Horses and flowers get well

This week's Teapot Tuesday challenge at Splitcoast Stampers (SCS) is;
A horse is a horse of course, of course.
But now and then, a horse is the source!
The source of a flower of course, of course.
Picked by a horse, of course, of course!
And this is the teapot that inspired the challenge theme:

This is my first time participating in a Teapot Tuesday challenge and I'm really excited to join in. These challenges afford one the opportunity to mail their card to what the Teapotters refer to as "destination station." Now you might be wondering what horses, flowers and a destination station all means and has to do with this card. Well, I'll tell you! One of the "teapotters" daughters fell off her horse recently and is suffering severe injuries. She fractured her skull in the back of her head, fractured her right temple and has two fractures on each side of her spine by her pelvis. She was riding her beloved horse, Max. So we are making get well cards with horses, get well sentiment and including flowers.
You've seen me use this stamp before. It is made by Coronado Island Designs & Stamps and is called "Three Graces". I stamped the image with Momento Tuxedo Black ink and then covered the image with double sided sticky paper/film. Next, I poured ultra fine crystal glitter over the top sticky paper. It really gives a wonderful shimmer.

For the flower requirement I added a polka dot silk flower and stamped "Get Well" (from Papertrey Ink) for the center portion of the flower.
Canada is in the middle of a postal strike so my card may take a while to get to Jessica.

I hope to participate in more Teapot Tuesday challenges at SCS. What a delightful group of stampers. They are talented, FUNNY, and generous with their artwork.

Until next time!
Cheers!
Jennifer

Blueberry delight!

This House Mouse stamp is titled "Blueberry Delight" and this little fellow certainly looks like he's taking much delight in his dessert. This week's House Mouse and Friends challenge #97 is to use lots and lots of bling and to adorn your card with jewels.

For my card I pulled out my light blue crystals for the scalloped oval edges as well as on the bottom right. Then I used a 'diamond' centered brad in the middle of the polka dot blue bow at the upper right corner. But you know me.....I just have to add as much sparkle to my cards as I possibly can so each blueberry has a tad of blue stickles glitter on them as well as being covered with clear dimensional glaze to give shine and texture.

I used my cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder for the white panels and my paper crimper for the center blue panel. The dark blue cardstock is actually a metalic blue high shine cardstock but I'm not sure you can see that from the photograph. I matted the panels with Kraft cardstock. The image is stamped with Momento Tuxedo Black in and then colored with Copic markers.

OK...I can't stand it anymore. I've just got to get in the kitchen and make a bluebery pie or torte or something! This little guy is making me hungry.

Until next time!
Cheers!

Jennifer

A tour of my garden after one month

It has been one month since I posted about my "Three Gardener's Extraordinare" post HERE in which I was preparing the soil in the garden and getting ready to plant my vegetable garden...all with the help of my three Newfoundland dogs. Well, this morning, after seeing Anna Wight's post on her blog of a video tour of her garden, I decided to play monkey see...monkey do and follow Anna's lead and make a video tour of my garden. I've gained so many tips and ideas following Anna's blog, not only in the gardening arena but also in cardmaking and stamping too. So I hope you enjoy my take on a gardening tour via video and photos. Please accept my apologies on the jerky motion in the video. I hope it doesn't make you sea sick to watch it. *smiles*




Part I and II of my garden tour videos are in the back yard. Of course I have the dogs to stand guard over the vegetables. As you can see in the following still photos of my "salad garden" as well as some of the flowers which are all in the front yard, I have my orange cat, TANGO (sometimes refered to as Mr. T) keeping guard from an upstairs window.
Below: Chives. I recently read that the chive blossoms are great to add to olive oil to flavor it. I may give that a try this summer.

Spinach:

Lettuce:

Green onions:


And just a few photos of some flowers. I LOVE pansys! So bright and colorful!

Below is a brand new hydrangea that I've added this year. I am really looking forward to seeing it bloom. It is supposed to be a blue hydrangea, though from what I understand the color is sometimes determined by the acidity of the soil, so we'll see how mine does and what color it blooms.

I ALWAYS keep geraniums in pots on my front porch:

My roses are really starting to grow. I have 7 different varieties of roses. Here is the first little yellow tea rose to bloom.


Thanks for dropping by for my little garden tour. I'm amazed at how much things have changed in only one month's time. I'll be keeping a monthly update on the garden this summer.

Cheers!
Jennifer

Faithful friends leave pawprints on your heart

The sentiment reads, "Faithful friends will always leave pawprints on your heart." The inside closure sentiment reads, "With heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your beloved companion."

As you probably know, I have three Newfoundland dogs. I belong to an internet group of Newfoundland dog owners and it is a wonderful site of friendship, information and support. This past week seven (7) Newfoundland dogs from our site have passed away. Seven! Some were senior citizens and had lived a good long life, and some were still young and are gone too soon. We members of the site grieve for one another and know the heartfelt pain when one loses a beloved companion.

I wanted to make special cards for these members who've lost their beloved Newfs. This is the card I've come up with. The sentiment stamps are from Papertrey Ink from their "With Sympathy: loss of pet" set. I use this lovely sentiment set far more often than I wish I needed to.

The Newfoundland dog stamp was a gift to me from a dear friend. Unfortunately I cannot read the maker of the stamp but I believe it is a company who makes dog stamps of many breeds. It is a deeply etched red rubber stamp mounted on wood. I stamped the image with Momento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with Copic markers.

I used my Spellbinders Pierceabilities die and piercing tool to create the edge cut and as a template to pierce the swirls. The pawprint satin ribbon is Michaels (I think it is Offray).

Seven beloved Newfoundlands gone in one week. It really has left many heavy hearts on our owners site. But as one person posted, the circle of life continues and a couple of new Newfie puppies have come home to new owners. So life continues and as we mourn the losses, we also rejoice in the new births.



Until next time,
Cheers!

Jennifer

So Glad We're Friends

The current challenge at House Mouse and Friends is to create a card using your favorite football team for inspiration. Now before you ask what these two buddies have to do with football, I'm using the jersey colors of my favorite team, the GREEN BAY PACKERS! Green Bay Packer colors are green and yellow.

I would never be able to pick one out of my House Mouse stamps as my favorite, but I must say that this stamp, simply titled "Fish Bowl" is high on my list. Too cute! The sentiment stamp is from Stampin' Up! set called "Best Yet."
The "gravel" in the bowl is a product that is fun to play with. It is a product from Art Glitter called Gala Glitz. It contains a variety of micro beads in various colors and mica chips. Once I put it in place on the card I then covered the entire fishbowl with clear Glossy Accents. Then it was just a matter of waiting for it to dry and my card was ready to assemble.

I used my Cuttlebug circles embossing folder to give the appearance of bubbles in the background.
The weekend is here and before it rains I had better get outside and do some yardwork. Hope you have a super weekend.

Until next time,
Cheers!

Jennifer

Land of the Free

The month of May flew by for me. I spent the entire month on sewing and gardening projects, as well as getting all of the paper products made for my brother's wedding. Consequently, it has been ages since I've stamped. This week's Mojo Monday 193 sketch challenge rejuvenated my card making mojo! Below is this week's Mojo Monday sketch. I chose the square sample:

I just received my new Stampin' Up! stamps and Land of the Free is one of the sets I'm thoroughly enjoying and plan to use for Independence Day cards. I used scraps and bits for this card. The designer paper is a tiny scrap in my bin and I have no idea who makes it as there was such a small amount. I love the teeny-tiny star brads. I've had them for ages but have never used them. Why is that, I wonder? The striped grosgrain ribbon was a 6 inch scrap left over from some long ago project. Again, it worked out perfectly, I thought.

Until next time,
Cheers!
Jennifer

Memorial Day: a time to remember and honor

Today, in the United States of America, Memorial Day is observed. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Last week, while I was in my hometown of Michigan City, Indiana, I visited my father's grave. My father served during WWII and continued serving in the Army Reserves until he retired in the 1960's attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. While my sisters and I were at the cemetary the grounds keepers were already preparing for today's memorial services by marking all military personel's graves with flags.In addition to the stone marker, there is a marker set in the ground documenting the service member's military service.
Today services will be held all over the United States remembering and honoring fallen soldiers. A very moving and poignant part of services held at Arlington National cemetary, not just today but throughout the year, is that of the Caisson Platoon.

The following videos are of the Caisson Platoon and their service to honor the fallen soldiers as well as the history of the playing of Taps.

Caisson Platoon:



Final Honors - Caparisoned Horse:



Taps:




Until next time,
Jennifer

Canadian Geese on the Rooftop

I live in Canada so seeing Canada geese in abundant masses is not an unusual sight to see at all. However, last weekend when we were in Indiana I saw a sight I have NEVER seen in Canada. The geese were lighting and walking on top of people's houses. Can you imagine what that must sound like to the people living in these homes? These geese are not little! Woooo weeee baby! They are HUGE and I couldn't even let my great big Newfoundland dogs near these monster birds. Anyway, thought it would be fun to post a photo(s) of the day to share with you, Canadian Geese on the Rooftops in Indiana.







Until next time,
Cheers!

Jennifer

A new book for your summer reading pleasure

It has been a while since posting about books I've been reading. I have a lot of books to recommend but I especially want to share with you today a new book that I feel confident you'll want to add to your reading list. The Midwife's Confession, by Diane Chamberlain, is a page turner that will grab you on page 1 and you will not be able to put it down until you turn the final page. I read The Midwife's Confession in the car last weekend on our 13 hour drive to Indiana. The car ride flew by and I was completely captivated by this story, only pausing from my reading to talk the Mister's ear off about what was happening next in the story.



GOODREADS REVIEW: 'I don't know how to tell you what I did.' The unfinished letter is the only clue Tara and Emerson have to the reason behind Noelle's suicide. Everything they knew about Noelle - her calling as a midwife, her passion for causes, her love for her family - described a woman who embraced life. But they didn't know everything. Because the unaddressed letter reveals a terrible secret...and a legacy of guilt that changes everything they thought they knew about the woman who delivered their children. A legacy that will irrevocably change their own lives - and the life of a desperate stranger - forever. Diane Chamberlain gets to the heart of the story.

MY THOUGHTS: Diane Chamberlain captures her readers' attention on the very first page and through a series of twists and turns reveals the secrets that Midwife Noelle Downie harbored that affected the lives of many. The reader will think they've figured out some of the plot twists but I highly doubt that you will know the true answers until you've turned the final page.

I was completely captivated by this story. The character development of each one of the many people involved in each of Noelle's secrets was well established. The story is told chapter by chapter through the viewpoint of the various characters. The story is fast paced and truly a page turner.

If my enthusiastic description is not quite enough to pique your interest in The Midwife's Confession, then perhaps this video book trailer that might also pique your interest:



Until next time,
Cheers!

Jennifer

Back home again in Indiana

May has been a very busy month and lest you think I've been idle, that most certainly has not been the case. I've done a lot of sewing...so much so that my 30 year old Viking sewing machine broke down and I had to quickly purchase a Singer backup machine until the Viking is repaired.

In addition to sewing I've made all of the wedding invitations, reply cards, thank you notes, napkins, bubble wand tags, placecards and table numbers for my brother and new sister-in-law's wedding. Fun times and really busy.

The wedding took place last weekend in the town I grew up in: Michigan City, Indiana. Oh how WONDERFUL it was to be back home again in Indiana. My hubster and I plan to retire in Indiana in just three more years and I cannot wait until that day arrives. In fact, we did look at a couple of "hobby farm" properties for sale while we were there. Just looking and getting an idea for what is available.

Looking at Indiana's countryside and farm houses and barns has a special place in my heart. Indiana has a very large number of round barns that was a popular style of barn architecture around the turn of the century and beyond. There are still many round barns standing and this round barn is just outside of my hometown. Of course it has had some loving help to preserve it and is not in use as a barn anymore, but I just love to drive past it and the memories of seeing it as a child flood my mind and heart.


Isn't it gorgeous? Indiana isn't the only state where round barns were built and used, but it still has a lot still standing. Sadly, though, far too many of the original round barns have been destroyed or not maintained. They really were fabulous barns and an interesting piece of architectural history.

On my next trip to go back home again in Indiana I want to drive around to more of the round barns and photograph them. Due to the commitments and time restraints we had this past weekend, it wasn't condusive to a lot of "barn shoots" but there are so many round barns and each one is unique.

If you are interested in seeing more photos of some of the round barns of Indiana check out this link of the book The Quiet Path: Round Barns of Indiana . The link should allow you to turn pages through the book to view the photos.

My garden is growing nicely, but now that I'm home I'm spending the rest of the week weeding and putting up pea netting for the peas to climb on. It is also finally warm enough that I can work on the front flower beds. And the dogs are in desparate need of grooming. They had a blast at the kennel last weekend and came home muddy and matted to prove that how much fun they had on their farm stay. It's all good! :)

So posts of cardmaking and sewing and gardening to come. Oh, and some book reviews too. I had 13 hour car drive to get to Indiana so I had plenty of time to read.

Until later!
Cheers!
Jennifer

My Three Gardeners Extraordinaire!

My first daffodils opened this week and it won't be long before the tulips bloom (I hope.) I decided it was safe to begin preparing the vegetable gardens (there are four) but I needed to get truck load of garden soil to till in along with some manure before I can begin planting. It took a lot of work hauling the soil from the truck in a wheel barrel to the back yard, but as you can see, my "helpers" made sure that with each dump of the wheel barrel, no one stole the fresh soil. These photos are from first getting started on my task and only one of the smaller veggie areas. Nevertheless, my three goofy Newfies, Noah, Gabe and Paige, love 'helping'!

Left to right: Gabe (4 years old), Noah (my wee pup who is now 1 year old) and on the right, Paige (2 1/2 years old)

Noah and Paige keep a vigilant watch for dirt thieves. The only time they moved was when I brought a new wheel barrel full of soil so they could lay on it!

Gabriel is a self proclaimed foreman of any work operation. He loves to survey his staff!

All three were exhausted by the end of the day. It is very hard work to protect new soil in the garden, doncha know?

Cheers!

Jennifer

Le Poulet Six Pocket Tote Bag

About a year or so ago I saw these wonderful fabrics and knew I had to have them. The fabric is aptly called "Le Poulet" and is by Whistler Studios for Windham fabrics. These yardages also come a deep rusty red shade, too.
I really wasn't sure what I'd be making but I just had to have it! I think in the future I'll be making some kitchen curtains and aprons. I have a small church bench that could use a cushion, pillow or throw over it. Perhaps a small quilt will be made as well.


A few weeks ago I came across a 6 pocket totebag. I loved how simple it was to make and the outside cover with the straps divided the outside of the bag with six pockets. Perfect for tossing your cell phone, ipod or notepad into while the inside was not too large but certainly large enough for wallet, keys, tissues and any number of items we must have at hand.


As I usually do with totebags that I make, I included a key clip as well as inside pockets. I just do not like standing at the car digging to the bottom in search of my keys or shopping list when it is so easy to have them right at hand with the inclusion of a couple quick pockets and addition of a key clip.

I found the instructions for this simple 6 pocket tote bag HERE. With a little conversion of the pieces you cut you can make it larger and I think that if I make another one I'll include a magnetic snap at the top.

I'm thinking that maybe something along these lines might make a good gathering tote in the garden out of another fabric or canvas or even for gathering eggs with a few tweeks to the pattern. The original bag is show in gorgeous Amy Butler fabrics but I wanted to keep mine a bit more simple with the "Le Poulet" country theme.

The sun is out today! YIPPEE!! I'm going to spend time today outside in the garden preparing it for planting. It will still be a month until we are past frost and freezing but once the warmth hits we have to take full advantage of each spring day.

Cheers!

Jennifer

Easter Blessings!

Easter Blessings to you and your family!

Today I'm fondly remembering happy, HAPPY Easter days celebrated when my three children were little. Dressed in their Easter finery we were just getting ready to go to church to celebrate the day (Photo circa 1985).

I hope you are enjoying memories of Easter past and especially creating memories and traditions today!

Hallelujah! The Lord is Risen! HALLELUJAH!

We're having Carrots for Easter!

Yes! We're having carrots for Easter afterall! Not the edible variety. Today, quite by chance, I happened to stumble upon Clare's blog aptly titled Clare's Craftroom and I discovered these oh-so-sweet fabric carrots to make. Clare was gracious enough to sketch out the pattern and give a tutorial to share. You can view and make your very own fabric carrots by clicking to her instructions HERE.
I had no intention of spending the afternoon making carrots but when I saw Clare's instructions were very sucinct and easy to follow...well, one thing led to another and I found myself looking through my fabrics and fat quarters to see if I had anything to make cute carrots with. I've discovered the my fabric stash is lacking in cute ORANGE fabrics but I did have these on hand so off I went and spent the afternoon whipping up a batch of carrots to use as our table decorations for Easter.

Doesn't it look like the Easter Bunny delivered this basket?

I've posted previously this month the instructions for the plush bunnies (below) and the fabric eggs in the photo provided by more very generous fiber artists who have generously shared their creative talents. What fun it is for me to find these patterns and lovely ideas for holiday decorations online to make. Thank you ladies!

Now I must finish up the Easter preparations that I had intended to do today. My bunny, chick and flower sugar cookies cutouts are baked and I just need to frost and decorate them. I hard boiled a few eggs for the mister and myself to color later this evening.

Easter blessings to each and every one of you!

Jennifer

One yard Easter gifts

A week or so ago I posted photos of the purple and pink rose fabric Peter Cottontail Bunny and eggs (see the post HERE) that I made for a very special little two year old friend of mine. **smiles** I really love the fabric and only had one yard of it to play with. The stuffed bunny and eggs only required 1/2 of a yard and I just had to use the rest of the piece for something special. I decided to make a little smocked sundress as the perfect solution for the useage of the rest of the fabric. I found these instructions for the smocked top dress and at the end of this post I'll share the You Tube video.

This dress is definitely one that beginners in sewing or those who just want to make something very quickly and simply can do. The smocked top is actually not done by the traditional and time consuming method. This sweet dress is smocked using elastic thread in the bobbin. VOILA! Smocking on your sewing machine made by rows of stitches. Again, if you are interested in the 'how to' just watch the video at the end of this post.
My photos are not very clear but hopefully you can get an idea as to how simple and sweet this little dress is. And it is only 1/2 yard of fabric! Of course, the dress I made is about a size 3 little girl size, but by using more fabric you can actually make one for yourself or adults.

So here are my ONE YARD EASTER GIFTS that I will be wrapping up in a basket along with some bunny shaped frosted sugar cookies using my Grandmother's Rich Cookie dough recipe. I remember as a little girl (about 150 years ago) my Grandma coming to the house with a bowl of her freshly baked sugar cookies. I've never tasted better than hers, no matter who puts their name or gourmet label on them.

If you'd like to view the Martha Stewart video to make the summer smocked sundress, take a peek:



I had better get in the kitchen and mix up Grandma's Rich Cookie Dough recipe so I can roll them out and decorate them tomorrow.

Until later,

Cheers!

Jennifer