Create it-GREEN has a Christmas Blog Hop coming up this weekend!

The Blog Hop starts at 12 noon EST on Saturday, December 5th.

Each blog owner will post a "green" holiday project.

Mark your calendar!

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Baby Shower Card and Gifts

"Expect Miracles"~ A Baby Shower card made with supplies (Patterned paper, cardstock raffia ribbon and all flowers) from my work as a Creatively Green Design Team Member. A very special "Thank You" to my friend Carla Robinson for the tree and calendar stamped images. She sent them to me as part of a "Stamped image swap" at Sisterhood of Scrap

Some fun baby gifts for my sister on the occasion of her recent Baby Shower:

**Please note: the Dual Use Card Caddy was my Application for the Create it-GREEN Altered Art Design Team. A complete tutorial for this project can be seen HERE.

1- A set of 5 Thank You Cards done with Basic Grey's "Oh! Baby!" Collection. Three are shown here:

2. 'A Dual Use Card Caddy'

Side 1: HoldsTY CARDS (TY to my friend Deanne Burton for the "Thank You " image [again- from a Stamped image Swap at Sisterhood of Scrap Forum.]

2. 'A Dual Use Card Caddy'

Side 2: Holds PLAYING CARDS once TY cards are used up. Playing cards (2 decks) were included. ["Time for Fun" stamped image came from Deanne Burton. Thank You! ]

3. "Notes on {our} baby's first days" composition book.

Extra special thanks to my "Sisterhood of Scrap" friend Lois Sokolan in BC for the gift of many gorgeous butterflies, one of which can be seen on the front of this book.

(Note inside explaining how we used OUR notebook as new parents- click to enlarge/read~)

4. "Baby Wonder~"

A Mini Album creatd from a "Daisy d.'s" kit originally purchased at Scrapbooker's Club House, and created using my own stash of embellies, ribbon and metals.

This mini album can be personalized as the new parents wish.

TY to my friend Maggi for the word "Wonder" which came in a K & Co. set she gave me. :)

TY to my husband Peter for helping me secure the binding of the mini-album. :)

Green tip! I also included a small envelope with all useable scraps from the kit inside, so my sister could have them handy if she wanted to add anything at all to her mini album.

I really hope these were a hit! :o) Thanks for reading!

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Spoiled!! :)

Mom's Green Tomato Chow. YUM! We ate all the Mustard Pickles and Mustard Relish... LOL!

My Mom in law's Jellies and Jams.

Top view! YUM!
My Mom and Mom-in-law (MIL) are both wonderful cooks and like to make preserves. They provide us with " homemade with love" jellies, jams, pickles, and relishes EVERY year! Just have a look at this bounty!

Thanks Mom and Mom #2!!

(Also known as Cari and Chris)

The reason we took the pics is that we FINALLY organized the treats on a shelf so we can see what we have on hand. Whenever my in laws and parents plan a visit they ask what we need and I usually end up stuttering about it, not knowing for sure. Well, NOW we KNOW! The catalyst for this is that MIL and FIL are coming to visit tomorrow from Riverview and when Pete talked on the phone with them they asked what we needed cin terms of jam/ jelly/etc.... As you can tell from the pics, we are ALL set! LOL

Spoiled I tell ya!

Have a Great day! ~

So excited!

I made it and am now a member of Create it-Green's Altered Art Team!

Here is the announcement, and here is the Create it-Green Blog link.

There are some awesome projects posted already by Deanne, Cyndi and Sue. Go see! What do you think of those CUTE little gingerbread men this AM?

I'm sooo excited! Come help u keep our planet green!! Let's GO GREEN!!

Another exciting thing to report... I have been asked by Scrapbooker's Club House to be their Sketch Duet Artist for the SBCH December Kit (which has already sold out)! The December kits are being readied to ship and 2 sketches exclusive to SBCH, by Yours Truly, will be included. There will be both a card sketch and a LO Sketch.

Also, my friend Vicki Chrisman has asked for prayers for her doggie, Aly.

Vicki is such a gem, and a caring pet owner...and is very worried about her critter.

There has been a biopsy of a lump done, and they are awaiting results. So, here is her post and if you can spare a prayer.... good thought, or caring note on the blog... I know Vicki would appreciate it. Big ((((HUGZ)))) Vicki, and pats to Aly from me & our dog Lucie!!!

((HUGZ)) ~

Freebies!

YES, we ALL love 'em... Can you say "F-r-e-e-b-i-e-s??" (Heeheehee!!!!! Sure ya can!!)

I found a site this AM via Craft Gossip- Let me say "WHOA:" it's a site where you can find a myriad of freebies- there will be something you will LOVE, I assure you.

Have fun!

Living Locurto : Creative Ideas and free downloads!

Chat soon; I have Christmas cards to create!

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Some new creations...

"Riding Camp Pride"

This layout was created to celebrate Daniel's time at Riding Camp (Rohan Wood Stables) this past summer. In the pictures, he is riding a Paint pony named Willy.

Willy is 29 years old!

Based on a Sketch by Vicki Chrisman.

Supplies:

Red and blue patterned papers: Norcard

Belt - cut from a piece of pp - it looks like actual horse tack...

Horse, brush bucket, helmet, boots, apples: Added Touch (McCaul Importers) #01930

Kraft cardstock: SBCH

Black Pen: CM

Title lettering: Make it Special

Ink: Ink it up! Chocolate brown STP 1010

"Nine"

This is Daniel's 2009-2010 school picture. Isn't it gorgeous!? The patterned papers are all from Piggy Tales' Chicken Little Collection. All PT products are made with soy-based inks and of recycled paper.

Layout based on a Sketch by Deanne Burton, created for Sisterhood of Scrap Forum, a 1-hour Sketch Challenge, posted Nov 21, 2009.

Supplies:

Door hanger (pre-distressed): Karen Foster

Yellow grosgrain ribbon: Make it Special

Patterned Papers: Piggy Tales- "Chicken Little"

Rust paper: PT (" ")

Title letters: Make it Special

Blue Cardstock- BAzzill (SBCH)

White pen: Uniball Signo Gel Pen (SBCH)

" Happy Birthday Dude" card

The story here: I had this paint stamped image of a dog but it wasn't "perfect" enough for what I was using it for so I did another one & put it away. Fast forward a year. Bryan had a last minute party to attend for a friend turning 14. Needed a card! Made this in 15 minutes... Bryan said that Evan loved it! (He really likes dogs.) I was so glad I had this on hand! I thought it DID turn out cute, if VERY simple!

Supplies:

Foam dog stamp: WalMart craft kit

Paint: Deco-Art Acrylic in DCA-15 (Tan)

Brown Cardstock: Smoothies by Bazzill

Orange paper: scrap unkn

Teal cardstock: scrap unkn

Stamp: unknown brand

Corner Shaper: Creative Memories

"Dude" Lettering: BasicGrey "Recess" Nanoset

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward

Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

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"Our Grey Kitty"

I did the Monday Challenge at Sisterhood of Scrap Forum this week. I love those challenges!


I am so excited! Deanne had posted a new Sketch for the Design Team Call over at her blog-- Create-it Green.

I used her sketch and met the Monday challenge over at SOS,which was:
"we'd like to see some FALL colors -- orange/brown/yellow/red/green."

Pull out journaling reads: "Jessie came to live with us in 1997 from the Middleton Animal Shelter. He has the sweetest cat personality ever! Not graceful or quick, but oh-so-loveable." [Journaling Nov 2009]

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Adornit Blog Hop!!

When Georgana invited me to contribute to the Adornit Blog Hop, I juast HAD to- the last one was such fun! Hope you're enjoyin' your time hoppin' along!

My contribution to the Blog Hop today is a detailed hand-drawn Holiday Sketch. Life has been busy, and sketching layouts relaxes me- so here it you go! Hope you like it and find a way to include a little something special on the layout you create with it.

I'd love to see what you create- be sure to post a link here in the comments or email me at pete ali@ eastlink .ca (with no spaces) when you have it completed. I'll be sure to go check it out!

Here is my contribution to the Adornit Blog Hop!

Adornit Blog Hop Sketch by Ali

Thanks a million for stopping by! Here is the next spot to check out on the Adornit Blog Hop.

Get hoppin'! LOL

Your next stop is to visit Vicki at: http://qksc.blogspot.com/

See you there!
~

Our little guys at the Duck Pond

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Once again, Bryan (14) was flying "under the radar!" I will make a point of getting some pics featuring our oldest son up soon.


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Our beautiful girl rides...

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Kudos of the Day...

I received Kudos of the Day at Scrapbooker's Club House today for this card:

Kinda made my day!

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"Ali's Sketch Nook" has gone live...

at Creatively-Green: Art Supplies with a Conscience!

Here is where to find the inaugural Sketch!

Come see!

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Another sketch is up at S:CY!

This is a Sketch created for the "Sketches: Creatively Yours" site.

Hope you like it and will give it a try! Leave us a note in the Comments section over at S:CY. We (me and the S:CY DT) will come by to visit!

Thanks for looking!

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Part 2: What can you do with an old pair of jeans?

Idea #2: Make a Utensil Pocket for a Trip!

Yesterday, Kate (15) travelled to Toronto with Evangeline Pony Club for the 75th Anniversary of Pony Club in Canada! That was her first time on a commercial aircraft!

The group of 9 (6 youth, 3 chaperones) were planning to eat breakfast in the hotel and take along healthy packed lunches or salads as they would be travelling around Toronto as well as attending the Royal Winter Fair!



Because of the breakfasts and lunches, Kate needed some utensils: a knife, fork and spoon to take along with her. Instead of throwing them in the suitcase loose, I made her a little denim utensil pocket to take safely along.



I used some scrap denim from a pair of old jeans and stiched it up. The I added a tie made of Nova Scotia Tartan bias tape. This way the packet could be tied shut.


TIP: I needed something fast and bias tape doesn't fray, so I used that!


Here are some pics!

(1)

The utensil pocket: empty

(2)

Loaded pocket- Ready to go!

(3)

Tied closed, ready to pack and travel!!

Thanks for reading another recycled jeans idea! Kate loved this little pocket, by the way!


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Part I~ What can you do with an old pair of jeans?

Here is one GREEN idea!

Just the first "blogged-about-recycling jeans-idea" of the many that we have used over the years to recycle jeans into useful items!

FIRST, never throw out ANY old jeans! Wash them, dry, and store near your mending or fabric supplies. I also usually use a sharp pair of scissors to cut out and set aside the 2 back pockets. Save them for other crafts.

IDEA #1 SIMPLE "SUPER MARIO" SUSPENDERS!!

Let's Make some fun "Mario" overalls for a kids' costume! LOL We will use the old jeans to make suspenders.

Daniel (9) wanted to be "Mario" (a character from the Super Mario Bros games) for Halloween. We needed denim overalls, but we didn't have any! We had NO friends the same size with overalls to lend, so I had to make a pair of "overalls" for him!

I will post a li'l info here on how we made them from a pair of OLD jeans... Very "green" and I think it will interest a lot of you! LOL

I knew I needed long strips of heavy fabric that I could double to make the overalls' "suspenders."

a) I laid the jeans on my floor and began a slit with the scissors, starting at the bottom..

b) I ripped up along the whole length of the jeans, starting at the slit I had made. Did this twice until I had a LONG strip.... oh, about 4" wide and as long as I could get it. (Depends on the length of your jeans. These were 30" length, a pair that belonged to an adult. If they were jeans belonging to a child, you would have to piece them until you had the length you needed to go over the child's shoulders as a pair of suspenders would. Measure as you go by trying the length of the suspenders "on" the child.)

I repeated the process to create another 4" wide, long narrow strip.

TIP: The old 30" length adult jeans ended up making the perfect-length suspenders for a 9 year old boy.

c) Leave the jean hems intact on the lower end of the strips, don't bother cutting them off.

d) Get your sewing machine threaded up with matching thread-- use navy, very dk brown or black b/c it works well on denim as far as colour goes. Loosen the presser foot a bit. (Jean fabric is heavy.)

NOTE: To be "green," I try to use up spools and bobbins of thread that are close to being gone. My Mom saves hers for me!

e) 5/8 " from the raw edge, use a medium zigzag stitch to zoom up one side and down the other of each strip of fabric. This is just one way of finishing the edges. This is done on a SINGLE layer of fabric.

f) Then trim about 1/4" from the zigzag using sharp scissors.

g) Now fold the long denim pieces IN HALF lengthwise, WRONG SIDES TOGETHER. Pin if you wish (I didn't.)

h) Using a medium-length straight stitch on your sewing machine, stitch the long narrow piece of folded denim lengthwise along one edge and across the two ends to seal them off. Trim neatly, close to the stitching as seen here.

i) Try suspenders on the child- have him wear an older (not his BEST) pair of jeans. Pin the suspenders in place on the jeans. Be sure you check that the suspenders are long enough. Cross them in back. Secure them to show just where they need to be secured. Mark where the child wants the decorative yellow buttons placed.

TIP: Use a safety pin to secure the suspenders in place. The safety pin won't "poke" the child.

j) I then used some strong Koban thread to stitch the suspenders in place, front and back. Use a strong needle and a thimble if you like...the fabric is tough to go thru- several layers.

TIP: This stitching is temporary and the suspenders can be removed from the pr of jeans the child is wearing after the costume is done with.

Or: If you like, the "overalls" can be put in the Dress-up bin for playtime.

k) Stitch on some big yellow buttons.

l) Try on the jeans with suspenders in place. There you go: Pretend "overalls!"

m) Add a good-sized red "M" in a white semi circle to your child's red ballcap. It is Mario's ballcap, now!

TIP: I used a monogram letter "M" from my alphabet letters stash, but I needed the letter to be RED! ! Applied glue stick, then red paper (cardstock) to the right side of the letter. Flipped it over and cut around the letter "M." There: RED!! Glued red M to a white semicircle of cardstock.

n) Apply red M to a white semi circle with gluestick. Glue semi circle to front of ball cap.

TIP: Use double sided tape to do this- mine came from the Dollar Store


n) Put on a red t-shirt or sweater.

TIP: Shirt first- THEN face painting, for obvious reasons!


o) Paint face like Mario's. We used Folk Art acrylic paint in #925, Wrought Iron and a medium sized flat paint brush.

TIP: Remind your kiddo, no giggling! The painting TICKLES! (Giggling is fine, I was just KIDDING! LOL)

Daniel, age 9, as Super Mario!

Oct 31, 2009

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Carla's Question....

My friend Carla, one of the three sisters who began "Sisterhood of Scrap" Blog and Forum, ALWAYS asks the BEST questions!

Thanks for the great questions, Carla- you really make me think!

On Nov 5, Carla's question to us was:

If you could write some advice to a "younger " you, what advice would you give??

Here is my response to this...

Dear Ali...

Give up on the perfectionism early in your young adulthood- it's well worth it!

Remember you will eat your words sometimes.

Never say "never."

You will surprise yourself.

"It is what it is." Never let it get you down.

Be someone people can trust. It's important.

Weigh the pros and cons, make a decision and then move forward. Don't over-analyze.

TRUST YOUR INTUITION, you are USUALLY RIGHT.

Be a leader although it's a lot easier to follow.

Relax, it will be OK.Breaking new ground is hard and you will HATE IT but it has its' rewards.

Find something you love to do and throw your heart & soul into it. It will be a HUGE help for you in so many ways.

Remember the value of praise- it can make a difference to almost anyone.

Sometimes, what's important today will NOT be important three days from now.

If something seems like a disaster to you right now- remember that in two years, you will LAUGH about it.

Do the right thing even if it hurts.

Advocate- because they need you.

Teach- because you are pretty good at answering questions.

Don't be afraid- you will never "stop" nursing. It's a part of who you are.

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Freebie Fonts! Freebies here! Some are gorgeous! [url]http://www.scrapnfonts.com/searchprod.php?showingonly=FREE[/url]

There are 15 free fonts offered at Lettering Delights today! Go see!

Freebies: Some are gorgeous!

((HUGZ))~