OoohLala!!!

That's right fellow crafters....It's here!!!!!! Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas! We wait, and wait and wait....and it's finally here....sigh...our craft year couldn't be better. Filled with different techniques, challenges, beauty, inspiration...shall I go on?? Nope, I won't....Stop by and join in on the fun. Or just take a look and admire from afar. You won't regret. http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/ He's DA MAN!

Been awhile...

Hello friends
I know, I know...it's been awhile. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things...slowly, but surely. Ok, I'm not the best blogger in the world...and still am getting used to moving around and finding my way in how it's all put together....I've got a long way to go (compared to some of the most beautiful blogs...hey, put it this way - to me, THEY ARE ONLINE MAGAZINES as far as I'm concerned! and there's plenty for me to learn) But eventually, I'll get it the way that I want it. So far, I think I'm on the right track.

Ok...now....On to another subject....
To some of you this may not be the place for this, and to others you know exactly where I'm coming from. My blog is not just to showcase a few cards or scrapbook layouts or pictures...It's a place for me to get my thoughts, ideas and feelings written down....say what I have to say....add a period, question mark, or explanation point and call it a day. And this is one of those times...when I need to get it out.

So here it goes....
As some of you know, I lost my brother in late August. He was my "baby"brother....even though he was two years older than me. He went home to be with the Lord on August 31st of this year. He was sick for several years. And battled with his illness the best that he could. He was one of those people that said that he never wanted children of his own....so he made it his business to take care of other people's children. He was a Christian, A Brother; to six brothers and sisters, an Uncle to a host of nieces and nephews, A Cousin to many, A God-father to four boys and girls, A Best Friend to a special man. HE was a very, very special man himself. He took care of everybody. If he had it, you had it. You didn't have to ask. Somehow, he always knew when you needed something. He was amazing.

On his good days he would say "I just want to make it to 50." Last year, he gave himself a huge birthday...family and friends, neighbors, former co-workers all were there to help him celebrate. It was a good time; us all being together, happy and optimistic. This year, he wanted it to be quiet. We kept it that way, because that's what he wanted. My daughter and I spent several hours with him while he opened presents and just talked. He was happy.

We were close. As it is in most large families...We were in pairs...two by two that were closest. It's only been a few months and I miss him greatly already. It's still raw for me. I have my good days and my bad days. Yesterday was a bad day and he kept popping into my head...but not in a good way. His last few hours kept invading my mind and I couldn't keep it together. His brothers and sisters; including me, thought we were prepared for him to leave us....but I know now....you're never prepared. I can't say for certain that's the way that my brothers and sisters feel...but if I had to hazard a guess, I'd bet money on being 98% correct.

Some day, when I have the strength, I will chronicle my brother's life. The way he was. The man that he was. The things he liked to do. Things that he enjoyed so very much; like interior decorating, and plants, and nice clothes. The words that meant something to him. The things that he always, always said. The things that made him laugh and cry. As much as I can remember. He taught me some things. He was a protector for me. He was a cheerleader. He believed in me. He believed and enjoyed my craftiness. He was one of my best friends. He was a confidant. He was a partner in crime. He was my shoulder to cry on. He was my plant shopping buddy. He was my baker. He was my go to guy. I am proud of him and all that he was. I will pay tribute to him and all that he meant to us, to me. I'll never let anyone forget him. I won't. He'll always be imprinted on my life, in my mind, in my heart. I believe that someday, we'll be together. And that thought does make it better. He was with me for a season. It didn't turn out to be a lifetime for me. He was here for a specific purpose and when he fulfilled it, he was taken home. I know that God doesn't make mistakes.

He so wanted to be here for my first grandbaby's birth. Sometimes I think that he was more excited than me! And I believe that he tried to hold on. But he was tired and in pain. My grandson was born two days after his death. My emotions were all over the place the first week after. I sorta felt like I didn't know if I should be sad or happy. And I struggled.

Every time my grandson is so alert and watching something that we can't see, and he's smiling or laughing; I believe that it's my brother. I believe what I believe. He's watching him. Protecting him. Playing with him. And giving him and us a message: "I'm here."

It warms me, and holds me, and comforts me. And I remember to smile.

I made Top Three!

Hey y'all....I did a challenge over at Tellens Place Designs recently....and lucky me...I made top three in the challenge! It was a fun image. Much love to the my fellow SOCer for issuing it. I look forward to more challenges using the wonderful drawings.

Hugs+Kisses

"Anything Goes Challenge"

Hi all:

There's a challenge going on over at http://tellensplacedesigns.blogspot.com/
I've been extremely busy all week...didn't get a chance to scrap! Uggghhhh...my life keeps getting in the way of my scrapping! But it's Friday...and nothing was gonna stand in my way! They've even provided a free digital image for you to use. The prize is $15.00 in Tellens Bucks...which can be spent right there! (Hey, I can never have enough images can I???) Which is waaaay COOL! The artist is her son, Markus....so I give big ups to his amazing talent. Thanks Terry for a chance to win some more crafting-scrap-goodies! So, fellow blogsters - drop by her blog, get some inspiration and join in on the challenge.
Bye for now.
Hugs+Kisses
Renee

My She Art Journey

I've fallen in love with She Art! I want to do them all the time. They're so freeing...giving the artist the chance to just keep going and going and going. Honestly, I have to say that I didn't actually take her class....but after seeing different versions of it I thought "hey, I can do that!" And I did. And I do. The latest one is entitled "She watches over the ways of her household" which is taken from Proverbs. I wanted it to be colorful and bright...cheerful...and busy! I think that I succeeded. Stay tuned for more. I've got some ideas about more She Art and I want to share it with you all. Thanks for looking.

Hugs+Kisses

Father's Day

Hi there good people! Just wanted to make sure that I did what I said that I would do...I promised myself that I would post something, anything, if only a few words at least once a month. So here goes: To all of the fathers out there; the men who are biological fathers, adoptive father's, uncles that help some mom take care of children, a big brother, anyone who has the Daddy role - Happy Father's Day!!!! May God continue to bless you, and keep you, and provide you strength; give you mercy, hope, and joy that you desire. I hope that the Lord continues to walk with you and make you the best kinda man that you can hope to ever be!

And in honor of all of you dads out there, I've created this card. I used black, white, and kraft cardstock, with a black and white patterned paper. I also used the Martha Stewart crown punch, along with the (I think) Coming up Roses border and corner punch from Fiskars. (Don't you just love the all in one punches??) The sentiment is from a stamp that I - yes, I'll say it, CUT up! It originally said "You are amazing Dad"....but I cut it apart (so now I have two separate phrases!) You are amazing and Dad. It was a quickly made card, but I really like how it turned out. Even though I used a flower punch, it still looks 'masculine.'

Thanks for looking!
Hugs+Kisses

Personal Challenge

Hey family and friends. I've decided that I'm no different than a lot of you. I buy, buy, buy...but, somehow, I really don't get around to using it as quickly as I think that I will! So, I'm putting myself on "restriction." That's right RESTRICTION...at least when it comes to buying Cricut cartridges...Yup, I've got cartridges that I either A. bought but have not opened B. Opened, but have never used...not good y'all. Ok, it's not like I have 100s of them...but still, why keep buying and buying and buying? And yet, I find myself scouring for sales and looking on Ebay for deals on carts! (ohhhh, the addiction!!) So, I'm trying to be a good gurl. Give MYSELF a challenge: DO NOT BUY MORE CARTRIDGES until I've created a piece using each and every cartridge that I already own....I'm telling myself to be like the "Little Engine That Could" I THINK I CAN! I THINK I CAN! I THINK I CAN! At least that's what I started telling myself 3:00am in the morning.....(I'll let you know when I stop saying it....) So, before I buy another cartridge I have to make something from the ones that I already have. That's my challenge.... So, when you say your prayers tonight...put in a good word for me....

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...."

Drum Roll Puhleaaase!

Short, sweet and to the point

A little while back, I was surprised with a blog award! From my new blog-sistah over at MMDezigns.blogspot....My very first....and now it's time to pass it along. Sharon S. at Scraps of Color HERE'S TO YOU!

You can visit Sharon's blog at http://seraph1959.blogspot.com/


It really feels good to know that someone cares...Remember to pass along the love Sharon!

Hugs+Kisses!
Muuwaaah!
Renee

In Honor of Mother's Day

Hi there Moms, Grandmoms, Aunts, Sisters...all of you of the female pursuasion! Getting my congratulations and well wishes in a bit early in honor of Mother's Day, just in case I get scrap-happy all weekend (it's that time again!) having so much fun. Just wanted to share a few cards that I made for customers (and as usual, I forgot to take pics of the majority of them...and of course they were bought!). Anyway, thank you to all of you moms...whether you are a biological mom, a spiritual mom, a surrogate mom favorite aunt, older sister/mother or another. No matter what kind of mom you are, I'm sure that you have positively touched someone's life and you'll never be forgotten for it. Let's face facts, women of the world, we make it go round and round! So kudos for all that you are, all that you do, all that you have made the world a better place for. You are da bomb! And to my mom, who's no longer with me in body...but I know she's there...I miss you greatly...Will always love you....and thank you for what you taught me. I pray that I have made you proud. And to my blood sisters...I love you...no matter what, I HAVE learned something from you...and I thank you too. We came from the same womb, were taught with the same hands, and was given the same chances; we'll always be sisters. To friends old and new, near and far...You know who you are. I love you all. For your friendship, for your honesty, for your trust, for you being just "you." We're all different, yet somehow, we've come to laugh about those differences and make our friendships work. You get me, I get you...ain't life beautiful?! Ok, time to go...I'm feeling just a bit weepy (but it's a good weepy!) Don't forget to stop by Scraps of Color...we'll be having some fun over the weekend in honor of National Scrapbook Day....I'm sure there'll be games and prizes, challenges and scrap happiness for everyone. I may just host a challenge/game myself...
Tata for now....Hugs+Kisses

Gotta get the word out....

You know, I'm sitting here...just thinking..."it would be nice to have a bunch of people actually see what I'm doing." I know that I started this blog just to give me another place to store some photos and jot down some thoughts "just for me." However, even though I do what I do just for me, because I love to use my hands...I love to put together something out of nothing...I love mixing up stuff...and I love being kept busy. There's no such thing for me as "being bored." There's always something to do, somewhere to go, and somebody to see right? So, I figured that the only way to share what I do (because I am truly proud of what I create), is to get the word out right?? Starting tomorrow...gonna shout it out to the world! Well, maybe not actually to the world, but to friends and family anyway. Give them this address and tell them to take a peek. Tell me what they think. Give me some ideas too. Plus, for those of you that are actually following me (YAY! LOVE YOU ALL!), even though it's a very small number compared to most bloggers...do me a favor: spread my blog address around too...share some of my creations too...don't keep all of the followers to yourself! I know momma taught you well Hahaha! I know, I know, I'm still quite new to blogging...and it's not the most beautiful blog you've ever seen...again, it's a work in progress, so give a sistah a break wouldja? I've pretty much kept to my promise to myself to write something, anything at least once a month - like I said, "there's always something else to do...and life does sometime get in the way!" But I'm trying. Ahaaaaa! A thought just popped into my head! Yeah, that happens sometimes....Tomorrow,or at least in the next few days.... when I log onto SOC - that gigantic blog of some of the world's greatest AA scrappers - gonna go into the chat room...sometime during the conversation will mention my blog...and say "the first person to become the newest follower and leave comments will win a prize!" It might just not be noticed during the rapid-fire conversation...but we shall see. Whaddya think???

Yippeee! Hooray for me!

Hey good people!

Don't know what happened there....but that first post was all screwy! Anyway, guess what? I got something today...A Blogger Award! The "Best Friend Blogger Award." Cool, right!? Maybe not for you....but it sure is for me! I'm honored. Many thanks to MMdezigns for thinking of me. Some day, I hope to try my hand at giving away some candy too....as soon as I put my blog name out there more anyway - smile! I'm still learning to work this stuff, but I'm having fun just the same.

Be sure to stop by her blog and the others listed to spread the love! I'm sure they'd all appreciate it. And you'll most definitely see some wonderful creations......Stay tuned, I've been a busy little scrapper (when I have "me" time) and I'll be posting some more cards, layouts and even going to try my hand at a video! (Y'all pray for me with that one okay???)

Again, lots of love and thank yous Miss M...

Hugs+Kisses

Renee

Oh..p.s....here are some other blogs that you should stop by....

Melissa at DisneyDreamerDesigns Cathy at Cathy Plus 5 Jazmin at Jazzy Cards

Read more: http://mmdezigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/bfb-award.html#ixzz1JkjMjnah

Yum, Yum .....Candy being given away!

Hey there party people. Yup. There's blog candy out there. Just waiting to be joyfully given away! You can find it here: http://mmdezigns.blogspot.com/2011/03/its-that-time-pursuit-for-250-followers.html Once she reaches her initial goal of 250 followers....NOW HEAR THIS....she's giving away a Cricut cartridge...brand new! Yippeee. Hooray! And guess what? If she makes it to 350.....she'll give away a second cartridge! Personally, I'm never still long enough to keep up with my blog...but I try! I'm taking baby steps y'all, baby steps......But, I'm always up for winning something....and if this is what it takes...hey, count me in! Ta-ta for now, with lots of hugs + kisses Renee

Latest projects...Yup, I've been a busy little crafter-b!

These were inspired from projects seen in the first ever SOC Blog Hop:

She's so sweet!

Hello friends!
I've been busy, busy, busy....making cards, doing layouts, etching glasses, making name tags, etc. The work of a serious crafter is never done! But I must admit, I'm having a blast! I don't get a chance to post regularly, but I've promised myself - because technically, this blog is for me...that I would at least get something written down at least once a month....Sometimes I don't have something good to say...and what were we taught as children? "If you don't have something good and nice to say, then don't say anything." Well, I've pretty much stuck to that old adage. And besides, there are days when I have plenty to say...but I'm too dang tired to say it! Amazing huh? Anyway, the picture here is of an image that was used in one of our weekly Friday Nite Chat challenges....isn't she sweeeeeeeet? Adorable even. I had a good time putting this card together....I don't know who it will go to yet....but it's ready to go! Thanks for looking! Hugs + Kisses
Renee

Yup, sending shout outs.....

It's been almost a month. And I've neglected my new baby.....my blog that is! I don't have enough time in the day to do everything that needs to be done, should be done, what could be done, and what I want to get done. There's always so much going on. I'm not complaining....I'm grateful for every day that the good Lord allows me to be able to do "anything." Eventually, I'll get around to posting some more pics to share of some of my favorite projects....when I have time of course.

It's a good thing that I didn't start this blog with the intention of having a "gazillion followers," or always having something to say to a group of people; but basically a place to say a few things that's on my mind (without cursing someone out!) and to have a place to store some photos. Haha.

I just really popped in to say that there's some fabulous stuff going on over at Scraps of Color.com. Most recently, we did a Black History month Bingo challenge. It was such fun. The hostess says that she will try to incorporate more of those types of challenges soon and I'm looking foward to being able to participate. You should really stop by and take a look. And join the board....view the gallery of fabulous creations....and leave some love posts. I still find it absolutely amazing that there's a place for US...a place that showcases our talents and love of this thing called crafting. So many different women, different ages, different economic backgrounds, different religions...and more....ahhh, lovely, just lovely....that all of our differences mean nothing except that it gives us a chance to be just what we were meant to be - different.... with a passion for the same thing - creating. Making beeeeeeautiful art...cards, scrapbooking layouts, artistic trading cards, altered art pieces....oh, I could go on and on! There are games to be played on a regular basis...blog-hops...swaps....and prizes galore! So, after reading this...take yourself over to SOC....I guarantee that you'll be in absolute awe of what you'll encounter there.

I must warn you though....SCRAPS OF COLOR IS ADDICTING (but hey, it's a good addiction if there is such a thing - haha).

Ta-ta for now...
Hugs+Kisses
Renee

Blog Candy Give Away...

There's some blog candy up for grabs over at this address:http://thedragonflychronicles.blogspot.com/2011/02/this-and-that-and-blog-candy-yum.html

Good luck all! Well, actually, I mean Good Luck to me!!!! I could use some candy right about now! Haha

Hugs+Kisses
Renee

Let's go way, way back

Another FNC image challenge. The "groovy" chick on the left inspired me. She made me think of John Travolta and Staying Alive, disco balls, strobe lights, bell bottoms, mini skirts and thigh high white boots....Yeah, you remember!

How The Stellas Got Their Groove Back?

I call him "George," plus "that little blue pill!" Yeah, that's how they got their groove back.

Wicked!

If you came back in another life as a wicked witch...Wouldn't you wanna look this good?!

Big, Black and Beautiful

One of my favorite images. And like always, I've gotta remember to post what I used in creating the finished product! AND remember to start making note of the image's fantastic artist!!

Fairy Tales

This is another card created using a Fairy image issued by Kbug over at SOC for one of our Friday Nite Chat Challenges. I really like how this one turned out. Isn't she sweet?

Thug? Ya Gotta Be Kidding Me!

This card was created for our weekly Friday Nite Chat Challenge over at Scraps of Color: I'll have to do some checking around. I've forgotten where I got the image from (and I most certainly want to give the fantastic artist his or her due!) I think that I'll start posting them here each Friday of our challenges. Like I said before..."spread the love around."

Working together makes things work!

Hi there again friends. Just wanted to do like I promised myself that I would. "And what's that," you might ask? It's to try to make an effort to add to this blog regularly. There's always something to say, always something to do, always-always somewhere to be, and last but not least...always something to create. Right now, there's so much to do in so little time. I'm trying to keep up with my SOC friends creatively and doing my own thing creatively for friends and such. Somehow, some way...I'll figure out how to make it all work!

I've been working on an event with friends/co-workers. It's our annual Administrative Professionals Luncheon. I'm part of the events coordination team. We've been working our little butts off! We've all come up with great ideas. And we're totally, totally excited about what we're trying to accomplish. It's going to turn out great. I keep reminding myself and them "We have a plan, a goal, and we're going to go with it and achieve what we've set out to achieve." I have no doubts about it. One thing that really excites me is this - sometimes, when you work with a group of women...things can get downright ugly...there are different personalities, somebody always has to have the first say and the last say, someone always has to be in charge, someone wants to take the lead, and someone wants to be the HNIC...yeah, that's exactly what I said. However, no one has been that way. It's great! (I know, I know I said "it's great" before...well IT IS!) We bounce our ideas off of one another, we get each other pumped up and excited about whatever it is. We go around and around with an idea...each of us putting our ideas in with the original one until we come up with a viable plan. It's been fun. Lots of compromise. We've got a couple of months to get it all together, set up straight, and praying that there are no mishaps. I think we're a great team. I think that all of us went into the whole thing as "blank slates," but felt that eventually we'd end up learning something new - about each other, about our selves, about how to get things done.... We want to succeed. I believe we will. Why, because we call ourselves a "team." What's the old saying "there's no I in teamwork?" Well, it makes sense to me...there's no "I say or I won't" there's "I think that WE (you fill in the blank). What do y'all think?" And that's the way it should be, don't you think? So, when after you read this, send up a silent prayer for us...that we will continue to work well together and that our event turns out to be blessed and a blast!

Hugs+Kisses!

Non Traditional

We were issued a challenge over at SOC...create Valentine's using non-traditional colors; yellow, black and grey. These are the fruits of my labor. I really liked the way they turned out.

Items used: CTMH patterned paper and paper ribbon, Wild Card cartridge from Cricut; black, yellow and grey textured cardstock by Best Occassions; hearts Cuttlebug embossing folder.

I'll probably keep making them until I run out of scraps or until Valentine's Day actually arrives!

Hugs+Kisses for now!

Be My Valentine

Hi there friends!

Yup, that time is fast approaching. Valentine's Day. The day of love, love, love and more love. There are so many types of love. Motherly, Fatherly, Sisterly, Brotherly (a shout out to my home town Philly!), Husband, Wife...well, you get the picture. I could go on and on and on....but I won't...aren't you lucky? Over at SOC, we were issued several challenges in creating non-traditional Valentine's Day cards. Here's the latest. Funny, once you get started with a challenge; asking for something specific, you want to keep going and going.....well, off I go. Going to see if I can get another made before the troops start to bother me!

Flower Power!

There was a challenge on Scraps of Color to create flower using paper...and I got a little carried away