New Butterfly T-Shirt

I just had to share the beautiful Asian Butterflies t-shirt that I bought today. Oh My Goodness, I love it! Isn't it just pur-dy? lol :)

This is a funny one that I bought at our local Canex (Military Store) the other day. I wish it was on a nicer t-shirt, but I thought it was too funny to leave there! lol :)

I'm flying the coup tonight, heading out to see the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. It should be a great show and fun time. Here's a link for info on the week long shows to tell you what it's all about if you're not familiar. My hubby is actually in it this year with a group from his ship. There's doing a Naval Boarding Party Demonstration. Apparently, it's a pretty cool program and it's getting some rave reviews - I can't wait to see it in person. :)

Well, gotta run and finish getting ready before the babysitter arrives!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Lots of Layers Flower

I finally got a chance to mount this set that I got a while back at a SU party. We used this stamp set the night of the party and I think we all fell in love with it. A fun stamp set to use lots of layers with! :)

For this card, I used a pre-embossed 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" card base from a box of cards made by DCWV. There's several different embossed backgrounds in the boxed set. This one is called 'Dots' and I thought it looked like a fun background to use with the dots in the flower.

Well, it's really late...gotta get some sleep, gotta get up early and I'm sure I won't be happy when that alarm goes off! lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: One of a Kind (SU)
Cardstock: Tempting Turquoise (SU), China Red Linen (CRS), White Embossed Dots (DCWV)
Ink: Tempting Turqoise (SU)
Embellishments: Red Grosgrain Ribbon (Michaels), Blue Self-Adhesive Bling Gem (From a RAK from Tracy.) Thanks again, Trace! :)
Tools: 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success), Scissors

Alexandria with her new guitar

Alexandria has been asking us a lot lately for her own little guitar. She's taken quite an interest in Jim's but she needed one her own size, so we decided to get her one for her grading present. She was so excited when we gave it to her yesterday. It's even pink and with pretty flourishes, too!

In case you're wondering, this is not a toy, it's an actual 6 string acoustic guitar. I originally thought she was too young at 6 years old to start playing a real guitar, but after seeing some videos on line and hearing people talking, this is the best time to get them started. They're such sponges at this age and so eager to learn, they really catch on quite quickly. Even my youngest, Natalia wants one. She seems as eager as Alexandria, so perhaps we'll get one for her for her birthday in November...unless I break down before then! lol :)

Well, we've got a busy day planned for tomorrow so I've gotta hit the hay! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Canada Day long weekend!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Bunches of Thanks

This is the thank you card that I made to match the gift set in the post below for Alexandria's teacher. Tomorrow is her final day of school, a big awards assembly for about an hour in the morning and then their day is done.

We look forward to keeping busy and doing lots of fun things this Summer, but I mostly look forward to being able to rest for just a few days before the running begins! lol :)

Well, this is a quick post, I'm beat and I'm gonna call it a day.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Thanks a Bunch and Flower Can (Hero Arts)
Cardstock: Butter (Deserres), China Red Linen (CRS), Blue Bayou (SU)
Patterned Paper: Wild Saffron (K & Company)
Ink: Ruby Red (SU), Chocolate Chip (SU), Walnut Stain Distress Ink (Tim Holtz - Ranger)
Tools: Terrifically Tacky Tape, Scalloped Oval Punch (Marvy Uchida), Sea Sponge, Hi-Jell Sparklers Gel Roller Pens - Gold, Red, Blue, Green & Orange (Merangue), Cuttlebug, d'Vine Swirls Embossing Folder
Embellishments: Red Grosgrain Ribbon (Michaels)

Criss-Cross Gift Boxes

Well, I racked my brain as to what sort of gift box I was gonna use for this set of Gardeners Products that I got for my oldest daughter's teacher for her end of school thank you gift. Then, I remembered a cute little Criss-Cross Gift Box that I saw on Nichole Heady's blog, {capture the moment}, some time back. She had made her gift box to fit a little bag of nuts - a very cute project.

The only problem is that the original box was very small - just 3" wide x 1" deep x 4" high at the back. First, I tried one using her template as a trial run which uses 8 1/2" x 11' cs, then I did some figuring and I custom made another gift box from the measurements of my bottles. I seemed to run into a couple of snags, though...I had to use a large piece of cs - 14" x 20" (that I get at DeSerres art supplies store) however, my straight cutter won't cut a piece of cs that big so I had to use my craft knife - which I don't like using. Same problem when it was time to make my score lines...I couldn't, since again the cs was too big to fit in my 12" paper trimmer with my score blade. So, I had to mark off where to score and fold it myself. Seems like a minor problem, but it just like the clean lines that a score blade gives you, is all. Anyway, all in all it turned out well and I'm very proud of myself that I was able to figure out the dimensions to alter the size! lol :)

This is the gift box that I made using Nichole's original template that makes a gift box 3" wide x 4" high x 1"deep.

Just a picture to show you to difference in size of the two Criss-Cross Gift Boxes. The larger box measures 5.75" wide x 7" high x 2" deep.

These bottles are the contents of the gift box, a bottle of Gardeners Hand Lotion (240 ml), a bottle of Antibacterial Hand Soap (240 ml) and a tube of Intensive Therapy Hand Cream (150 ml). I really hope she does Gardening!! I'm pretty sure she does, but if not, I guess she can use these anyway! lol :)

Well, that's all for me for today. I have to make the card tomorrow to go with this gift, so I'll be back to post it soon. :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Thanks a Bunch and Flower Can (Hero Arts), Just for You (Studio G)
Cardstock: Butter (Deserres), Chocolate Chip (Bazzill), Blue Bayou (SU)
Patterned Paper: Wild Saffron (K & Company)
Ink: Ruby Red (SU), Chocolate Chip (SU), Walnut Stain Distress Ink (Tim Holtz - Ranger)
Tools: Terrifically Tacky Tape, Scalloped Oval Punch (Marvy Uchida), 1', 1 1/4" & 1 1/2" Circle Punches (Creative Memories), Sea Sponge, Craft Knife, Cutting Mat, Hi-Jell Sparklers Gel Roller Pens - Gold, Red, Blue, Green & Orange (Merangue)

More Teacher Gifts and Cards

Wow, it's hard to believe that my little girl is done Preschool, ready to go into Grade Primary in the Fall. I took two of the teacher gifts to Natalia's teachers today as it was her last day of school today. I made both the gifts exactly the same, even the cards the same. I did get something different to do for Alexandria's teacher and I'll be working on that gift tonight, so I'll post pics of it when I get it done in the next couple of days. I still have a little bit of time as she finishes her last day of Grade Primary on Friday.

I made each of their cards to match the gift boxes that I made, but I decided to go with a black grosgrain ribbon for the cards and I kinda like it with the black ink. I think it gives a smart look to it. I also added some Inkadinkado flourishes to the bottom of the Thank You on the card. I also added the little wrappers to the jars of body butter. I originally thought that all three items would fit in the box, but the sides bulged just a bit so it didn't look right. I was chatting with my friend, Catherine and she suggested that I add a little wrapper to it and just give it to them with the box. I think that was a great idea, thanks Catherine! lol :)

Well, I've gotta go get crafty...

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Cards from Louise

I'd like to share a couple of cards that I received recently from my friend, Louise Allen. One was a belated Birthday card for me and the other was thank you card that she included with my SU order from a recent party that she hosted. Louise knows that I love butterflies and dragonflies and incorporated them into the cards that she made for me. I love them both! They're just beautiful, Louise! Thanks so much! :)

Louise had missed the get together that I had on my birthday as she was ill and now I'm late posting her cards. Late last week, I just got over the worst cases of the flu I think I've ever had and then I got what I believe was food poisoning shortly after I ate at a restaurant on Sunday night until about supper time on Monday night. I really felt like I could have died, I don't think I've ever been that sick ever and don't care to be ever again! lol :) I'm so glad it's better now. All I can say is I'm never gonna eat turkey at a restaurant ever again!!

Well, one more post and then I have to get back to work on making my last Teacher's gift.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Mardi Gras DND Family Days

Yesterday afternoon we went down to the dockyard for the annual DND Family Days. This year's theme was Mardi Gras. The kids had a great time and Alex got her face painted up as a butterfly - isn't it cute? :)
This is Natalia and Alexandria in a Helicopter Rescue Basket as part of the Canadian Forces displays.

This is Captain Butterfly Alex on the H.M.C.S. Kingston. She's looking pretty laid back for such an important job, eh? lol :)

These are my two cages monkeys. This little ferris wheel moved soooo slow that they actually asked to get off cause they were bored and said they were on it too long! Those are my action seekers! lol :)

This was more up their alley - riding a couple of motorcycles! Taking right after my three older brothers who have all had super bikes and race them! They'd be so proud! lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Teacher 'Thank You' Gift Box

Well, it's hard to believe that it's nearly the end of the school year and that means Teacher Appreciation Gifts. I always like to make a little something to give to the teacher's for all their hard work. I saw this cute little gift box the other day on Corie's blog and I knew it was just what I was looking for to use as a gift box for some little soaps and lotions that I picked up. I changed up my pattern a bit, but Corie has a great tutorial on her blog if you're interested in making one, as well.

I'm not sure if it's the fact that I'm rather down and out with the flu right now, but it took me forever to make this little box. I kept screwing up the measurements and having to start over...a bit frustrating for something that should have taken hardly any time at all! lol :) Anyway, one gift down and I hope to finish the other one tomorrow. Not sure what I'll make for their other teachers - Music and Gym...gotta get my thinkin' cap on for those!

Well, I've had four naps today in amongst my crafting, I'm totally burnt so I think I'll call it a day now...hopefully this darn flu will be gone tomorrow! ...Can we say only 6 more days of school and we'll be done with the passing of germs for a bit! lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Bird on Branch (Inkadinkado), Thank You (StampCraft - WalMart)
Cardstock: Soft Sky (SU), Jet Black Linen (CRS)
Patterned Paper: Blue Raspberry Collage and Blue Raspberry Paisley - Fresh Print (Déjà Views)
Ink: Onyx Black Archival (VersaFine)
Tools: Terrifically Tacky Tape, White Tissue Paper
Embellishments: Light Blue Satin Wired Ribbon (Michaels)

Masculine Birthday

I had a masculine birthday card to make for my Father-in-Law's upcoming birthday and this is what I came up with. I have a really hard time coming up with masculine themed cards, I really prefer to make ones that are 'girly' and fun! Anyway, this card is rather plain, but I guess it will do. It's hard to not over-embellish it and have it take away from looking masculine...am I alone here on this one? lol :)

Well, I have to go get ready for work. I'm hoping to post something tomorrow for an end of year teacher's gift that I have in mind.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: Cupcake and Happy Birthday (Studio G)
Cardstock: Blue Bayou (SU), Coffee Brown -Double Mates (WorldWin Extraordinary Papers) Patterned Paper: Boho Chic Fancy Free - Urban Window Collection (We R Memory Keepers) Ink: Onyx Black (VersaFine), Chocolate Chip, Old Olive & Really Rust (SU)
Tools: Aqua Painter (SU), Cuttlebug, Birthday Embossing Folder, 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success)
Embellishments: Antique Brass Iron On Brads (Stuff by Hillary Duff - Michaels)

Shades of Purple Flowers

I thought I'd share a few of the pretty flowers from the gardens in my yard. I've been busy lately fixing them up and it's so much nicer to be outside now with the yard looking all pur-dy! lol :) I just found these gorgeous purple passion flowers and I just couldn't leave them at the greenhouse. Aren't they beautiful? I've never seen these flowers before and I love the shape of the petals in the first picture - they're so delicate and pretty! Unfortunately, they didn't come with a plastic info spike in the soil, if anyone can tell me exactly what these flowers are called, I'd really appreciate it, I can't find them online - I believe they are part of the Passion Flower (Passifloraceae) family, but I could be wrong. This family includes over 500 species, so it's no wonder I can't find them (the flowers pictured above and below) online! Help, please! lol :)


The flower pictured below is one that I already had in my garden - I believe they are called Bachelor's Button, but again, I'm not a gardener, if you know the proper name for them, please leave me a comment. :)

Well, I've gotta call it a day. I hope to get a chance to get in my crafty space tomorrow... gardening took over today so I didn't get a chance. But, I have a few cards to make for a few upcoming birthdays so I better get a start on those tomorrow...

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Fires Reported as Stable

Just a quick update on the local brush fires happening here for those of you that are following it. The fire is described as stable and controlled but there are still areas of open flames. It still hasn't rained but they are calling for showers tomorrow and rain on Friday so that will help as well to get things under control.

Here's another newspaper report in today's Halifax Herald. The info below was taken directly from info given in the paper. You can also see a few pictures there of the damage, as well.

About 5,000 people were evacuated over the weekend after a wildfire started Friday in the Porters Lake-Lake Echo area and quickly swept through the brush and forest toward Lawrencetown. Most residents were allowed back into their homes Sunday night, but there are still restrictions in place as firefighters continue their battle.

About 80 displaced Lake Echo-area residents whooped and applauded at news they will be able to go home at 2 p.m. today.

“We’ve decided it’s safe enough for everyone to go back,” Halifax Regional Fire Service Deputy Chief Roy Hollett told a crowd gathered at Cole Harbour Place late Monday morning.

As of Monday morning about 120 residents were waiting to return to their homes.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Hours/Beer Coincidence

Happy Father's Day today to all the Dad's out there! Hope you all have a great day and receive sweet, sappy cards from your little ones. Both our girls made sweet cards for Jim and gave him really cute presents that they made at school. I think he was touched...I might have even spied a tear in his eye... :)

This is the card that I made for my hubby, Jim for Father's Day, it's not very Father's Day-like...unless he decides to drink himself silly today, I guess! Yeah, that's not gonna happen...he's not a Spring Chicken anymore, either! lol :) Anyway, I just thought he would find this card funny, I kinda like to try to make his cards entertaining. I think he'll get a kick out of it. :)

These are some more stamps that I borrowed from Kim. I've been having fun playing with them all. Kim has been stamping for about 20 years, she has so many different fun stamps in her collection and we all try to share our stamps back and forth to change things up a bit.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: 'Brewsky' Beer Mug (Dewey Inkum &Howe - Clearsnap), Beer Saying and Moosehead Beer Bottle Label (Viva Las Vegastamps)
Cardstock: Dark Brown (Bazzill), Royal Blue (Bazzill)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU), Old Olive (SU)
Tools: 1/8" Dimensional Squares (EK Success)
Embellishments: Olive 3/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (Michaels), Dark Brown 1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon (Atlantic Fabrics)

Update on Forest Fires

I thought I'd update you all on the current conditions here with the brush fires happening in our area. Here's a link to an article on the front page of today's provincial paper. The fire has been stretching three kms wide by seven kms long and there have been more than 5000 people evacuated to this point. The above picture is an aeriel view that was taken yesterday that I copied from the local paper.

At this time, it's been reported that there have been 2 homes that have been completely destroyed by the flames and 5 others that have had property damage. There may be more that I'm not aware of. Yesterday, the winds changed three times and caused the fire to keep shifting...hopefully the fire will stay within the woods today and not come further into the residential areas.

On a good note, the winds have subsided a bit today, however they're expecting the winds to pick up later today. Hopefully they can get it beat down before the winds pick up. Please keep all the evacuees in your thoughts that they can go home soon and that everyone else in the area stays safe. And to those people who have lost their homes, may they find peace in what they've lost and hope that they are given the assistance to rebuild their homes for a new beginning.

Forest Fires- Out of Control

It's been a pretty stressful time around these parts for a lot of people since yesterday afternoon. I was on my way into work yesterday and we noticed the huge clouds of smoke that went way up to the clouds from a forest fire that is still currently out of control in our neighbouring town of Lake Echo/Porter's Lake. They've evacuated over 3000 families and a several people have lost their homes.

This was the view from the top of elementary school grounds in our backyard last night.
Over looking the school. You can see the smoke is mixing right into the clouds it's so high.

This one was taken today, we took a drive over to Rainbow Haven Beach and this is one of the fires overlooking the beach. The water bombers were in action the whole time we were at the beach today.

It's very sad, I've worked the past couple of nights and we've had people coming in who have either lost their home or are in limbo, waiting to hear if their home is gone. The winds have been really strong here the past few days and it's not making the job an easier for the firefighters. They've brought in extra water bombers from Chatham, New Brunswick and Gander, Newfoundland to help the efforts, but the winds really need to settle. I guess the winds changed direction, as I just heard that the fire has reached the Preston area now, which is only about 5 kms from my house. We also have several gas stations in the middle, so I pray to God that the it doesn't meet those, or we're gonna be in one hell of a mess.

I realize that human lives are of more importance than material things, but my heart goes out to all those people that were at work and weren't able to get home to get anything before the evacuation order was put into effect, and now all the roads are closed down as the fire actually crossed one of the highways. Scary stuff. Please keep us in your thoughts that they can control the fires in the very near future without much more damage to homes or worse.

Gotta get some rest, it's been a long couple of days. I'll update more soon.

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Yellow Caterpillar...

So, I just wasn't happy with my other colouring job of my tractor, so I redid the tractor drawing and coloured it in this time with just yellow instead of the orange, too. I'm much happier with the card now. Just thought I'd share my finished version... lol :)

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)

Caterpillar Tractor Card

My Dad is a 'Caterpillar Man' through and through. He's operated Cats his whole life, owing his on company in land forming, dyke and road building. He's now retired, but he spends a great deal of his time now restoring antique Caterpillar tractors. His garage is full of them and he's happy as can be when he's tinkering with them! So, for a Father's Day card this year, I thought I'd make him a Caterpillar card. I couldn't find a stamp to use, so I drew my own tractor freehand! (Well, by looking at a clipart image online - but I didn't trace it!)

I coloured the tractor in with markers, but I'm not overly happy with my attempt at outlining the tractor and my shading with the orange colour. I'd redo it, but it took me a fair time to draw it and I don't have the time to start over. Anyway, I think Dad will really like it anyway. We'll see on Sunday, I guess, when I drive it down to his place. Hope everyone has a great weekend and all the Dad's out there have a great day!

Thanks for stoppin' by! :)



Supplies:
Stamps: 'Happy Father's Day'- Greetings Galore (Impression Obsession)
Cardstock: Coffee Brown -Double Mates (WorldWin Extraordinary Papers), Cardstock Vellum (SU), Cream (CTMH)
Patterned Paper: Old World (CTMH)
Ink: Walnut Stain Distress Ink (Tim Holtz - Ranger)
Tools: Edge Distresser (CTMH), Black Pigma Pen - Micron 01 (Sakura), Sea Sponge
Embellishments: Dark Brown Grosgrain Ribbon (Fabricville), Antique Brass Brads and Buckle from Hodge Podge Hardware (SU)