DC, ch 2 ,DC skip and repeat.... My new Hobby

I picked up a crochet hook and after watching some YouTube I am now rediscovering this craft. My mother crocheted back in the 70's -80's, and I would watch her, occasionally start a project but  I don't remember finishing anything.  Mom made ponchos for my sister and I our of granny squares.

I have finished a wide scarf and then seamed a few inches in the back to make it a hooded scarf. Then I started making 8" granny squares with plans for an afghan.  My A.D.D. kicked in and I started this scarf this morning.  I love this yarn. An unwrapped orphan I found on the shelves of my local Jo-Ann store.  It has a luscious hand, just buttery soft and I loved the colors.  I stumbled upon a great blog site called Fiber Flux .blogspot.com. The easy to follow pattern I am using is from that site and is called Blueberry Pie by Jennifer Dickerson. She actually has several patterns I love, and may try next.
    I took the above shot with my new Nikon D7000 and a 35mm 1.8 lens using available afternoon sunlight, no tripod and a wide aperture. (On the fly) Perhaps I should have gotten the scarf in focus instead of the yarn ! LOL.      More photos as I progress.

National Blogging Day of Remembrance

(as originally posted in Craftaholics anonymous.)

As my prayers are added to the ocean of  prayers washing over the Newtown families, I ask that we keep this attitude of compassion throughout the holiday season and beyond.
God Bless you.

Glass Block gifts for 2012

As usual, I hurriedly finished my blocks, wrapped them and gave them out at our family Christmas party, without taking photos !  Here is a photo of one and I Photoshopped out the smiling recipients face. ( She didn't want her picture on a blog).  On this particular 8 x 8 block I used etching cream twice on the face prior to applying my vinyl design.  Although the block was thoroughly cleaned with both soapy water and then alcohol, my etching was less then perfect. I left the cream on for more than an hour each time. This is the case with many tempered glass products.  It was enough to obscure the glass and diffuse a light placed inside.   For other projects I still prefer the look of a piece of vellum placed inside and secured with a glue dot. The vellum method is quick, clean and cheap. All in favor raise your glitter dusted hand. 

I combined a couple of the Nativity files I found on the Silhouette online site. It was tempting to buy them all during their big sale the beginning of December.   If I find a photo of the other blocks I will post them as well.

Merry Christmas my crafty friends!

Gina's Place Block

     I whipped this block up quickly just before guests arrived for a cocktail party. I used the Silhouette file called retro girl and then chose Lobster font for my text. This was cut with my Cameo beautifully, without snags, which made weeding easy. I used H&H vinyl.  Glue dots were used to secure the translucent vellum to the inside of the 8 inch block and they are barely noticeable. While I could place a small set of lights inside, I found it easier to just place the block in front is a small lamp I keep on my baker's rack. This looked great sitting next to pretty martini glasses and the glow reminded me of a bar sign.  I noticed a few bubbles in the retro girls but a warm blow dryer, needle prick and Popsicle stick burnishing should take care of that.  

This is how I Trick or Treat

We only have a few homes in our subdivision, sitting on 4+ acre lots. Too much distance for trick or treaters, and so for several years I have made up treat packages to deliver to the neighborhood families. I understand this is now a much anticipated tradition for the kids around here- Treats from "Miss Gina".

These Halloween boxes were simple to put together this year so I ended up making them for all my neighbors and co-workers. The pumpkin boxes held a fistfull of candy as did the candy dishes. These were made available from SVGcuts. Watching Mary put them together in her videos gives me the confidence to tackle her projects. The pumpkin is from Gimme Candy Boxes while the candy dish is from Midnight Jamboree. I used Bewitched paper pad from DCWV as well as Michael's 65lb weight Recollections black cardstock. My Cameo cut them flawlessly - of course! 

                           These turned out so cute that they just may be repeated next year !

Time to get Busy !

Time to get busy with some Halloween decorations and I am loving SVG cuts offering this season because they are cute and simple. The kind of projects I will actually finish in time !  I plan to make the little pumpkin boxes and send them to the elementary schools I have worked at recently ( substitute school nurse) as a little token of appreciation to the clinic staff members who have been awesome.  The plastic covered basket will be perfect to send goodies to my sons who are away at college but still like treats from home, anyone say chocolate chip cookies ?  I found the cardstock on sale at Joanns called Bewitched from DCWV. 

Posting pictures when I complete these !     Go to SVG Cuts through my link and watch the video Mary did showing the simplicity of these kits !     

Time Flew By....my youngest son graduating high school

First Day of School
Josh being led to the bus stop by big brother, Brandon  1999

Josh  Today
A senior, heading off to college this fall

     Where did time go?  I remember so clearly Josh heading off to kindergarten, so excited to get to finally ride the bus with his older brother, Brandon.  Today was his last day of high school classes.  Tomorrow he will go to school for a pancake breakfast followed by the "last recess".  Graduation ceremony is Saturday followed by "grad night party.  My last opportunity to play the "room mom" role I have loved.  OK, so no room mom in high school, but I was still able to help plan banquets and award night events.  My days are numbered !!!.   I am using my Cameo to cut out beach theme decorations for Grad Night, and still need to get some more grad cards made up.  

      I enjoyed photographing Josh and his friends for senior pictures. I used Picasso to put together his collage, and then had Shutterfly print them. I also had a nice mug made with his swim team photo, then personalized.  It turned out nice! 

      Life is good. My sons have blessed me beyond measure.  

Favorite Fonts for Monograms

Just wanted to share some fonts I use for monograms. Denise over at Paper Pastimes has these available as split SVGs ready to cut at a very affordable price. Well worth $5 not to hassle with splitting them evenly.

Favorite Fonts for Monograms

AMPERZAND ABCDEFGHIJKLMN

OPQURSTUVWXYZ

 CARIBBEAN TOOL ABCDEFGHIJKLMN

OPQURSTUVWXYZ

REMESLO  ABCDEFGHIJKLMN

OPQURSTUVWXYZ

REGAL   ABCDEFGHIJKLMN

OPQURSTUVWXYZ

ZALLMAN CAPS ABCDEFGHIJKLMN OPQURSTUVWXYZ

ZAZOU ABCDEFGHIJKLMN

OPQURSTUVWXYZ

you like me...100 followers on Pinterest !

follow me on Pinterest  GinaDecor

I was so excited to find 100 followers of my Pinterest boards. I am up to 2809 pins on my 57 boards. I could do some thinning out but sometimes find pins that belong in multiple categories.  Ever find something amazing and then hesitate...didn't I already pin this?....oh what the heck and pin it again.  So far there are no pinning police.  One pet peeve is when a Facebook friend shares Every Time she pins something.  hello...uncheck that little facebook box.  But if it really is knock me over with a feather as I drop dead cuz it's that amazing....then please proceed with that Facebook share.

Pinterest wish......I wish there was a rearrange button inside the individual boards so I could organize them. And I wish there was a quick drag and drop when I accidentally plop that cupcake on my Puppy Love board. 

Happy Pinning! 

Lettering Delights is celebrating 20,000 fans on their Facebook page by giving away 20 freebies. Limited time.
Go to their Facebook page and scroll through to find all the freebies or go to this page 
Lettering Delights http://ldsolutions.blogspot.com/2012/03/if-you-havent-noticed-weve-been.html       
  to see them listed in one place and don't forget every Friday they have giveaways for their Facebook friends.  
What is nice is if you use Make The Cut you don't have to download them to your PC, they are available when you long in to MTC.  Easy - Peasy !

I Got My Cameo !

Silhouette Cameo

 Die Cutting Machine

     I almost kissed my UPS man Thursday when he delivered my Cameo. Poor guy was already haggard looking from driving his big brown truck against 40 mph wind gusts. He said it sounded like the roof was going to peel off!  At least we avoided the tornadoes that hit all around us. My prayers are with the victims.

     My Cameo was ordered early February from Oh My Crafts, taking advantage of their 25% off sale and free shipping. I had many questions and their customer service gal was awesome. Frankly I was really torn between the Cameo or the Eclips from Sizzix.  I was told upfront that they were ordering these machines in and the shipping date would be mid- Feb. I received numerous emails from OMC letting me know the expected ship date. When the blizzard affected my delivery I received another email, an apology, and a $5. gift card for my inconvenience. (It was only a week delay all together) Now that is how you do business!

While waiting for my Cameo, I downloaded the Silhouette Studio software from the Silhouette site and began familiarizing myself with the features.  I even downloaded the weekly free designs and started my wish list.  The software shouldn't be difficult to maneuver since I have been using Sure Cuts A Lot and Mate The Cut programs with my old die cutting machine. ( The one that no longer plays well with others).  Since I am so familiar with these two programs I don't know if I will use Studio very often, but we will see.  It was a quick -and free- upgrade to have the specific drivers needed to use SCAL and MTC with my new Cameo.

I am so excited!!!  Unfortunately my online college classes don't allow much time for playing this weekend. But I will be sure to post my cuttings.

I also ordered some vinyl from Oh My Crafts since they were practically giving it away ! It is not the heavy duty dishwasher and car wash resistant vinyl like what I get from H&H. It is Oracal Exhibition 631 the same stuff you buy from Provo Craft from what I understand. I am anxious to do some wording using the Cameo where I won't be limited to 12 or 24 inch lengths. Again I will let you know how that works out. 

Have a great weekend, and please remember the tornado victims in your prayers!

Life is so precious, and things can change so quickly here in the Midwest.

Sympathy Card

Sympathy Card

Finished size 6x6

Base Cardstock Dark Brown- DCWV Mi Casa

Patterned Papers (lavender and floral ) DCWV Latte 8x8 stack

script stamped on parchment -stamp Hero Arts- Old French Writing

Ink  K & Company Sera Fera copper

"Thinking of You" - Hero Arts clear  black Memento Ink

Die cut custom designed using Sure Cuts A Lot software - (inspired by Spellbinder)

oval cut with Spellbinder small oval die cut using Sizzix Big Kick 

misc lavender ribbon - Michaels Basics

adhesive   ATG by Scotch 

inside sentiment   Someone Remembers

                           Someone Cares

                           Your Name is Whispered

                            In Someone's Prayers

font Amperzand   printed on ecru parchment paper  scored using Martha Stewart Score Board 

envelope made by cutting a 10 x 10 square    scoring and folding pattern to interior

notching at 5 " points    directions found on SplitCoast Stampers forum 

inside of card

Valentine Projects

Love Me Do SVG kit 

SVGcuts Valentine Box collection

Watch the video as Mary shows you how easy these go together.  I love the little box. I think it would be cute as a magnetized frame for the refrigerator.  Kids love to see their photos displayed around the house.


    I should be receiving my new Silhouette Cameo next week and am anxious to play with some of my SVGs, comparing them to the cuts from my Expression.  I have enjoyed my Expression, and would have stayed with it if not for the PC lawsuit against Sure Cuts A Lot software.  I am always afraid I will do an upgrade or something and lose my ability to cut with SCAL2.  My Expression was recently upgraded to version 2.43, so I could play with Cricut Craft Room (not impressed). And I am running SCAL2 version 2.044 and also use  Make the Cut version 4.0.4. I really like using MTC when using the Lettering Delights library. They are so easy to view!

Make the Cut 4.0.4 partial work space snip showing Lettering Delights Library

Keep in mind there are trial versions of both software programs available from their sites.  They are no longer compatible with Cricut cutters due to Provo Craft actions, unless purchased prior to PC lawsuits last year.  Many are still operating these programs because they have the previous versions which contained the necessary drivers.  More information can be obtained from the forums at  Make the Cut or Craftedge for Sure Cuts a Lot. My links are located on the right sidebar under affiliates.

Staying Organized !

I thought I had lost this image.  It used to be the screen saver on my monitor...2 computers ago.  This looks just like my Sugar.  Is it real or digitized ? I don't know but it is too stinking cute.  I think I found it when Google-ing Bichon images, but can't seem to find it again.  I thought it interesting that it was taken on the one year anniversary of 9/11. A room full of Bichons would be therapeutic.

                               So, how many puppies can you find. ?

There is a lesson here.  Organize your digital files.

I have my photos filed like this

Digital Photos

       2010
        2011
       2012
          Family
          Dogs
          Friends
          Vacations
          Scouts
          Sports
           Holidays
           Nature
                 Landscapes
                  Flowers
                   Birds
                  Trees
                   Macro
                    Sky

My SVG collection is somewhat disorganized. I started filing by object

Animals
Children
Frames
Holiday
     Christmas
     Halloween
     Valentines Day
Words or Phrases


Then I started filing by source

SVGcuts
Penny Duncan
Paulo
Lettering Delights

So this will be reorganized right after I redo my pantry, organize my sock drawer, organize under the kitchen sink,  oh yeah and write a paper for my Community Nursing class. (due this weekend).
Better go !






                 

Which Vinyl Do I Use ?

Some time back Clever Someday posted a great schematic to help a crafter determine which vinyl is appropriate for their specific application.  I have referred to this often and find it quite helpful.  This is not my work but a reposting from Clever Someday's blog where you will find a lot of valuable information.

Pinterest has Occupied My Free Time!

    Did you miss me?
 I discovered Pinterest and time just slipped away!
  Are you Pinning?
 Have you heard about it?
 Been trying to check it out and find you are not permitted?








   Here is what you are missing.  Imagine the internet is a stack of magazines. You have a pair of scissors. Cut out that recipe, cute hairstyle, decorating inspiration or anything else that makes you think ooooh !  Now place these clips onto your "boards". You create however many you like, their topic, their arrangement.  Now here comes the fun part...you glimpse other peoples boards. See something you like? Hit the like button. Or better yet "repin" it onto your board. Come up with new categories and give them fresh names.  Here is the best part, each Pin is an instant link to the original website, taking you to the recipe, blog site, originator of that image.    Follow your friends, or strangers with similar interest.  Before you know it you have beautiful boards and countless people are following you, to see what you will pin next.  It is highly addicting.  And you don't have to restrict yourself to repinning what others have pinned. Go to your favorite blog site, you may find a "follow me on Pinterest" tab, and you add them to your following list.  Right away you may want to add a Pin It button to the marquee of your browser ( Pinterest gives you the step by step)  then anytime something tugs at your heartstrings you are ready to pin it.
Soon you may have a following of your own.  So many inspiring, creative people out there sharing ideas, in one place. Pinterest.  Look to see which of your friends are pinning, ask them for an invite ( you can just request permission from P and wait for approval) and see what everyone is pinning about.

you are welcome to browse my boards http://pinterest.com/ginadecor/
It is addicting, you have been warned !


Follow Me !

What Is SVG Cuts?

This is the skinny on SVG Cuts. The site that offers tons of free SVG files plus some great projects that are very economical.  Mary has numerous "watch me make this" videos to view before buying kits.  I browse their site way too frequently!!!

 Happy Fall Y'all !

Today I found some Fabulous fall Subway art at Today's Fabulous Find http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2011/09/fall-subway-art-prints.html. Janet has these as well as other seasonal Subway Art posters she has created for free download at her site and offers them in several colors. Thank you Janet!  Someone new to swing by and visit with! I am going to reproduce mine in vinyl on a store bought frame then put some subtle fall paper inside the frame. I suppose I could also put leaves in the frame. Hmmm....

                                                                 ..................Does anyone else seem to spend more time admiring other peoples creativity and not enough time  getting busy utilizing their own creativity? I am so guilty.  I spend hours looking through the idea galleries at SVGcuts or My Vinyl Designer or Lettering Delights to name a few. And then I have my daily blog list I go through with my coffee several times a week. Then I read the forums at Make the Cuts or Craftedge for Sure Cuts A lot. or Smart Buy Gal.  I learn so much ! But it does take away from my design time.

   This weekend I bought my first set of Letraset Promarkers. (Joann's with 50% off coupon). This set 1 has 12 basic colors and the blender pen. These are the permanent twin-tip alcohol based markers. Perhaps similar to Copics, but not refillable. But $15 for the set.  I stamped some fall images. Googled YouTube Promaster tutorials and practiced while watching others shading and blending with these great markers.  I discovered I need better cardstock to avoid bleed through, and probably order some Gina K  pure luxury as recommended by others.

   Next I got out my Koh-I Noor colored pencils and then blended using my new Promarker blender...Awesome! ( a tip from Gina K )  While in the past I have used odorless mineral spirits (OMS) or baby oil with Q-tip "stubs" the blender pen was effortless and I had such control without leaving a "wet spot" from the OMS.  I promise to post as I finish my images. Keep in mind I was practicing a new technique.

   Does this redeem me from too much lurking and not enough finishing my own projects? no. But tomorrow is another day. I gotta get busy !   

Enjoying the Summer

Brandon diving in ! 

Is everyone enjoying the summer ?  We added a new pool to the back yard, yeah ! Although it was a huge construction project requiring long hours especially for my sweet husband, the pool is now finished and we have been enjoying it almost daily ! Did I tell you I cut vinyl geckos with my Cricut and decorated the pool liner! Too stinking cute! And it brings attention to the drop off! I will post a picture next week!

    I have not put much time into my crafting. I worked with a client with SCAL2 lessons. She and I worked on 30+ multi-layer vinyl cuts on tumblers for her daughters cheer-leading and dance teams. This was an ambitious project for someone new to SCAL and new to vinyl but the results were AMAZING.  Way to go Sheri! I am available for private or group lessons for  SCAL2  and will teach basic  Make the Cuts if anyone is interested. ( I  less familiar with MTC but using it more lately)  My craft room or yours. I am still getting by with the Cricut Expression but am looking into a third party friendly new cutting machine down the road.
    Has anyone been to SVG.cuts blog lately?  Mary has wonderful detailed step by step tutorial videos ! I wish she was my neighbor! I would certainly invite her and Leo to the pool in exchange for some great paper magic tips! ( 3D flowers, pumpkins, pie boxes, lever cards... all too cute)
    Lettering Delights and Make the Cuts have a wonderful new relationship! And if you have the new MTC version 3 your Lettering Delights library is TA DA  right there, easy to utilize. Of course to use this with the Cricut you must keep the PCCPlugin.dll from your previous MTC version before MTC and Provo-Craft went through the ugly divorce ( lawsuit).

Once fall gets here I will catch up on my card making.  Have a  Happy Labor Day enjoying time with family and friends! Stay cool!

                                           

Summer Flowers through my Camera Lens