If Friends Were Apples...Well, You Know.

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Here we are at Day #3 of the
New Release Previews for...

The Craft's Meow

Today, we have another set designed
by Maree Truelove
and it will make your mouth water for sure!

Introducing...'Apple Pickin' Time'

My coloring skills are pretty basic but I
enjoyed making this tree look full of juicy apples.

I know the sentiment is a pretty well-known
quote, but I've had an opportunity to think
about it quite a bit this past week.
It is so wonderful to know that I have a 
handful of very close friends that I can
count on and they too, can count on me.
When I placed the ladder next to the tree,
I thought about the names of those friends
who I would climb that ladder for, so this
was a beautiful set for me to enjoy.

Make sure you visit The Craft's Meow blog

and check out the rest of the design team's

projects.  You will get a real taste for this set

by the time it is released on Saturday! 

You can also win a set, 

so make sure to leave

a comment before you leave.  
TCM will be drawing a name 
each day

and you never know 
it could be YOURS!

Project Recipe: 

Designer Paper: 'Domestic Goddess' by Graphic45,
'Country Drive' by Echo Park Paper
Ink: Tuxedo Black by Memento,
'French Roast' from A Muse Studio
Stamps:  'Apple Pickin' Time' by The Craft's Meow

Tools: Double Weave Deep Edge Punch
and Icicle Border Punch both from Martha Stewart
Corner Rounder from Fiskars

 

Sweet Spooks at Market Street Stamps!

Here I am with the fabulous

New Release Previews for

Market Street Stamps

I AdOrE the new images from MSS

and of course, I love all the inspiration

from my fellow designers there.

I get to bring you the fun and fab Halloween images

from the  
Sweet Spooks Collection.

I love making Halloween cards for

all four of my grandsons

but I prefer to make the 'fun' scary cards

and this set works perfectly for that!

How dang adorable is this 'scary' spider??!!!

I love making CAS *pop* off the page with just

the tiniest additional elements.  
Can you count how

many there are on this single card?

Four!

First, I paper-pieced the happy little body,

I then added tiny black gems to each leg.

I added a shiny gem to the center of the web.

Last but not least....  

.....a nice drag line from the web created

with charcoal bakers twine from The Twinery.

You must stop by The Market Street Blog to see the

beautiful inspiration from my fellow designers because

YOU COULD WIN FREE STAMP SETS!!

Make sure you leave 
a comment on my post!

and join use each night at 7pm CST
for all the new images

leading up to the

New Release Block Party on Friday!!!

Happy Halloween Project Recipe: 

Designer Paper:  'Halloween in Wonderland' from Graphic45
Ink: Tuxedo Black from Memento
Stamps:  'Sweet Spooks' by Market Street Stamps

'Drippy Goo' border punch from Martha Stewart

Sweet Spider Project Recipe: 

Designer Paper:  'Off the Record' by Echo Park Paper
Ink: Tuxedo Black by Memento, 
Spiced Marmalade Distress Ink from Tim Holtz for Ranger
Stamps:  'Sweet Spooks' by Market Street Stamps

Embellishments:  bakers twine in 'charcoal' from The Twinery
gems from Recollections

A Walk Down Memory Lane

To join me for 'Growing in Unity'

scroll down or click here

It is my turn to host the challenge over at 

The Play Date Cafe.

I think it's really 'brave' to decorate in this bold design.  

Granted, back in the 90's, I happily painted 3 walls of my 

dining room hunter green and one wall merlot..  I even did my

living room with the bold shade of 'goldfish'

by Martha Stewart.  One wall only!

So I get it.

The question is....

are you willing to go outside the box?

I used great papers from Graphic45 (the dark blue),

Stampin' Up (the polka dot green) and American Crafts (silver).

I put my Distrezz-it-all from Zutter (my fave tool at the moment)

to good use on the edges of each layer.

How fun are these stamp images!?!

This week's sponsor is

 and I had a blast playing with them.

You could win over $60 

in rubber stamps!

Pop on over to The Play Date Cafe

and see what 'the world's best design team'

has done to inspire you to play.

Growing in Unity...Unity Addicts...it's ALL about Unity!

It has been so refreshing to post a project for you each day.

Reminds me of when I first started my blog 15 months ago.

Of course, this week I have had something very specific to

share, but I want you to know that I have great intentions

to continue sharing more often.

If you have been visiting this week, you know that I

am hosting 'Growing in Unity'.

 

I am really excited to share that you can

read a bit more about me as 

I am being featured on the Unity blog today!

Today's post has an extra spin on it as

I am also participating in the Unity Addict's Challenge.

You too can play along by heading over to the

Unity Challenge Forum at SCS.

The challenge is this inspiration photo...

and here is my interpretation....

I love the new 'Simple Blessings' set from Unity.

There are a variety of pumpkins, leaves & more in

this wonderful set.  I stamped one of the pumkins on

cork paper and the leaves on a variety of patterned papers.

I love the small-checked paper from Graphic45's

'Halloween in Wonderland'.  The pumpkin paper is

from the new 'Apple Cider' collection from Imaginisce.

I couldn't resist using the border punch from Martha Stewart.

Here is a look at just a few of the stamps that come in

the 'Simple Blessings' set from Unity....

Don't forget....you could win a set of Unity stamps!

Leave a comment on each of my GIU posts for this week

(I began on Monday)

and on Friday, I will be drawing from all of the comments

and one lucky person will be a winner!

I will see you at midnight, EST tonight for the 

brand new challenge at The Play Date Cafe

and join me again as I continue to bring more Unity inspiration.

Just Sittin' Here Waiting for Autumn...

Well, I am making no secret of the fact that I am

very excited

for fall to roll around.
Mind you, as much as that is my favorite time of the year,
it's also a stark reminder of what's comes shortly after.
The brutal midwest winters are just not my thing
as I get older.  But I digress....

Thought I would share a couple of cards with you
today that are pretty different from one another.

I couldn't wait to have a play with my new 'Vampire Bat' punch
from EK Success.  The paper is from Martha Stewart.
You may recognize the Basic Grey in the background.  This is
from last year's 'Eerie' collection,  but it is one of my favorites.
I cut out some concentric circles using Spellbinders dies and
just 'layered it all up'.
The stamped 'Spooky' is from Inkadinkado (I think).

As the cast of Monty Python would say...

'Now for something completely different'

Thought I needed to pay homage to summertime as it is
still August, even if it's only just....
Everyone's summer favorite this year has been the
'On the Boardwalk' series from Graphic45.
These papers make it SO easy to put together fast but fun
cards because everything is SO coordinated.

Outside of a little sewing, I just added brads (see photo above)
and Stickles for embellishment.

Paige over at the CARDS challenge is calling for cards
with 'one word greetings' so I thought I would share both
of these little projects there as well.

It's Emmy Night and one of my favorite funny men,

Jimmy Fallon

is hosting, so it's going to be a party in my house.
Yes, I do watch all of the pre-show 'stuff'.
Love the red carpet...will watch 'E's' coverage
with Guiliana (whom I adore) and Ryan.

Just glad I have my H{ippity} Hop ready to go
for tomorrow's posting because I will be just a bit
sidetracked tonight.

Hope you will leave a comment and let me know
you were here...I LoVe to hear from you!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Down the Spooky Rabbit Hole with EIC

It has been such an honor and pleasure to have been
a Guest Designer with the talented team from the
EtsyInspired Challenge.

I have found that the older I get, the time
absolutely zooms by and the month of August
has been consistent with that statement.
I thank the girls at EIC for their kind comments
along the way and hope that I was able to bring
'just a little something extra' to their challenge.

For this week's challenge, we were inspired by the
beautiful shop known as 'The Caged Fairy', which
features some beautiful handcrafted jewelry.
I chose this pendant for my inspiration.....

.....and I have been dying to pull out my newest
Graphic45 collection that picked up at CHA last month.

Halloween can't come fast enough for me...well, I don't want it to be
here quite yet because I want some solid 'play time' to create some
spooky creations.
This is hardly spooky, but it is from Graphic45's
'Halloween in Wonderland'
I inked up the borders of this fabby paper with black ink to
create some spooky shadows (ok, so a little spooky)
I cut some concentric circles using my Spellbinders Nesties
and topped it with a wonderful die-cut which is part of the collection.
The embellishments are from Making Memories 'Spellbound'.

Make sure you stop by this lovely shop to see all
the wonderful pendants that are available there and
of course, please visit the girls from EIC.

Here are the links to the talented girls of the

EtsyInspired Design Team....

Ashley

De

Emily B.

Emily N.

Joy

Julie Ranae 

{many thanks}

Kerry

Savannah

Stephanie

Virginia

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Sweet, Sweet Remedies...Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz!

I am super excited to be participating in
my very first
'Friends of Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz'.

I am a huge fan of Claire's stamps
and having received my first set, I could
NOT
wait to play, I mean...
waltz along.
 The theme for July was to use
'colors of summer'
shades of blue & green'
(obviously I added just a hint of pink as well)

'Rescue Remedies' is one of the newest
releases from The Waltzingmouse line.
It is a collection of 'vintage-style' labels
that are so unbelievably versatile.

When I think of 'sweet confections' I think of  

drippy...
     sweet...
            gooey...
                      goodness

which is what led me to pull out my
Martha 'Drippy Goo' border punch.



I managed some pretty good 'Boo' on
this card as well, which I haven't done in
quite awhile (shame on me...and if you don't
know what I am talking about, make sure
you click 'Boo' to find out more)
I used DP from Graphic45's
'Baby to Bride' and BasicGrey's
'Eskimo Kisses'

There are so many wonderful creations out
there being shared today by the

'Friends of Waltzingmouse'

so make sure you go over to the
Waltzingmouse blog and find out more!

Shifting Gears...Babies & Valentines...

 I have been having so much fun playing with two different paper collections, so I thought I would share these with you.

The first is Graphic45...'Baby 2 Bride'.

 

I used 3 different pages from this collection.

The base is 'Sentimental Baby' that I ran through

'The Bug' using the Swiss Dot EF.  I love this page because it has the verses to 'Rock a Bye Baby'

The next layer is 'Unforgettable'.  This page has a variety of squares that can be used together or can be cut apart.  I used 6 squares together.

The final addition was the sweet tag from the 'Tags' page.  This page has the most beautiful tags to choose from.

I distressed the edges of two layers and embellished with satin pearls, trim and platinum Stickles.

Now for something completely different.....

This Valentine card features the beautiful 'Artsy Urban' collection from GCD Studios.

I love the texture of all the collections from this company.  These papers are no exception.  The linen finishes and embossed glittered roses are so beautiful!

I die cut the scalloped hearts from Spellbinders and layered them using dimensional tape.  I added Prima flowers and centered one with an 'Artsy Urban' crochet flower.

The sweet angels were taken from 'The Book of Friendship'.  I love these chunky books that can usually be found in the Bargain Book section of Barnes & Noble.  They make great clip art!

Of course,
I couldn't finish without some vintage lace, vibrant rhinestones and icicle Stickles.

So there you have it....two VERY DIFFERENT creations.

Both will be available in my Etsy shop.

Before I go, I wanted to say thank you TO YOU!  I have loved getting to know so many of you through your visits to  

The Open Window.

I think 2010 will contain some very exciting months as we continue to communicate and share through this fabulous place.  My plans for New Year's Day is to play and create...I am making a deal with myself to use what I have.  Now, that doesn't mean that I won't be out there buying up the latest papers and stamps...that would be ridiculous!  No...my intentions are to try and use at least one thing I already have on hand in each of my projects and then share that with you.  So what do I have the MOST of that I need to use?  Paper...paper...PAPER!  Of course, many of us have things that we just don't want to part with...and I will hang on to those (and maybe share those along the way as well).  But I do need to start using more of my papers no matter how old they are.

So here is what I want to know from you?  What do you have the most of that you would be willing to try and use more of in the coming year's creativity?  I am sure we would ALL LOVE TO KNOW...so please leave me a comment....

Let's have fun with this!

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #9

Cue music....'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year'...

Can you hear it?

Maybe more importantly, can you SEE it?

I spent a little time out Christmas shopping with my mom today.  Each December, we choose one day to go out and use up those last minute coupons that entice each one of us in and then we follow it up with a nice lunch, usually at Granite City.  While at the mall, as a little bonus, I always make at least one stop at Barnes & Noble to get a glimpse of my very busy husband.  Busy seems like an understatement, and I must tell you that tomorrow is his final day off between now and Christmas.  So we are planning a bit of a 'veg' day and I am really looking forward to that.

I decided to play along with the girls on the design team for this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge.  Julie Campbell is our design team host and has led the way with these gorgeous colors.

There were so many directions I thought about taking this, but decided to keep it on the simple side.

I placed a lovely clip art image behind a fabulous frame from Graphic45's 'Christmas Past' collection.  The photo doesn't quite bring out the brilliance of the royal blue and brilliant gold cardstock layers underneath, but they are definitely there.  Embellishments include a little ivory lace, gold cording, buttons and tulle flower from Making Memories.  The large flower center is one of the new brads from the Artsy Urban Collection by Melody Ross for GCD Studios.  Top it off with a little Stickles in gold and
Polar White Flower Soft.

I encourage you to make a little play time for yourself
and join us for the challenge.

Now that the holiday season is fully upon us, 
here is what I want to know....

What has been your favorite seasonal pleasure so far...is it something you baked?  Is it your child's school program or your grandchild's church play?  How about the Santa at the mall or better yet, the little ones who are standing in line...little girls in satin dresses and little boys in sweaters and bow ties?

For me, it's each opportunity I have to drop a little something in The Salvation Army Red Kettle.

I hope you will leave a comment and share 
what makes you smile this holiday season.

A Little Fun to Share with You

As a mom for the past 25 years, I can truly say that no matter how much time I spent with my kids, there were still days I felt like I was neglecting them...ever felt that way?  That's kind of where I am with my blog at the moment.  I have missed my daily posts with new creations, but the truth is I have been SO BUSY behind the scenes working on some exciting projects which include not only The Open Window and The Play Date Cafe, but more interactive things for all of us coming just after the New Year.  You have been so gracious to come along for the ride and have been such loyal, encouraging blog friends, and I thank you.

So today...just like the early days of my blog, it will be about a couple of fun projects that I worked on yesterday.  I told you recently that I LOVE Platinum Stickles from Ranger.  The sneak peek above is a taste...here is the result...

This features a brand new Fiskars Ornament punch on Basic Grey patterned paper, the Cuttlebug Dot EF on beautiful Silver card stock from American Crafts, a simple $1 Christmas stamp, satin ribbon and of course, embellished with my beloved platinum Stickles.

I've started another project using this same punch with brand new American Crafts papers for Christmas and hope to share that with you later this week.  So many possibilities with this new punch!

Surely you recognize this little sneak peek. 
A little more Mabel Lucie Attwell.

This was one of the fabulous images I received in my box from
The Artistic Stamper.

I started this project last week, but was having trouble with
the finishing embellishments.

Then during last night's 'Dancing With the Stars' finale dances, became inspired to finish her accoutrements.

I added the silver Stickles to her shoes and collar and the pearls to her umbrella.  I had already run the umbrella cut-out through
'The Bug' using the dotted EF, and brought it alive a bit with a little bit of ink, but it still needed something....that's when the pearls were added.  The bit of patterned paper you see if from
Graphic45 'Baby 2 Bride'.  I also ran my distressing tool around the edges of the card stock just before I added the bow and pearl brad. 
So there's my creative process at work!

So here is what I want to know from you today...

What are YOUR thanksgiving plans?

I have a huge amount followers who are from countries that either do not have Thanksgiving or have already celebrated Thanksgiving.  But do not let that stop you from leaving me a note....what will you be doing THURSDAY?  Do you know, every year for the past 18, I call my mother-in-law to wish her a Happy Thanksgiving.  Now I know, she should really be calling me...
so I would love to hear from YOU!

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #4

The reviews are in for The Play Date Cafe Challenge.  You are loving it and so is the design team!  We are on week #4, so spread the word and join the fun!  The design team have been having so much fun working on inspirational projects for you and this week is no exception.

Our host for this week's challenge is Sandi.  You will find the story behind the inspiration over at the PDCC blog, so I hope you will visit there next.

It's been pretty tough to pry the patterned papers from Graphic45 out of my hands.  These are from the Baby 2 Bride Collection.  This is actually a tag card.  The lighter brown base is a flat panel.  The dark brown tag opens to reveal the greeting.

I have to tell you here and now, I am IN LOVE with Platinum Stickles, so be assured you will see more of that color in the future.  I added it to the lace, the cameo and tag die cut.  You no doubt will recognize the Martha Stewart loop punch and the extras include stamps from Inkadinkado, Studio G & Scrappy Cat, Prima paper flowers and flat-back pearl accents.

Now it's time for you to take the challenge.  Join our ever-growing group of players and followers.  And while you're at it, please consider joining our community at The Play Date Cafe Social Network.  We would love to have you along.  There you can upload photos of your challenge cards and discuss your creative techniques with other like-minded players.

***EXCITING NEWS***  Look for two, count 'em TWO fabulous announcements regarding The Play Date Cafe Challenge in the coming days.  You will NOT want to miss it!

A Vintage Challenge ... It's About the Girls

I found myself with a nice relaxing opportunity to create today and thought I would take on the challenge over at Just Us Girls.  This week, it's the sketch challenge above, so here is my offering...

Since the challenge blog is in honor of all us girls who enjoy making art in a variety of ways, I thought I would start at the very beginning.  This vintage baby girl card has many layers which feature Graphic45 papers from the Baby 2 Bride Collection.

I distressed all edges with Adirondack ink in mushroom for a worn wallpaper effect.  These fabulous papers are double-sided for easy coordination.  I used a few of the matching die-cuts as well, including the sleeping angel baby.  The sentiment stamp is from  
My Sentiments Exactly.

 

The flowers are Spellbinders scallops and textured with Cuttlebug's brocade EF.  They are centered with a variety of sweet buttons and floss. Again, the edges were distressed using the same ink as the wallpaper.

I used beautiful pearl-embellished trim in between two different mirrored paper patterns which were accented using the Martha Stewart Loop punch.  The sweet little birdie buttons are also Graphic45 die cuts from the same collection.
I love adding sparkle to vintage pieces using Diamond Stickles.

This card will be up for sale in my Etsy store soon.  If you are interested in purchasing it before it gets there, please email privately at julieranae@hotmail.com.

A big thank you goes to Alice over at Alice's (little) Wonderland.  She honored me with the MeMe Blog Award.  I featured Alice's sweet blog awhile back on one of the Friday Night Favs lists and I know you have come to love visiting her, too.  As we all know with many awards, we are asked to share things about ourselves as part of the acceptance.  I hope you will indulge me if rather than list all those things here at this moment, I will do my best to reveal something new with each post this week.
Deal?  So here is my first installment.

Yesterday, I had promised to share with you what I believe is a most relaxing Sunday afternoon.  I have the opportunity to attend services at church either on a Saturday or a Sunday.  So assuming I have gone on Saturday, my idea of a relaxing Sunday is to sleep in a bit.  Then have a lovely cup of tea with Paul as we talk about whatever may come up.  Some days, it's what's happened earlier in the week and other days, it might be childhood memories.  I love that about our conversations.  I love hearing about his childhood in England and about extended family whom I will never have the chance to meet as they have already gone on before.  But my most favorite thing to do, especially as the weather turns cold and snowy, I love curling up next to him on the couch as he watches his favorite football game, of the English or American variety,  while I have a stack of my very favorite magazines at hand.  Of course, the tea keeps flowing all the day long.  So that's it, really.
Simple, but very lovely.

I hope you had a lovely Sunday...chat with you tomorrow.