've struggled with my printer for a few years now...I need to just bite the bullet and get a better printer or get my pics printed somewhere....I luv scrapbooking...and I need to get busy on my family pages before my kidlets grow up!!!

Resolution #4: Make my blog come to life! I plan to post more...I sort of dropped the ball during the holidays....but promise to work at doing better!!!!!!!

Resolution #5: Been "mulling over" something, business-wise...I'm going to assess feasibility and do a little marketing research to see if it's something I really want to do!

NON Crafting Resolutions:

1. Lose the weight I gained over the last year....it's doable....just if I don't watch it...it will become a long weight loss journey that I have already traveled and prefer not to again!!!!!!! I'm making a weight loss journal book...one for myself....and for each kidlet....we are planning on participating in a future 5K....I'm up for that...but need to get my little peeps in condidtion for one....I luv to run...and plan to keep up the course....

2. Get back to feeling healthy: Eat better, sleep better, get eyes checked (I'm ready for my first pair of glasses! YIKES!, not let stress get to me so much....don't look back at yesterday....but look forward to tomorrow!!!!

3. Slowly get my HOUSE back in shape! Nuff said! Clutter!!!! I need to de-clutter!!!!!

Picture: A mini me again....what a fun day! Sis and I took a camera around the farm that day and used up a whole roll of film. We posed in strange place...and had a blast! I've done this with my kidlets too...although the farm is much different now...I hope they have great memories...like I do...I think I was in 5th grade....

I'm heading into my craftstudio tonight! yippee!!! Not worried about completing my Christmas card for January....it's almost finished!

Trudi

New Years Resolutions

2010-12-28T17:44:00.001-08:00

First, since my last post...bright days were NOT ahead. OUCH...but....I finally came to grips that I can't be in a funk forever....it's not a good place...so, last of me even hinting that my personal issues have been challenging lately!!!!

I will tell you though, over the last month....something I knew, but, have had over reinforced to me: ONCE YOU PUT SOMETHING IN WRITING...YOU CAN'T TAKE IT BACK!!! So....I am going to DIGEST and think about my New Years Resolutions before I actually commit....

I have unfinished biz from 2010 (blog biz)...and I want to make that good (Lia, my dear friend)....before I get too excited about 2011!!!!

But...a GOAL I've been mulling over for about 4 years now...is to simply create FIVE (new design each month) Christmas cards each month...for 10 months in a row...that when the middle of November comes along....I'll have them ready to mail out. I have neglected in mailing cards for YEARS now....I've had significant things occur in my life that my closest friends from the past have never heard about....at least not from me....so.....this goal I am putting in WRITING....So, to make my blog "come to life"....I'm going to publicly announce...that I will be posting ONCE A MONTH a picture of that month's card.....what I don't know now is...WHEN....(might have that figured out by the end of this post though....)

Since the downturn in the economy, I've had to re-do my approach to marketing very differently, and am targeting a totally different market (in my chocolate business)...one that requires me to complete proposals in FAST time...for future needs....it's fun and exciting and it's got my whole "self" getting more organized....and if not for the recent upset in my life....I'd have been creating up a storm in my little room....(my upset has caused a LOT of tears...but, thankfully....it's personal conflict and not more than that...) I've been filling orders....big and fun orders...then coming home, getting kids ready for bed and hybernating in my room...no holiday cheer for this girl....I feel I owe my kids another Christmas....

So....my table is CLEAN right now....I have a GREAT project molding (for next October)...plus a few unfinished cards for next autumn....YIKES....but, sitting prominently in my "spot"...is a small pile of Christmas stamps.....

Resolution #1: 5 Christmas Cards per month, 10 months in a row (They need to be done by November anyhow...at that time...we know I will be up to the sky in chocolate)

So, I will decide when you can expect, each month, my card.....I'm thinking the 3rd Monday of every month......So, there it is: IN WRITING.....the 3rd Monday of every month...for 10 months....I will feature a Christmas card, with intent to mail these puppies out directly after Thanksgiving....

I *think* this is doable....

Baby steps....I'm taking itty bitty baby steps....oh...and the picture...is a little ME....I was about 11 or so when this was taken. I'm a glutten for punishment....this picture is a reminder of innocence and happy girls....oh personal stuff "go away"....at least now, I've come out of my hole and am facing it....I posted this picture, because it was the first picture I found in my gallery that "felt" right to post....and I feel I should *always* have a picture to show...even if it is meaningless to anybody but me!!!

Back to baby steps....it's a day by day thing.

Trudi

Hello Kitty Birthday

2010-12-21T19:44:00.000-08:00

Good grief...I took these pictures with my iPhone and have struggled tremendously to upload them onto my blog...I had to send them to myself e-mail...copy and paste them into being a jpeg....I KNOW there is a way to use my phone...just haven't figured it out yet. You can be sure I will find out....

This card is the one my daughter designed for her sleepover/birthday party tonight. I did guide her with the Cricut...and helped glue the little intricate parts on....but, the rest was really her...she picked the kitty...(I suggested the cloud...which didn't start out as a cloud...it was a background oval to me....looked like it could be a cool cloud)....she picked the papers/colors/etc....my suggestion of course for the buttons....

I really enjoyed this card....it was pretty quick...and making 6 wasn't taking on a never ending project....I will be posting my New Years goals soon....and "making just 6" of this or that will be on the list...not this 20 stuff...that I start and leave 1/2 done when time gets crazy!

Well...party to plan...

Hope everybody's holiday is all they want it to be....I'm still licking some very deep personal wounds....but, I realize I need to see that sun eventually....so....perhaps bright days are ahead!

Toodles, my friends,

Trudi

I'm Still Here

2010-12-02T18:30:00.001-08:00

Long time no post! I'm still here! Business is brisk...I sent out literally a ton of chocolate this week....on Monday, one 800 pound pallet, only to follow it up with Tuesday 400 more pounds...this is only ONE customer....and I've supplied to oodles more than that! I'm exhausted...and as much as I luv business...I'm ready to let go of a little of it...just to stay home with my little family.

Thanksgiving...lots of family drama...trying to sort all that out....it's great having a big family...but sometimes communication gets garbled....I'm ready for some alone time too...this year, for Christmas....it's all about our kids...my husband and I are not doing anything for each other...just making it a nice season for our kidlets, who are rapidly growing up....

We also decided, on Christmas Eve...it's about the true meaning of Christmas....so maybe not so much of the presents and stuff...but, the giving your heart and soul for what Christmas is all about.

My state was/is under a blanket of snow and sleet and ice...we rained today, finally...at first it was snow...then rain...just hope it doesn't get below freezing...it was close to 37...so the slippy stuff was subsiding....It's only the beginning of December and I don't like winter already!

Hope all is well...I suspect I'll be a hit and miss for the next few weeks....my hard work is almost done...I almost shudder to say it...but, I have a bunch of chocolate ROSES lined up...yup...Christmas is ALMOST over for the chocolate world...onto the next! And can you believe it...I have a distributor ready to give us EASTER orders! YIKES!

Trudi

Getting in the Holiday Card Making Mood

2010-11-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not going ANYWHERE today...in fact, I'm making a pot roast and spending my day in my studio!!! I see my unfinished project all over the table, and I'm wondering...do I finish it, save it for the next early autumn season to send to my friends...or send it late...I'm thinking save it...but..then I ask...do I finish it NOW or put it off to the side and start something else? I think I want to at least finish the design....the project is time sensitive, and although I could mail it...I'd rather wait when it means more...so RAK group...if you are still in the group next Septemberish....I've started your RAK! LOL!!!

In the meantime....I'm a huge fan of gingerbread houses.....I may have posted this before, sorry if I did...this was one of those really labor intensive cards....but fun to do...

Have a great day!

Trudi

Smack Dab in the Middle of Production

2010-11-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Things are going rather smoothly. I'm in a tradeshow tomorrow, and do not plan on getting any of it ready until tomorrow...beyond that...I'm happy with progress....haven't had a chance to get into my craft room though...another couple of weeks and that will change. November is our busy month as the stores need holiday delivery NOW...by December...we are somewhat back to normal...for now...I'm getting pallets of product ready to go and UPS shipments out the door, all shipped to retailers scattered throughout the country....

Today...this was my fun...about 450 pounds of this....700 bags total...that, plus much more! The ones I am working on now differ slightly, as they have a corporate logo on the bow....it's hard for me to keep my hands out of the taffy...it's so good...and when under stress...I tend to "eat" the profits, so to speak! Sorry about the black "mat"...you see little bits of white chocolate on it...my picture taking is literally spur of the moment...usually for me to have as a graphic to refer to when I receive custom orders....I often photograph chocolate unwrapped AND wrapped...to avoid glare...anyhow...not that savvy with the process, but, I've improved tremendously since my first attempts, 10 years ago...when we got our first digital camera!

How about the recent Gypsy download for those of you who own a Gypsy!!!! That's pretty exciting!!!!! I struggled through the sync...but, well worth the wait!

Trudi

I'm Still Here!

2010-10-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Just been up to the sky in chocolate. Had a little bit of stress today....I'm sure a few people think of me as this! Won't go into details...oh well...it is what it is....Trudi

Cancer Awareness

2010-10-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

I have been in huge production mode this week...started a craft project last night, but will finish it off in the next few days. This picture is something we recently did for an event held for cancer awareness.

Trudi

Friends -- Fun!

2010-10-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

My card. For some reason, no matter what I did to this card...it was fun. It might be that I'm the only person on this earth that likes the result...but no matter what, no matter how...I had fun. My sewing machine was "catching"...so I have imperfect stitches (gasp)...and I rocked my stamp on one of my cards...so a little brown spot appears in the tree branches on one of my cards(shudder)...my sun has funky strange stitching on it....I couldn't manipulate my circle very easily...(I'm shocked!)...and...I'm sure there are other blunders...but...I still had fun....I grabbed this and went for that...and didn't overthink my card. I didn't agonize over which was the best designer paper for my hills...or background stamp for my sun...or colors for the sun for that matter. I realize my quail have little blue sky bodies because the stamp shows this...and I wasn't about to color them in! At the end of the day....I REALLY ENJOYED making this card...AND THE MULTIPLES I made of it!

I can't wait to mail these out to my friends....this is my first go around with this set...and I knew from the getgo...I was going to luv it! It puts a smile on my face...and hope too, that the recipients can sense that when they receive theirs (sometime next week!) Sorry ladies for the little blurb here and there...all is good...I found my style again while making this card (it was gone for awhile)...so, I thought I better run with it while I could!

Now, I can start my next project...the one I've been wanting to start for a long long time!

FYI: Those little "suns" in the picture are chocolate suns...well, technically not chocolate...I guess orange and lemon flavored fake chocolate....real chocolate has to have cocoa in it...even white chocolate isn't real chocolate. Anyhow...these were an overrun of an order that we shipped out a month ago...I thought I'd add them to my picture for FUN!

Trudi

I LOVE these kids!~

2010-09-30T09:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since my last post, and I do have something almost finished to share...ALMOST...LOL...we know how my almost can be!!! I MIGHT be making pickles again tonight...we have perfect pickling cucumbers with NO home...I hate to see us throw them out...we are about ready to call that season OVER. I'm uber busy with chocolate right now, and feel that my priorities need to shift to my business...I won't miss the hard work of picking those nasty 4-1/2 LONG rows of cucumbers though!!! In the meantime, this picture was taken this time of year, 4 years ago...my how time flies. This is one of my ultimate favorite pictures of my 2 blessings....not only siblings, but the best of friends...I think I will put this picture on my desktop to remind them how much they mean to each other...WHEN THEY ARE FIGHTING OVER who has to do what or who gets what or who x'd the chair or whose turn it is to do what...WHAT being whatever you can imagine my kidlets can dream up. At the end of the day....I have to beam with pride, knowing how much these 2 mean to me and how much they love each other.

Hopefully...new crafty picture coming soon!

Trudi

Good Fortune

2010-09-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Ko Neechi Wa (I know, Japanese not Chinese)....I wanted to get this uploaded before now....I designed this card for a RAK group that I'm in...and *typically* I would wait for the group to receive their cards before I post...but...(gasp)...I see I have not uploaded ANYTHING NEW for so so long...and....recently I have my creative energy in overdrive (yippee!)...so, I thought I better get this up before I lose my momentum....(my momentum has been hibernating for about a year now...considering I've done the late night (papercrafting) thing for over 13 years or so...(before that, it was something else....I LUV to embroidery) I WAS PROBABLY DUE!!!!

I'm mailing my cards out TODAY, so today it is that I post it on my blog...I noticed a little funny today...for those of you who read my blog...you may have learned that I own a chocolate business...I'm getting ready to make a shipment to Maryland today...and it occurred to me...this order MATCHES my cards!!!! Since it's a fortune cookie order....I COULDN'T RESIST taking a picture together!

I have another card in the making...I put it off (the idea) because I wanted to do a "simple" card...and just the thought of it didn't seem simple....well, the other night...I decided just to "fiddle" with the idea...and guess what...my labor intensive card isn't as labor intense as I thought...either that...or it's so flippin fun to make that I'm not noticing it! LOL!!! I plan to mail IT out to my RAK group on Monday (you see, I have been a tad bit slow...this will catch me up!)...look forward to something NEW again!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!! I have lots of plans for October!!!!! (creatively, that is!)

Trudi

Turkey Trot

2010-09-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure I've ever posted this picture...but this was the first Fun Run I have ever participated in...it was Thanksgiving 2008....I would luv to participate this year, but am recovering from a very painful condition called Plantars Fasciitis...I feel like my HEELS are broken...my podiatrist (yes, I have one!!!) told me that he didn't think my heels were fractured....I'm feeling a little sad over all of this, but I am putting things in perspective....I walked into his office and could have stood (not enough chairs in the waiting room)....I can't say that for the others...I'll count my blessings and keep quiet!

I'm off the streets for now, and unplugged my treadmill...in a couple of weeks...I hope to report differently!

I made this and framed it for a gift to my dear sister for Christmas. I made one for me too, but have yet to attach my leaves....hmmmmmmmm...perhaps a project I should buckle down and finish!

Trudi

Birthday Card

2010-08-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

I'm back from Seattle....interesting....quirky....I guess you could say somewhat of a success...no complaints on the business we wrote/brought home for us....we are busy through Valentines Day now....just not like it once was....the times have changed, and along with that...we are too....I can say, I picked up quite a few new customers, which is good! The show was A LOT smaller than normal....what used to be 5 healthy rows of food vendors shrunk to TWO!!! Not sure how to digest all of that (no pun intended)....like I said...quirky, strange, interesting...and HARD....this was a hard show this year....

In the meantime, my Mom needed a card to send to my aunt for her birthday...so, I brought my stash from the past for her to pick from....this is the one she chose. It includes a packet of cocoa inside...I purchase cocoa packets from one of my friends who is the Mktg Director for a fun company that packages TONS of themed cocoas in packets and tins. I've gotten to know them quite well over the last 20+ years of doing the Giftshows....and am in the process of getting my order together right now! I managed to take a quick picture of my cocoa card before we shipped it away with a gift!

Trudi

Seattle Here I Come

2010-08-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'm not even close to being ready for the show...it is what it is....as usual, I'm flying by the seat of my pant on this one...I'll catch up next week!

This is I think last years pic....I don't even like to think about my tomorrow...this is not fast, fun or easy to set up...BUT...Saturday morning, all spiffed up (me) and ready to go...it will be fun. I like doing the shows...just not the prep or afterstuff!

Trudi

Been A Little Teeny Sidetracked

2010-08-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

I've had an interesting social life lately, it sort of put me out of whack...some heavy emotional stuff....but, I'm getting back on track. I have only one little task to do, and my cards will be finished...out in the mail, will post pictures then!

In the meantime, I've been faithfully working on my brochure for the Seattle Giftshow, which is next week...for me, my Christmas has started, I even am 95% certain of my first volume order today....(3000 units)....time flies....

I got a kick out of this...can you believe I have to start planning Valentines Day? I took this picture today...our "Cookie Poppers"...FUN STUFF!

Trudi

Tinsel Cord

2010-08-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

I like having my inspiration back....my cards are progressing nicely :)

Yesterday, while working on my cards at my daughter's piano lesson....it occurred to me that I was using an awful lot of my retired commodity...gold (non stretchy) cord. I remember when this became retired a few years ago (SU) and at the time....it really didn't bother me....afterall, ribbon is a huge part of my chocolate business and I have suppliers all over that I probably could find it if I tried hard....

So, yesterday....I thought...wow...I see the cardboard...my never ending roll of nonstretchy metallic gold cord will be gone after I finish what I'm working on....This morning, I squeezed in 1/2 hour of time....big smile on face...I don't know why I'm "happy" when I use something up. My smile turned into a FROWN. You see, I like my project (sorry RAK group, I'm going turtle slow...) and plan on bringing my supplies to Seattle (I'm there on business for 5 days or so in the next few weeks...I want to have stuff to do at night!) and make even more of these for a Christmas gift for one of my sisters, who does not craft. (I won't elaborate...but will after I post a picture of the completed card)....I did NOT want to run out of my supply!!!!!!!!! So....I did a quick a roo-ie and found an alternative "look".

I'm sitting at my workdesk right now....and thought I'd browse through one of my supplier's catalogues (30 pages of nothing but ribbon!).....it took about 30 seconds to find what I was looking for.... WHEW .... (and we order from this company pretty much weekly....)

So, my craft world will not stop spinning for today, I can use up my roll of gold nonstretchy cord...now that I did the substitute on a few of my cards....I'm not sure what version I like better, I may like my alternative better than my original...I can say, it was a lot less work too....

A little teaser picture here....cord version vs fancy ribbon version on my card element ....(I really really LUV this ribbon...can't wait to get a chocolate project to use it on....this is really cool stuff...)

Toodles....Trudi

Time In My Studio!

2010-08-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

Good news, bad news....first the good....I got motivated and finished the design of the card I'm working on. After the design is finished....it's easy from there. I am making multiples though, so, I may not be finished by tomorrow. I am taking things to work on during my daughter's piano lesson late this afternoon...I'm really excited to get this one done and photographed! I've wanted to play with this set for SO LONG now....and I have to admit, my original "vision" did not happen, but looking at what I ended up with....I KNOW my original "vision" would not have worked for me.

Now, the bad news.....I have a special hiding spot in my studio for my treats....I literally lost oodles of weight on WW by having my stash of WW treats in my special drawer.....Well, it's been a long long long time since I've actually spent TIME in my room. I've only dabbled a bit here and a bit there....and I have not really even sat in my chair in there let alone dig into my treats....it's probably been about 6 months....

No worries, somebody else found my treats....aka...a MOUSE. I admit, we had a little creature in our daylight basement awhile ago....my husband trapped the poor little guy .... he's now in a place where our former house kitties can chase and play with him. (We lost our beloved kitties about 9 years ago...they were very well taken care of...ages 16 and 15...previous farm kittens, given a charmed life).....I was HORRIFIED seeing my treats all shred up to pieces....with rubber gloves....I took the drawer AWAY today.....I've thoroughly inspected my craft studio for any other kind of evidence....and I'm fairly confident...Mickey is gone....BUT...that being said....with our next batch of farm kittens....I plan to have a house kitty in our future!

You are probably wondering what this picture has to do with anything? It's sort of a clue! You'll see in the next few days!

Bye for now!

Trudi

Back Home

2010-07-31T09:32:00.000-07:00

So, I managed to get away for a few days of R&R...I've decided it's not possible, and getting readjusted is just as hard as getting ready for the 2-3 days away. During those 2-3 days...all I think about is what I've left. So, note to self....probably not a good idea to do what we just did. I truly need to seek some answers, because right now...I'm feeling a bit down about it all...long story, and I won't go into it....just a little down.

I have unfinished cards to finish, and I'm working on my little blog gift that my friend Lia will be receiving! I wish I could have had it all complete before I left...just didn't happen! I'm anxious to see my kids, they have been with their grandma for a week now...so, maybe I'll be a bit more cheery when I see them!

This picture is of a little cocoa holder that I made a few years ago....I kept my last sample and gave it away for a gift...so, I'm glad I have a picture of it. I don't like to let go of my last sample, just in case some day I want to repeat it, or make something similar. I like to have an example....well, after 12 years or so of creating...samples are taking over my craft room...so, I'm going to have to let go of some it someday! LOL! Since I've been a little slow at creating things, I'm glad I have pictures to share...this particular card/package...was super easy to make...one ink is all...maybe a little work with the glitter...but fun all the same!

Trudi

My Little Counter

2010-07-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

Is going to make it to 4 digits with the next person who comes onto the site....which funny could be ME after I post this...it tends to create a "hit".... anyhow, next person...(whether you are my 1000th or not)...(plus, I already have hit that...just I have 2 little counters...this one tends to not be as ahead of the game and "misses" counts...that's ok...when I truly hit the 1000 mark...I wasn't "ready", I am now...

Anyhow, for the next person who wants to leave a little comment for me...I'll send them a little treat ... sort of a little blog candy I guess. Of course, you won't know what it is quite yet...but, I have ideas...I will correspond privately for mailing info....

And....by the way....my creative inspiration came BACK...In my deep-cleaned (partially deep-cleaned) house....I have a little tray of something I'm working on...I usually don't bring my works in progress out of my craft studio into other parts of my house...I even have my scor-pal out of it's "spot"....I went home at lunch and "eyed" what I'm doing...I am excited to tackle it tonight...won't leave a picture though...my camera batteries are recharging! I'm tickled pink (or maybe I should say red & gold) that I am not "stuck" on a design! I just needed to move on from what I was doing!

I am putting up a picture of one of our most popular items though...chocolate dipped fortune cookies...each cookie has a custom message inside, dipped in chocolate and drizzled in any colors...perfect for weddings and events! I send these all over the hot nation all summer long...this week we shipped cookies to Michigan, actually had 2 orders going to 2 different locations in MI. Sent elsewhere too, just not cookies. Next week...Windermere, FL...yep, I am a meteorologist in my spare time!

Trudi

Inspiration

2010-07-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm actually inpsired to work on something!!!!! I've had a particular set for about a year now, that I just had to have (SU)...it's still current, and I really really luv it....just haven't had time or inspiration to do ANYTHING. I'm still "working" on my last card, but decided I'm going to finish it and leave it SIMPLE. It is a sympathy card, and I had attempted to put my usual "extra" on it...but, am thinking twice about that....I think simple is probably more tasteful...

Oh...and NEW RIBBON arrived today!!!!! Hopefully, I'll have an ELEMENT of my card to show you tomorrow....I'm taking my set, ink, and scissors to my daughter's piano lessons tonight!

In the meantime...this arrived at the factory today! Grinch green is IN ... now to get busy making samples and prototypes for the Seattle Giftshow, which is only ONE MONTH AWAY!!! Yep, Christmas is here at Adams Place Country Gourmet!

Trudi

Deep Cleaning

2010-07-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

I'm really not happy in my extremely messy house. I think once it gets "fixed", I might enjoy my free time more. I have my work cut out for me...it's been years...and I just can't seem to convince my children that a garbage can is there for a reason....mind you, I'm not a neat and tidy person. I'm that "expressive" personality type A person you learned about in college....brainiac scrapbooking had me as a right brain, or was it a left brain scrapper. I know the left part of your brain is the creative portion...but I think the quiz I took had it flipflopped. Anyhow, when I took those courses, I fell into the "no rules" everything but the kitchen sink, bling bling SLOW category....I guess there are less of me than I thought...most fall into the category somewhere in between. I'll find my quiz and share the deets with you in the next few days. In fact, I'll share the whole concept...(I took a seminar...just LUVVED it!!!!)

In the meantime....my plan is to take a couple days off this week...and deepclean...but, unfortunately, it took me 3 hours to clean my fridge yesterday....I'm getting a jump start on it before Thursday and Friday roll around. I really don't want my cleaning to continue on the weekend, but, I'm fearful it will...I guess it is what it is...I don't want to admit it...but, it's been literally too long to share how long it's been. I have 3 other family members also involved, maybe a little reluctant...but we all agree...we don't like living in mess.....

Today, I uncovered a project I started 3 YEARS AGO!!!!! I made a recipe box for my dear niece for Christmas, and the idea was to make more for sisters. Anyhow, the naked boxes along with the paint and dried up paint brush were found....I was doing these in the kitchen...I guess I better move them back to my studio, so I can stare at them unpainted for another 3 years! LOL!

I'm posting pictures of what I did do for my niece. I had huge inspiration from one of my favorite designers, Linda.

lindaalbrecht

Like I said this was YEARS ago...I'm not sure where you would find her original posting, but....her style is awesome, if you get a chance...you ought to stop by. She's also one of the nicest craft people I've corresponded with. That too, has been over a few years...but, I remember how nice she was the few times we did e-mail back and forth!

Have a nice Monday!

Trudi

Peaches

2010-07-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

OK...I read my blog post from the other day pertaining to Farmers Market. Part of me wants to remove the post...I was -- shall I say, a little passionate about the subject? It still makes me a bit peeved....but, I'm sure it will catch up to the market eventually. I could complain loud enough that it changes, but I think I'll just let it go, and find another way for my children to learn marketing. It's not worth the negative energy....besides, all the customers who come our way support us...and luv to comment. :) Truly, my personality isn't that impulsive is it? To actually write about it on my blog? haha

We started picking peaches....I feel like a sheepdog since I have NOT ventured in my craft room. I haven't told many, but I am having some serious pain with my tailbone for awhile now...so, at night...I just want to go lay down on a heating pad! It's been since the beginning of the new year (even before)...I'm finally convinced to go get it looked at. (how embarrassing is that?!)

I'm posting a picture of me in the past....I think this was 1982...the newspaper found me newsworthy.....

Trudi

Our Sign!

2010-07-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

My sister is visiting from Virginia...she's an artist on the side, and has had many of her paintings sell for very impressive amounts. She's always dabbled in paints, clay, and now is writing a book. She's uber creative. Anyhow, once upon a time, probably about 40 years ago...she painted our original sign that lead people into our place to buy fruit. Years later, my Mom painted one since hers was chipped, warped, etc....well....that was about 25 years ago...and we were in need of a new sign. We do have a professional sign directly in front of the driveway which leads to the salesroom...but, we need something on the edge of the property.

My sister, patience of a saint...made a memory for my children and hand drew our logo...I cut out letters on my Cricut...and my 9 and 10 year old painted the sign. This was a huge memory for the kidlets...how special it was for them....we need to talk my husband into putting up the sign...maybe I can take a picture of the 3 of them next to it!

The 3 of them all decided our girl looks like a GOY. (girl/boy) Given time and minus the 2 painters, I'm sure she would come out a bit different...but, this is PERFECT. It gave my kids a sense of ownership and gives my sister a piece of her childhood.

I LOVE you sis Holly...thanks for being you...I appreciated you giving my kids a part of your heart...they really LOVE their A(u)nt Holly!

Trudi

Stamp News~

2010-07-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

CHF is quitting biz! Ouch to the stamping world! I sincerely hope I see this company reappear in the future! Bummer for me, bummer for many!

http://becreative.cornishheritagefarms.com/

As far as my life....I'm still out picking cherries. I'm not ready to call it quits yet. We wanted to take our children to Farmers Market here locally, but were advised that the markets were already saturated with cherries, but we certainly can bring our specialty line. (We have a national reach with our specialty foods...and USED to do the Farmers Markets, in fact in 1982, I was one of the first vendors with my sis...my Dad bought us a little truck and we earned college money...then, after college, I was on the Market Advisory Board...oh, and designed their first ad promo)...but got to a point where we didn't have the time...the sales were good...but no time)...so, we thought this year...we would expose our kids to the fun of selling at a Farmers Market.

I'm a bit peeved...not ONE, but TWO directors turned us away....because they had enough cherry vendors...SO...we went "shopping" the other night to "see". What I saw....$4.00/lb for cherries...(we are selling them for $2.00/lb)....we are also WSDA (WA State Dept of Ag) APPROVED...and can provide proof of business....the young couple selling the wormy apricots ($2/lb) didn't even know what kind they were.....not to begrudge them, they didn't know....

I'm not trying to police the participants....just think that our tax dollars should count too (one of these markets originated on government grant money, and we were asked to help start the market, that it was farms like us they wanted to attract)....and no way, no how are we going to leave our produce home...we are a farm enhanced specialty food business....not a specialty food business that decided to grow a farm.

Next time we are asked to give a speech .... which we are often asked to do ... or consult ... I hope I'm not carrying this same grudge...cuz...I'm a little peeved right now....PRICE FIXING IS NOT what makes a market....oh yeah, I forgot...the director lady thinks all farmers wear straw hats, overalls and have a corncob pipe in their mouth....grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Back to stamps.....I cannot wait to get my hot little hands on the new SU catalogue....I saw glimpse of it the other night....and wowie zowie....I have buying inspiration!

My photo explanation: This is HARRY the Heron. Having lived out here in this neck of the woods...I can honestly I NEVER had seen herons living nearby...BUT...when my kids (age 9 and 10) were babies....a Heron appeared...and every summer...he comes to visit....we even had a flock of "Harry(s)" here....when my kids were 4-5ish...we went to the local library (I really enjoy childrens books...I get so many creative ideas from childrens books!)....and did a little "Harry" research...

If my memory strikes...Harry is the closest LIVING animal to resemble the DINOSAURs! The flying dinosaur (was that the teradactyl? sp?) is speculated to have the same bone structure as a heron. (grammatically, should I have reversed that? The heron has the same bone structure as the flying dino? ) Oh who cares...you get my point! It's hard getting a good picture of this little creature...(little, who am I kidding....see one fly, and it's spooky...pretty large wingspan!)...

Now...don't laugh....I have actually bought craft supplies with dinosaurs on it...to SOMEDAY SCRAPBOOK HARRY. I admit it...I just look for reasons to buy....

Trudi

The Last Trailer!

2010-06-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

So this was the last of the big stuff. It's now the odds and ends that are left, summer is over now as far as the stress. It rained right before harvest, but not so close to harvest where it did any damage. The rains did devastate our early variety (we only have 100 young trees), but spared our major crop, (the Bings)(about 2000 trees). I should have taken a picture of us sorting the Chelans....it was NOT fun....but fortunately, by the time I got my hands into that process...we were down to only 500 pounds to do or so. We sold every single cherry of the Chelans, but did not pack them out, kept them for our sales here locally. Our bings were HUGE, and no splits.....and all those bins, filled and gone! Yippee! Today, we are taking the kids to Toy Story, 3D......sort of a "yippee" after the season...

Next, it's apricots....my last picture...those wood bins...are to store apricots....(the truck brings empties and takes away full ones)...we have probably pounds wise....twice as many cots than cherries....1/2 the crew stays and moves right into those orchards....what a life!

Now that things are settling down...I REALLY want to do something crafty...REALLY really REALLY really REALLY really!!! Hopefully, I'll blow off the "dust" (figure of speach, my studio is actually pretty clean right now due to lack of activity! :( and get busy on SOMETHING.... after Toy Story 3D...I KNOW I'm going to want that new Cricut Cartridge coming out in July!!!

Trudi

The Cherry Process

2010-06-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm actually having fun with these pictures. My contribution to the overall process is MINOR...In fact, today, I reflected how little stress the whole season was...like it passed all around me...but, I'm sure it was stressful for my husband...that, or he has it so organized that it's actually easy. I've had as many as 20 people working for me during a busy "candy" season...and that isn't easy..so for him to be able to pull all of this off with 40-50 employees.....I can't see how painless this can be....but, it seemed to be....so, I won't question it....in the meantime...a few more pictures...I have more to share...but, for now...this is it.

I'll bet many of you never imagined the "process"...or maybe you have...or maybe you don't really care! But, it really is a process...from the first blossoms in early March to now...when the precious fruit gets picked and sent out to stores...as we speak, our cherries are on their way to markets overseas, across the country, and probably a bit locally too....once it leaves us....it's a whole different process!

The commercial season officially ended today at about 9 a.m. when all the pickers were paid and sent on their way....I did take semi truck pics though, tomorrow or over the weekend...I might share! I want to do something craft related...but, am a bit tired, and was reminded I have to finish a pie cherry tree tomorrow and a rainier tree or 2...it's all for sales at the place now, so it's up to me...the big stuff is over! I guess I'll be up with the chickens tomorrow! NOT....we don't have any chickens....I'll wake up when I wake up...just make sure it's before we open for sales.

Trudi

Cherry Harvest 2010

2010-06-24T16:03:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, while fiddling with my Cricut Gypsy, which I think is the cat's meow...just luv my little Gypsy....and I have yet to cut with it...I like it to design and see what the new cartridges are like, portably that is...anyhow...daydreaming as to how to get out of my creative slump...it dawned on me...I need to work on something NEW...I've been doing swap things, gifts, etc...but nothing NEW for ME...so...idea jumped into my head....and in the process, I think I need to invest in one of the new cartridges....the "Freshly Picked" one.

I grew up on the very farm that my little family now depends on for livlihood...(that and our specialty food business)....and as I reflect how it was THEN and how it is NOW...I'm sad to say, I don't have pictures of the THEN days....but I can have them for the NOW....so my children can share with their children years to come...

So, today, close to the last day of cherry harvest....I grabbed my camera, my kids, and tried to document the day. Of course there are little distractions along the way...but, I have a few pictures to share! I'm running to the next place to be...I will elaborate later, add pictures later, and hopefully have a scrapbooked paged to share soon! yeah right....

Oh, my daughter had the liberty to use my camera...I do NOT like the way I look...but, cameras don't lie? PLEASE tell me I don't look like this! I've taught my children to NOT be vain...you are what you are...so, I'm reluctantly posting an orchard picture of ME....oh well...someday, I'll show you the all decked out me....it's quite the opposite, but, I am what I am...and...I'm ok with that! So, orchard me it is!

Next post...cherries 101....I'm showing you the light skinned ones, Rainiers, and the Bings (the ones that we are shipping out, our field man told us today that some are already being shipped to the stores, Japan, etc...)....

Trudi

Ribbon!

2010-06-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

This week, our ribbon rep stopped by our factory. He visits us 3-4 times a year, and we do our holiday buying...we have to think 6 months ahead, so this visit we were thinking obviously Christmas, but Valentines Day and Easter as well. Lately, I've been receiving numerous packaging catalogues and am seeing consistently Grinch colors are IN this year!!! That, and magical whimsicial colors. I'm wondering if the Alice In Wonderland craze has prompted all the fun wild trends, I for one, LUV it...

Every June, we start making our merchandising decisions, in a few short weeks, I'll be working on our holiday line. Last year, we stayed pretty close to tradition...holiday red and green....the year before, it was all old fashioned....hunter green and burgundy...this year...I'm going Grinch. Of course, we will offer "tradition"...you can't go wrong with tradition. BUT...I fully intend to promote and design with some of these fun Citrus Green colors. Of course, we have fun ribbon coming our way....we managed to impulse decide...it's kind of hard not to when it is right in front of our face!

A few years back....like 5 or 6 year ago.....a Christmas card I designed for a swap I was in...was done in Grinch colors. I liked it enough to make my daughter's birthday party invites similar...she's a holiday baby...so, we had a Christmas theme....I found my extras and thought for grins...I'd post the card for you all to see. My new ribbon shipment I suspect will be here in the next week or so, perfect timing for us to start our picture taking and making samples for the upcoming Giftshows.

I do have to say however, IF I plan on going Grinch on a personal level this year...I do need to stock up on the Green Galore cardstock (Stampin Up!)....this is one of many colors that are retiring!

I took a couple of pictures of our ribbon supply here in the factory. Each roll you see is a 100 YARD roll...and I only took pictures of a couple stands. (It's a mess, the big stand actually has rolls behind the ones facing out....)This is about 1/3 of the inventory...we literally have thousands of rolls...but, can ALWAYS find room for more!!!!

Hope you all have a great weekend....and it might be too late for me to buy Grinch (Green Galore) cardstock already....for those of you who need to load up before they are gone...you may want to consider it now!!!!!

Trudi

Background Stamps

2010-06-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Last week, I meant to upload a picture of a card I created quite some time ago. I intended to upload it onto the CHF gallery during their first week of summer fun...each week they are featuring a different line of their wonderful stamps. I hesitated to upload this for a couple of reasons. First, I feel that somewhere I have seen something similar done with this background stamp...and I'm afraid subconsciously I may have "cased" it...I don't want to take the credit entirely on my own...BUT...that being said....I suspect with a background stamp like this...a design probably will be similar to others...it's such a nice stamp...it doesn't need much more than stamping it!

I machine stitched vellum over the image (Toile Backgrounder) and stamped a sentiment on the vellum so it would "pop". I think it's the use of the tulle that may have been something I've seen in my mind....the felt heart was cut using my ancient red original sizzix machine...(I have about 75 dies....I will never part with....)and the button...well...that's almost a given with me...if there is a spot on the card for it...I will put a button on it! This is sort of a vintagey feel ... or those french plates....I enjoyed making this card...and the little boy on it...sort of reminds me of my Dad with my Grandma...I have that vision for some reason!

Oh, and the 2nd reason I didn't upload it...I had a CRUDDY end of my week last week...full of shipping stress. It all worked out, but I had an issue with 2 of my overnight shipments...and was on the phone all day Thursday with our shipper trying to get some decent answers. We made the deadline, and the packages were finally delivered a day late....but....in the meantime....it had me in KNOTS. When oh when will this stress get less stress? Yesterday wasn't much better, but I went running at the end of the day and got some of that negative energy out...Exercise really does a body AND soul good....

Have a good day!

Trudi

My Recipe

2010-06-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

So, I found my little doodles on my scratch paper of the pasta salad I made using pickled asparagus and gourmet wine vinegar. I have a customer, who owns a very large specialty food & gift shop http://www.simplynorthwest.com/index.html who is writing a cookbook. She asked her suppliers to supply recipes....so, considering what she carries in her store that is ours...I started pulling out recipes. She carries a huge amount of our novelty line, but she also sells a few of our wine vinegars and huckleberry products. So, keeping that in mind, I'm forwarding recipes to her using those products out of our line.

In 1989, my Mom and I published our very own cookbook, "Adams Place Cooks with Flavored Vinegars"...and have had it printed now 3 times. It was fun coming up with all of these recipes way back when....and both Mom and I took a bit of a walk down memory lane peeking at some of them today! Most are dishes we cook over and over and over ... like Pot Roast browned in Raspberry Vinegar....and my Dad's traditional Cucumber Salad, passed down from generation to generation...he learned it as a little boy from my German Grandma who came to this country when she was only 15!

The recipe I'm sharing today...is one that I created last week....a close friend of mine is a caterer. Taste testing at her house a couple of weeks ago...I fell in luv with her pasta salad....I took that taste home in my mind...and this is what I came up with. It's addicting!!!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup grated FRESH Parmesean Cheese

8 marinated artichoke hearts (cut in smaller pieces) (I cut them in 1/2)

3-oz olives, sliced (I took whole olives and cut in 1/2 or 1/3's....a little more olive than presliced)

1/4 cup salad oil

1/4 cup Adams Place Walla Walla Sweet Onion Wine Vinegar (or other flavored vinegar)

6 cups cooked pasta

Fresh basil (torn in little pieces)

Johnny Seasoning salt (to preference)

Diced Tomato

1/2 cup pickled asparagus cut in bite-sized pieces

Cook pasta al dente, drain. Cool pasta and add the remaining ingredients, season with Johnny's to preference!

I have a big wingding going on this Friday night....I will be bringing home a bottle of Walla Walla Sweet Onion Wine Vinegar (I used mine up!) and making this! I like the large Rigate pasta but all pasta is good....the little cork screw shaped ones would be good too! I'm not a gourmet cook...so, not sure of the names...when I opened my cupboard I got a quick lesson on names of pasta! The rigate pasta is about an inch long, straight hollow tube shaped piece! LOL!

Trudi

Pickled Asparagus

2010-06-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

OK...if my creative time is going to be deprived by pickling asparagus...I better at a minimum....show you what my day was like. I did get a chance to go for a 4 mile run...but beyond that...I've been consumed with THIS! I managed to get 40 pints...and I better be eating this stuff all year...or be invited to a lot of parties....(we always wrap deli ham with cream cheese and pickled asparagus...people now expect us to bring this....) I actually could have done more...but decided to eat it fresh this week...a couple of nights of bacon wrapped baked asparagus, maybe a stir-fry and probably cooked the old fashioned way...al dente with margarine and salt. I just had to give up...I know I'll be left with oodles of it next year...I just know it...but yesterday was our official last day of cutting...so...I had no choice!

I did create a new pasta salad recipe...that uses the little pickled ends...one of my customers is requesting the recipe (she is publishing a cookbook with products from our region...this recipe does call for one of our items...but, I also included pickled asparagus, which we do not do commercially, however...there are manufacturers around our region who do...so, this recipe is a MUST for her book!)...so, tomorrow, when I'm at work...I'm going to create the recipe on paper...I'll post it then as well...it was pretty good (I made it last weekend)....I even figured Weight Watcher points for it too! I have to be honest...my friend who is a caterer...made something similar...so...I kept the taste tucked in my memory and then came home and tried to COPY!!!! Anyhow....I did 40 pints...would have been 41, but one of them broke in the canner....

toodles...

Trudi

Itty Bitty Scrapbook Pages

2010-06-01T13:58:00.000-07:00

A conversation came up recently as to which size pages do we prefer to scrap? I started out doing 8-1/2 x 11 and RARELY do that size anymore! I prefer 12 x 12 pages, and almost always a 2-page spread....but....I have done them in all sizes....and I have to say.....my little itty bitty book was one of the funnest sizes EVER! I think it's 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" or so....I didn't measure...I mentioned to a friend I would upload my pictures today and I have my book at home!

This was a FUN day at the Pumpkin Patch with my 2 little kidlets!

The little box and chipboard book is a (retired) product of Stampin Up! I did order extra before they were discontinued....but not nearly enough! I would have liked having a dozen or so on hand....these are fun to decorate and give away as gifts at showers! (Sorry about the quality of the pictures...these were taken YEARS ago!)

Busy week this week....but, my energy level is on high gear...and my TV shows are over for the most part...may that I get some craft time in! I hope so!!!!

Trudi

Dinking Around

2010-05-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

I have done NOTHING today. My daughter was icky sick late last night...(midnight)...she had a friend over, whose mom came and got her...my husband was out of town at a funeral, son over at a friends house....when the mom came....we discovered a squished kitten in my garage....(long story)...I think I went over the edge about then...between that and cleaning up....I said "I AM DOING NOTHING TODAY". Now, after eating lots of cookie dough...I feel like I need to go lay down.

This was the very first Crafty Secrets set that I purchased. I (heart) this company so much...and especially find this a "go to" place when I feel like creating anything Vintage! Hope you all are enjoying your days off.....I am heading down the carpeted stairs in a couple of minutes...after I rest the cookie dough off!

Trudi

Here's the Scoop

2010-05-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for an opportunity to tell you a bit of why I do things the way I do, or rather why I spell or write some of my words the way I do. I often wonder what people think when they see poor spelling, or things written a bit funny...blame it all to poor proof reading.....

I typically don't have a lot of time when I upload and blog...so, once in awhile, you will see something that doesn't read right, or might be spelled wrong....I clicked publish too fast...and got distracted, promised myself to "fix" later...and never did.

Back in the day....I would be HORRIFIED to know I submitted a thesis paper, or brochure or whatever with a typo on it....but, time has made me relax a bit on that. It's probably the "couldn't color out of the lines" part of me...that contributes to high stress...be thankful I am allowing myself to be a bit "sloppy" every now and then, probably a lot more now than then! (It's not a good way to be ... I tend to craft slow because of this perfectionist personality trait.)

Another thing I wanted to share....there are 2 words in the English language ... (I guess in Spanish, German or any language for that matter)...that I take very very seriously, therefore, I am careful when I use these words....

LOVE and PRAY

I once heard a person at a basketball game, years and years ago...say they "prayed" we would win. That's ok for people to do so, for them...but for me....I can't pray for a game. I'm going to limit my opinion because of the sensitivity of faith....my faith is personal, so, my opinion needs to remain personal...but, I can share....I have prayed for health and healing...never things like games. I've prayed for my family and friends...and do so knowing my prayers are important to me.

LOVE.....

I love people...I love life....I love being a Mom...daughter....a wife too (most of the time anyway), my family, my friends....you get the picture.

I have a hard time LOVING designer paper, stamps, even food (unless I was food deprived)...Love is like praying to me....used too loosely, for me, loses a bit of meaning...not saying this needs to be for everybody, as I mentioned, this is a personal opinion) SO....this is why I say LUV instead of LOVE....

Now for my blog picture...this is a novelty we do for all kinds of things....it can be filled with coffee beans, and all kinds of candy....as an ad specialty item....it is used as a "Here's The Scoop". I never made the baby card I wanted to...I (shock) bought one instead! I've been enjoying watching my kids playing sports....I don't like how fast they are growing up...these 2 "loves" of my life are my world, and so, if it means I buy a card and get the sleep I need...the world won't stop spinning!

Toodles!

Trudi

Sympathy

2010-05-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

When I make a sympathy card, I like to make extra to have on hand....you never "plan" these cards, and I have found that in the past...I am inappropriately slow at mailing out my sincerest thoughts to friends who have sadly said goodbye to a loved one for the last time.

Recently, I made a pile of cards...and used them immediately. I've needed to finish my next batch, and these too, sadly have addressed envelopes waiting.

Tonight, I am making a baby card for my niece's shower tomorrow. I guess the circle of life ... from sadness to complete joy. I'm not going to make a pile of baby cards though...I can't think of too many nieces who should be having babies YET!!!

My card here...I had FULL intent of putting a stamped image on it...I TRIED AND TRIED...I even have 5 images stamped on premium cardstock and colored in Copics...they just didn't work...I luv the set....one of SU new acrylic stamp sets...(which are extremely high quality, I might add)....It just didn't WORK!!! So, rather than go on a 6 month vacation from card making...I nixed the image and went with Cricut instead. If I were to start over...yes, there are changes I would make...but, I really want to get these cards mailed...

Hopefully, my baby card will fall into place easily! It has to...the shower is tomorrow ... noonish!

I will post a picture of it...on Monday!

Trudi

Tropical Stuff

2010-05-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

I would not normally have us paint the parrot like the one on the left, this was a customer request. In fact, I was hoping we would be painting/pouring the hibiscus flower for the upcoming event! The client chose the parrot! This is my chocolate life right now!!!

As far as papercrafting. I DID create a card...but I was not proud of it...so, I did not take a picture of it before it was given with the sponser gift. My son's team sponser attending our game and threw the first pitch even!!! As team mom...I made a giftbasket....it's not all full of bling bling, but...it was acknowledging our sponser...without sponsers, we wouldn't have the ball club that we have!

I am slowly finishing a card, that is not just coming to me....I miss those days, where it all comes together without thinking....I have been thinking way too much lately, and my mind wants/needs a rest....I was poking around in my studio this morning though, and I know what my cards needs....so, maybe later...I'll be off to buy a little supply or 2!

Bye for now!

Trudi

Ahoy!

2010-05-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit MIA for awhile. Just have a lot on my plate...and struggling with it. I am almost finished with a card, so hopefully my energy will be up to a late night tonight...I really have the inspiration, just never seem to have the energy!

This card was an invite for my son's 5th birthday party. We had a treasure hunt in the backyard, tattoos and all kinds of booty. He will be 9 fairly soon and is already in the planning stage of his special day! I'm glad my kids are still at that age, where birthdays are special and their worries are limited to what kind of cake to have! I just celebrated my birthday over the weekend...and...it seemed like just "a day".... I hope my kids can keep that birthday excitement for as long as they can....I'm trying my best at guaranteeing that!

You will be seeing baseball invites this year....we are planning a night at the ballpark...we have a minor league team here....should be exciting!

Trudi

STRIKE!

2010-05-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

My weekend was supposed to be a do-over weekend...but, instead...it was filled with tension and stress. My husband is coaching our son's baseball...and there was a serious injury with all kinds of fireworks along with it. Long story, and it involves another person's child, so I won't elaborate...it was serious and remains to be...so stress...stress...stress...

In the meantime, my son was put on the mound for the very first time in his life. I think my husband is reliving his life too...he will never praise himself, but his baseball career was one that trust me ... had he not thrown his elbow out on a 96 mph pitch...I may not have met him, but may be watching him on TV. (at 18 he was drafted major league)...long story...so, fast forward...30 years later...it's a little him out there! I suspect this was a moment for Dad as much as for son...that will be one I need to scrapbook, as how special it was. I have all these scrapbook moments...and SO LITTLE TIME!

So, for now...it's pictures.

Halloween

2010-04-30T11:06:00.000-07:00

Finally, I can take my collection of completed scrapbook pages home...to start the last of what I committed myself to doing. 2 other sisters have a pile as well...I may just stop anytime...I don't want this gift to hang over my head...BUT...I did save the best for last...so, time will tell. I just want to get back to MY stuff!

I really enjoyed doing this Halloween layout, and can easily dupe it for my own little family, goodness knows, I have many pictures...I see the weeks turning into months and now years...since I've scrapbooked MY OWN FAMILY! I'm ready to get my printer printing pics, or whatever I need to do!

I do have a card in the making...sort of like the way it's going...hopefully will be posting card pics of it after the weekend!

Thanks for stopping by, have a nice weekend!

Trudi

My Camera

2010-04-28T11:09:00.001-07:00

IS KAPUT! First, it's been a physically and emotionally tough week. Physically....allergies+virus=sick....I was home most of Friday...and just starting to feel up to snuff! I swelled up like a puffer fish because of all the fluids I drank....(fever)....had tummy issues (only for about 4 hours...odd, very odd...)and ended up itchy (allergies I'm thinking)...anyhow....I've been out of commission! Emotionally.....stuff! But..."stuff" is resolved...til the next thing!

I went to go take pictures of the LAST layout to share....and I think the camera is finally ready to get replaced. It's been about 8 years that I've had this one, I use it for our business...literally gotten my $ worth....I hope I can find one like it to replace it. It's so much easier to deal with than my at home camera!

Sorry nothing crafty current. I'm concerned I need to go out and quickly buy a new camera. I was hoping to spare that....I'm recharging batteries, hoping that will solve my issue....I depend on taking virtual samples of our chocolate product...daily...for proposals! The card is one that I made awhile ago....SU set and designer paper!

Hopefully, pics tomorrow of the last layout...once I get this camera thing solved!

Trudi

Last Farm Layout

2010-04-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

I know I've e-mailed pics of these to a few before, so if you've seen these before, don't be surprised! This is the last of the 6 page spread of farm pics! Today's been crazy wild...so I'm only going to post the picture...one last layout to share on the scrapbook ... then ... I will have to get busy...no excuses! I'm waiting to get to some cards....all the supplies are ready and everything! LOL!

Tonight is idol night! Can't wait to see who is off!

Bye for now,

Trudi

The Sweetest Sound

2010-04-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

So, my week has been filled with emotion...at the end of the day (or week) ... my heart filled with pride and joy as I watched my son play out on the range. We arrived after branding, but the guitars were out, and he shared the sweet sounds of "innocence". I only wish I could freeze frame this emotion and spare the lows that life gives us. The playing was oh so important, as someone very dear to us, who was amoungst us, recently has endured horrific tragedy...and this was important to her as well...so he played for her, played to me...played to the mama cows...and babies...tenderly and sweetly. Enough of a post for today...tomorrow comes too soon...for now, I'm embracing this memory.

Trudi

Farm Layout

2010-04-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

Here is the next 2 pages of the farm layout. I have 2 more to show, plus one more layout...then I better get busy creating more layouts to get this gift finished by August! I truly am in the crafty mode...just not enough hours in a day. A layout can take me more hours than I care to admit...long time....but....I don't create exclusively for the quantity of output...I do it for the joy...and if it takes 2 weeks for a layout...so be it. I had fun doing it. I can't speed create, although, under the wire...I suppose I could. I think that's why I like doing cards. That's an evening project...none of this major stuff! I am not going to show you one layout that I did...although it is one of my favorite layouts...I think my finest work...I know the people in the pictures would prefer "for their eyes only"...as it ended up in a divorce....and it's pretty sensitive. (PLUS...the pictures of me in it are AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL). I'm not the kind of person who is afraid to show my picture...but these stink...I'm sure somebody someday will notice my 80's hair...and shiny face in one...the lights were terrible. So, trust me...there is more to this book...just can't share. In the meantime...there isn't any pictures in this layout that I'm not proud to show off.

This is home...this is where all the farm action was and still is.

It truly is a good life.

Whirlwind of a Day

2010-04-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

Nothing like trying to pull a rabbit out of a hat!~ The phone came to life this week...it's been absolutely nutso in the chocolate biz. I have had FULL intent of posting pictures of SOMETHING..besides my pooch...just running running running...didn't have time...and those dreaded "papers" that need to be mailed tomorrow...I finished them on Sunday...they remain unsigned ...so, looks like a trip to the post office for me tomorrow! What's up with that?! Anyhow, here is a picture of SOMETHING...just nothing new...and a little out of season. (I have always threatened to start Christmas cards in January...) Hopefully, I'm going to stay up tonight...fell asleep early last night and missed 1/2 my favorite new TV show! (Parenthood) .. Idol tonight!

I have never participated in a challenge before, but I'm tempted to start doing so...and I have an idea for a card on the challenge going on here:

http://heather-bittenbythebug2.blogspot.com/2010/04/plantin-schoolbookrick-rack-challenge.html

Just need to squeeze it in to my day! I'm thrilled for all the business activity going on right now...it's sort of like the olden days!!!!!

Oh...my picture...these are quick and fun cards I made using journal notes coupled with stamping...easy to do...and fun too. Can make a pile in a couple of hours!

Toodles,

Trudi

It's gotta be DONE

2010-04-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

So, I'm working on finishing my April 15th obligation...nothing fun for me until they are DONE. I am anxious to get into my craft room and play with my new shipment from Stampin Up! I ordered an acrylic block unmounted set...I'm sure the quality is superior...the set is one that I surprised myself that I even wanted it. It is so not my style, but...I'm making a card for an elderly relative who is not feeling well...and it sort of looked like something nice for her. Hopefully, my "obligation" will be finished and ready to mail off by Thursday....early TODAY...so I can play with blocks, stamps and ink by tonight....(I'm a late night creative person). So, no pics today...well...here is one of our pooch....

I'm sad today...

2010-04-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

My dear beautiful niece would have turned 23 today....I remember exactly what I did on my 23rd birthday...I even remember what I was wearing...it was 105 degrees, my car vapor-locked and I was pushing it down a busy street in high heels....I think about how my life has played out...so much life to live...that she and 31 others were cheated out on...next Friday will mark the 3rd anniversary of our terrible tragedy....and although not as raw, I still grieve for the loss of one of the finest young ladies I have had the priveledge to call my niece.

My little Leslie, you will always be in my heart...I love you...

"And we should consider

everyday lost

on which we have not danced

at least once.

And we should call

every truth false

which was not accompanied

by at least one laugh."

--Friedrich Nietzsche

I'm Cleaning Off My Desk

2010-04-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

I'm procrastinating, I know...sis's gift is one of those things that when I do finally get to creating a new layout....It is going to take tons of space....so, I'm finally finishing off those cards that I only halfway completed...last NOVEMBER! There is really only 2 reasons why I put off finishing something....the first being...it was so labor intensive that I can only do it in steps...or, I had a creative slump with it...this card is the latter...I didn't know how to "bling bling" it....goodness knows, I tried...finally the lightbulb went off last night...LESS IS MORE...and on the very last one I made....I had only ONE little "extra" on it...it looked the best of them all!!! BUT...but but....I had already sacrificed rhinestones and prima flowers...so, I continued to "add" the remaining 2 flowers to the last card.....IF I were to repeat this card...I'd just stick with the little flower diecut which is on the left side of the sentiment. You probably see the shadow...yes, this is applied with dimensional tape.

Now...the deets....

This card was created with my "Lyrical Letters" cricut cartridge. I chose this because this cut appeared to be "instant card" without too much extra thinking....I tend to overthink...so, perhaps that is why I struggled finishing it. Trust me...I had other versions of the card...including one with a stamped bird on it...other flowers, etc....but, at 10:30ish at night last night..."LESS IS MORE" kept creeping into my head...so, I settled with this concept...and think I would like it even more...IF I nixed those 2 flowers...and had it even more simple. If I did that...this card could probably be made in less than 15 minutes. It was that simple! (I don't think you can tell with the picture....I have the framed piece adhered with dimension too...same color c/s...tone on tone...just interesting dimension! (oh, and everything is stamped with my LINEN Stampin Up! background stamp....I never put it back on the shelf...luv luv luv that stamp!) As I sit here now...I can't even think of a way to add pretty ribbon. I need to move on from this card...it was causing creative "issues" with me....while I'm in a crafty mode...I don't want to take 2 steps back...KWIM?! LOL!

I definitely will try some of the other cool cuts on this cartridge. I'm very impressed with the fact that this is not only a font cart...but has other neat things on it as well! My little extra cardstock flower...I didn't look very hard through my cartridges to find the perfect flower...I knew GEORGE had this silouette flower. Every time I use George...I realize why it is a must have basic cart.

Thanks for stopping by!

Trudi

Happy Easter Chickies!

2010-04-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Easter isn't all about pastels! This was one of those cards that I didn't want to overthink. I took it step by step and this is what it came out as. One thing I have discovered, when I get in a creative slump....pulling out my cuttlebug embossing folders is a bonus...by adding the texture, it can make a world of difference! I'm a button kinda of gal...so, those are a given...I think I have enough buttons in my stash to supply the world now...and it's still not enough!

Happy Easter my friends! I hope you enjoy the day with family...and eat a (chocolate) egg or two!

(p.s.) I'm trying to work on my lighting...sorry about the shadowing! I was in a hurry yesterday when I took these pictures! I just couldn't use black background on something so Spring!

Trudi

Fun Farm Day

2010-04-02T10:51:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's card inspired me to upload this layout. You won't see a bird hidden on this one, this is actually one portion of a 6 page layout...I could not condense our farm youth into 2 pages....I might go back and incorporate a bird, however, on each 2 page spread. Just a thought. I chose this layout because of the haybales I mentioned previously ... once upon a time, we did raise wheat, but I was so little, I barely remember it. I do remember the alfalfa though...from the age where I could drive tractor (10ish) all the way to being an adult and taking care of some of the customers...

The "Fun Farm Day" layout was actually a day where my sister and I grabbed a camera and literally took tons of pictures having fun...what a good life! I'm the one posing on the rock and pretending to fall off the haystack...what goofy girls we were! And, 30+ years later...still are!

Have a great day! It's raining like crazy on the farm today. No playing outside for me!

Trudi