2bKrafty

More hearts and roses***

2012-01-25T13:29:00.000-05:00

More hearts and roses*** These little tins are from Papertrey Ink, paper from my stash, die is a Marianne Design rose die... simple to use and the sentiment is from Papertrey Ink as well.

Getting a jump on next Christmas***

2012-01-23T13:27:00.002-05:00

Hi there!! How is everyone?? Just thought I would share something I just finished for next Christmas!!!

Hearts and Roses***

2012-01-18T09:07:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is around the corner. I had these little boxes from Stampin' Up so I thought I would use some snippets of paper to decorate the box. I also made a few paper roses to decorate the top of the box.

The heart is from Papertrey Ink, embossed with white EP...

Have a most wonderful day***

Quite the pair***

2012-01-15T09:04:00.001-05:00

Here is an Anniversary card that I made last night. The image is from Unity Stamps. The paper is "Togetherness" by Cosmo Cricket... A little stitching and it's done.

I really like the simplicity of this one.

Have a wonderful day***

Birthday wishes***

2012-01-13T09:01:00.000-05:00

A birthday card made with Hawaiian Shores cardstock, and lots of bits of Papertrey Inks dies and inks.

I love the way you could cut out a piece of cardstock with the die and use it as the focal point for the card base.

Makes the card come together quickly.

Have a fabulous day***

Bon Voyage***

2012-01-11T08:54:00.002-05:00

One of my nieces is heading to Australia soon so I
thought I would make her a little book for her to
make notes and keep receipts etc.

The flowers are from my stash and
the sentiment is Tim Holtz.

You can see how to make this
organizer HERE...
Laura Denison made one for Christmas...

Great to keep bits of paper and make notes about your travels..

Enjoy and thanks SO much for stopping by***

New Baby Girl***

2012-01-02T12:49:00.002-05:00

What a better way to start the New Year than with a new baby!!!

One of my best friend's daughter had a new baby girl on New Year's Day..

I used some Kaiser Craft Rose Collection paper along with Papertrey Ink's dies

and stamps...

Sharing***

2011-12-26T09:58:00.003-05:00

The Hosts with the Mosts***
Tyler and Alix hosted this year***

Landon and the chicks***

My brother Rick and his wife, Risa***

Dad showing off his new "sewage" holder***

Enjoying our family***

Tortiere, baked pasta, salad***
It was Yummy***

The vegetable were amazing***

Checking out the Christmas box***

Playing with Christmas puzzles***

Enjoying dessert***

2011-12-25T01:00:00.001-05:00

From our family to yours
We hope your hearts are filled with the wonder of the season

and you enjoy time with family and friends

One last tag***

2011-12-16T11:10:00.002-05:00

Just one last tag for a last

minute gift.

I used a manila tag, embossed with Tim Holtz's snow flurries

embossing folder.

Then I used Stormy Sky, Broken China and Weathered Wood

distress inks along the edges.

I added snowflakes and a sentiment from a Tim

Holtz Christmas set.

I sprinkled a little water on the piece to get those great water

marks

A torn paper piece

for the hill. A little glitter and there you have it!!

I smushed some Broken China distress ink on a piece

of seam binding, crinkled and dried it as well.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping in.

Christmas Craziness***

2011-12-09T14:11:00.002-05:00

Chasing rabbits... but she couldn't get under the shed!!

Thinking I have cheese***

Christmas Craziness has officially started!! Shopping, hunting for the perfect gift (which I love by the way) baking and everything else that the season has to offer.. BUT I still had time to make a quick tag for my SIL's birthday and to look after my son and girlfriend's puppy!!

Birthday wishes***

2011-11-28T11:59:00.002-05:00

Many many birthdays in December*** I used Papertrey Ink's Flower Fusion along with the die and Authentique papers and some stitching***

Gotta run*** So much baking to do!!!

Enjoy and thanks for stopping in!

Peace***

2011-11-16T12:22:00.002-05:00

I registered for Jennifer McQuire's Holiday Boot Camp and have learned lots of things but the technique I like best so far is the one below.

I used a Sizzix embossing folder with watercolor paper then added Faded Jeans and Evergreen Bough distress inks with a blending tool.. Then I spritzed the paper with pearlized water and let it dry.

The "Peace" die is from Papertrey Ink, the snowflake die from Tim Holtz and button and twine from PTI as well.

I think it looks like it took a long time to make but really it only took minutes... minus the drying time.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a fabulous one***

On the Menu Tuesday which should have been Monday***

2011-11-15T17:58:00.002-05:00

So! I wanted to use leftover chicken and clean out my fridge...

I found fennel, red pepper and a 1/2 an onion.

Chopped them up...

I also had a container of Pillbury Crescent rolls.

My chicken shredded.

My veggies and garlic, salt and pepper sauteed slightly until they were soft and I also added
some chives that were JUST starting to turn...
Phew... caught them!!!

I rolled up the mixture into the crescent roll pieces... I flattened them slightly with my hands before I put the chicken mixture in...

I added some shredded Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken....

Before they went into a 375 degree oven I sprinkled some olive oil on top as well as some extra cheese.

Here they are... Not the prettiest things in the world but they were GOOD!!!

If you have things in your fridge don't throw them out!! If there is no blue fuzz... then make it work***

2011-11-12T19:30:00.002-05:00

I'm back!! Sorry for the bad pics... It's late and the lighting is not so good...
I used one of Debbie Olsen's cards as a sketch and made these tonight.. I used My Mind's Eye "Sunshine" paper, a Tim Holtz small rosette die which I edged with Scattered Straw ink, added a gemstone and cut out leaves from felt..

Hope all of you have been well!!!

Anniversary Wishes***

2011-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

I used Papertrey Ink's "Harvest Berries"
stamped in Versarmark, covered with white embossing powder and heat set.. on watercolor paper.
I then used a combination of red distress stains over the with water and let it dry.

Have a great day and thanks so much for stopping in***

Hallowe'eney Tags***

2011-10-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

My take on Tim Holtz's Hallowe'en Tags... Check out his tutorial HERE***

On the Menu Monday night***

2011-10-17T19:21:00.003-04:00

This has been a whirlwind weekend...Chicago trade show...Toronto...my hubby in Las Vegas...
lots of other things going on...

So tonight was a quick dinner of spaghetti and meatballs.

Pork and ground beef...one egg, parsley,
shallot, garlic and parmesan cheese..

Make your meatballs...and saute quickly in olive oil...

I used my favorite jarred sauce...
and simmered my meatballs until they were done...

Yummo!!! I LOVE spaghetti and meatballs!!!

A little Romaine salad with Creamy Italian dressing and Naan bread...

It was DELICIOUS!!!

In my Thoughts***

2011-10-11T07:51:00.003-04:00

Hi there!! I took two shots of this card... Still very early here and the light isn't that great..

I used a Hero Arts frame, stamped in Versamark on water color paper. I used white embossing powder on the image and heat set it.

I used Peeled Paint, Broken China and Old Paper distress stains and water and just brushed on the stains until I liked what I saw... Let it dry and then color in the leaves with some Peeled Paint stain that hasn't been diluted.

The sentiment is also Hero Arts and the designer paper is My Mind's Eye...

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by***

Happy Thanksgiving***

2011-10-08T10:00:00.001-04:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING***

We will be visiting with family and friends this weekend and eating turkey***

Have a great weekend***

Dream***

2011-10-05T08:58:00.002-04:00

This is my take on a card from Jennifer McQuire's Inspiration Showcase...

I used Stampin Up's French script on the base card.
I used Verdigris embossing powder on the smaller card and on the butterfly. The butterfly strip and the
background on the smaller piece of cardstock are from
Tim Holtz's set "Papillon".

After I embossed the smaller piece, I applied broken
china, peeled paint and bundled sage distress stains.

The Dream butterfly is from Papertrey Ink.

On the Menu Monday***

2011-10-03T18:19:00.004-04:00

Mushroom and Pea Risotto***

The "sofritto" of onions, garlic...

A mixture of button and cremini mushrooms...

a hunk of good parmesan waiting in the wings!!!

The garlic, onions and mushrooms in a little butter and olive oil***

What a heavenly smell***

About 20 minutes in.... I love making risotto...
Slowly stirring and waiting... very soothing***

Add about 1 cup of frozen peas, warm them through... grate a bunch of parmesan cheese... the good stuff... not that crap in a can...

Dinner is served***

Butternut Squash Soup***

2011-09-29T18:52:00.003-04:00

My recipe is very simple.

Peel, seed and cut the squash into chunks.

Peel and chop the potatoe.

Peel and chop the onion.

Add olive oil to the pot. Saute the squash, potatoe and onion for about 5 minutes over medium high heat. Add salt and pepper and ground cumin and saute for another 1-2 minutes.

Add chicken broth to cover. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until vegetables are tender.

Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Adjust seasoning and if soup is too thick just add more stock.

Some sour cream or creme fraiche as a garnish is nice too.

What was on my Menu Monday***

2011-09-27T18:00:00.000-04:00

Butternut squash soup***

Asian tuna salad panini ***

on a bed of arugula ***

It was delicious!!!

Dinner was served up in about 45 minutes!!

Asian Tuna Salad

adapted from Fine Cooking Magazine

2 cans chunk white tuna in water, drained

2-3 Tablespoons mayonnaise

2 teaspoons soya sauce

zest from 1/2 lemon

juice from 1/2 lemon

2 teaspoons sesame seeds toasted

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Mix all together. Split a roll of your choice... I used an Ace baguette, lay down a bed of arugula, top with tuna salad and heat in your panini press or in a pan until warmed through.

Birthday celebrations***

2011-09-26T17:54:00.003-04:00

My son Tyler and my older son's girlfriend, Britt had birthdays this past week and we celebrated on the weekend... Lots of fun, good food and laughter!!

Wynnie the pup looking for crumbs!!

Distress Stains***

2011-09-23T18:00:00.001-04:00

An anniversary card for my niece and her husband!! A Magenta stamp stamped with Versamark ink, embossed with white EP. I used distress stains in mustard see, peeled paint and barn door to color the leaves. I also used a little perfect pearls and water and added it to the stains to give it a little sparkle.

A few gemstones were added for interest and the sentiment is from Papertrey Ink... The background paper is MME... My Mind's Eye!!

Enjoy***

Kissing***

2011-09-21T17:53:00.002-04:00

This card uses the "kissing technique"... Barn door distress ink on white card stock... Picket fence distress stain on a Hero Arts background stamp, spritzed with a little water and then smooched together***

You get this lovely watercolorish background.

The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink and the rosette is made with a Tim Holtz die and edged with distress ink.

A bauble in red completes this ensemble***

Enjoy*** and thanks for stopping in***

Sticky back canvas and stains***

2011-09-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

I tore a piece of Sticky back canvas and frayed the edges... I then stamped this dandelion stamp with versamark and heat set it with white embossing powder.

I used walnut stain, forest moss, and peeled paint distress stains, dabbing them all over the canvas and letting it dry well.

I added a button and twine bow... Designer paper from my bit bin and a piece of ribbon from Hero Arts.

Enjoy and thanks for stopping in***

Birthday wishes***

2011-09-16T11:37:00.003-04:00

I used Verve's "loopy flower" die and stamps to create this card as well as their scalloped frame...

The ribbon is Hero Arts.. and the paper is My Mind's Eye... I think!!

The sentiment is from the Verve set as well.

Enjoy***

Inspiration showpiece***

2011-09-14T07:51:00.002-04:00

I am taking Jennifer McQuire's online class and this is the card that I made last night. Very similar in technique and color for the focal point... being the glossy cardstock colored with distress inks and then I just used what I had on hand...

I used a Sizzix/Tim Holtz embossing folder for the card base and Tim Holtz's rosette die for the flower.

I had fun making this one***

BOO*****

2011-09-11T19:58:00.003-04:00

I love Hallowe'en!!! I was cleaning my craft room this weekend and found this bunch of Hallowe'en cutout thingys... so I just threw together a few cards to use them up..

Just scrap bits from my bit bin and a few thickers to make some Hallowe'eny words and I have a few more for my stash... Fun ones to send to my very young nieces!!

Happy Thanksgiving***

2011-09-09T08:00:00.001-04:00

I cased the "Nuts for You" card done by Debbie Olsen and made two Thanksgiving day cards.

Paper is from the Pyrus collection by Basic Grey and the stamp set is from Papertrey Ink.

Twine and buttons also from PTI***

I used Kaleidascope inks on the acorns and Vintage Sepia ink for the sentiments***

These came together very quickly...

Thanks for stopping in***

For the man I love***

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today is our anniversary!! 27 years with the most bestest man in the whole world.

I put together a little card for Brian... Paper from SEI... and a Flower Fusion set from Papertrey Ink.

Who says flowers can't be masculine!!

Thanks for stopping in***

A yummy meal***

2011-09-06T15:30:00.002-04:00

The makings of a scrumptious fall meal!!

My son is becoming a proficient smoker... of meats that is.

Landon and his girfriend Britt had us for dinner last night. He had smoked a brisket all day. Check out that smoke ring!!!

Corn, roast potatoes, bread and good wine and great company ***

BOO***

2011-08-31T18:03:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year AGAIN!!! I have started my Hallowe'en and Christmas cards! It's humid and hot here in London Ontario but I have cold crisp days on my mind..

This Whipper Snapper design was colored with Copic markers and the designer paper is from Authentique 6 x 6 "Glowing" bundle pack. FUN papers.

The glittery letters were purchased from Michael's...

Enjoy and have a fabulous day!!

On the Menu Monday***

2011-08-29T07:16:00.002-04:00

Chicken breasts, boneless, skin on... stuffed with a mixture of goat cheese, parsley, green onion, salt and pepper...

Salt and pepper on the outside and a little good olive oil.

Place in hot pan that can go into the oven and bake at 350 degrees until done.. I put the broiler on for a few minutes to crisp up the skin....

Fresh green and yellow beans from the market, simply steamed... They were SO good!!

Couscous and dried fruit... Two cups of hot chicken broth poured over, wait 5 minutes and you have a fabulous side dish... I added some toasted almonds as well at the end.

Dinner is served along with my home made zucchini relish which was good!!

Yummy!!! Thanks for stopping in today...

When the Cat is Away***

2011-08-26T18:44:00.002-04:00

...the mouse will work her freaking tail off...

Jars all cleaned...

I bought 4 dozen cobs of corn from G 'n G Fresh Market and blanched them, cut them off the cob
and put them in my freezer.
This was the second batch..

The makings of zucchini relish...

Jars out of the water bath...waiting for those lids to pop!!!

Tomorrow I head to Trail's End market to get bushels of tomatoes...

Cosmo Cricket Sketch***

2011-08-22T15:04:00.004-04:00

I saw this sketch on the Cosmo Cricket blog and thought I would give it a shot. It seemed a great sketch to use Papertrey Ink's "Button Boutique" set.

I also used several dies from Papertrey Ink as well... The scalloped edge die, spiral notebook page as well as one of rectangular label dies.

One of the main image s from Button Boutique was stamped on the rectangular label with Vintage Sepia ink, and all pieces were edged with Vintage Photo distress ink.

The buttons are from Papertrey Ink and the seam binding is from my sewing collection.

Enjoy and thanks for stopping in***

Just Because ***

2011-08-19T07:00:00.002-04:00

I loved the card that Debbie Olson did so I recreated my version...twice!! Suzanne says to practice using my Copics so that is what I have been doing!!

You can see Debbie's card HERE***

The set that is used here is called "Autumn Abundance" from Papertrey Ink.

I used different papers, and different nestabilities...
A little glitter as well...

Have a great day everyone and thanks so much for stopping in***

Pizza on a Wednesday***

2011-08-17T18:32:00.007-04:00

I haven't been participating in Yvonne's "On the Menu Monday" lately... Crappy camera, kids and puppies, nieces and brothers...

So I made pizza tonight from scratch!!

A little flour, yeast, water and olive oil...

The pizza before it went into the oven....

The pizza after it came out of the oven...

My piece***

It was yummy!! Fresh tomatoe sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms that had been fried in a little olive oil before being placed on the pizza pie... so that they don't make the crust soggy.. and some serrano ham ever so lovinly draped over the cheese and mushrooms...

GO AHEAD *** MAKE A PIZZA PIE *** IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!

Thanks***

2011-08-15T15:19:00.002-04:00

Ok...My camera is officially in the trash.. The pictures are horrible so I apologize in advance for this last one!!

I took a Copic Class with Suzanne Dean this past weekend here in London, Ontario at Scrappin' Great Deals.. It was fabulous... Lots of new ideas and a whole new way of thinking about using these pens.

I used the pens below to ink up this image.

It's the "Rustic Window Box" from Stampin' Bella. I also used letters from Webster's Pages "Little Storytellers".

I used Antique Linen ink to distress the edges and them roughed them up afterwards.

The designer paper is from my bit bin of course.

Have a great afternoon!!!

A brighter life***

2011-08-09T06:37:00.002-04:00

This little guy is from the "Giddy Bugs" set from Paper Smooches...

He is stamped in black memento ink, colored with Copics, a little glitter and a few gemstones...

I used the Swiss dots cuttlebug folder on the background piece for some added texture.

The sentiment is from the same set, with a piece of grosgrain ribbon...

Have a fabulous day everyone and thanks for stopping by***

To the Man I love***

2011-08-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN***

I LOVE YOU FOREVER AND ALWAYS***

All things grow***

2011-08-01T20:13:00.002-04:00

I did the background piece with alcohol inks and just plain white cardstock... not glossy... just gives a more matte effect!!

The white piece was cut out of a spellbinders nestabilitie and stamped with flowers from a Verve set called "Bloom and Grow".

I added a few gemstones and a piece of twine...

Something new to look at***

2011-07-26T06:30:00.001-04:00

New paper and new Verve stamps...

Something new to look at *** finally***

Distress stains and watercolor paper***

2011-07-19T20:19:00.003-04:00

Such an easy and quick card to make...

I took a piece of watercolor paper and swiped some distress stains over it. Here I used Faded Jeans, Fired Brick and Peeled Paint.

I used my heat gun to dry the stains. Then I stamped this Penny Black stamp with VersaMark ink stamping it over top of the stains, then added seafoam white embossing powder. I heat set the powder, added a sentiment and some gemstones and I was done.

Simplicity!!!

On the Menu Monday***

2011-07-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

I first made the Red Pepper Coulis.

In a blender add 4-5 roasted red peppers, a clove of garlic,
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard,
salt and pepper.Whiz it around and then slowly add 1/4 cup of olive oil. Before serving add fresh chopped Italian parsley and 2 Tbsps. capers.
Refrigerate until ready to use on the salmon.

I made of rub of brown sugar, salt and pepper, cumin and hot Spanish paprika, rubbed it on the salmon and refrigerated it for most of the day.

Looking good***

Potatoes and a couple of cloves of garlic, olive oil and salt and pepper... ready for the grill***

Asparagus tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper also ready for the grill.

Tomatoes topped with breadcrumbs,asiago cheese, parsley salt and pepper. Put under the broiler until brown.

They were yummy***

So were the asparagus

and potatoes.

Salmon was very good. It was cooked on a cedar plank on the grill***

Enjoy your day and thanks for stopping in***

Hi ***

2011-07-13T18:01:00.003-04:00

I got some new stamps today from "Purple Onion Designs" and decided to do a little paper piecing.

First off, I used some Peeled Paint and Faded Jeans distress stains on plain white cardstock and let them dry. I then stamped the image in black versafine ink on the stained piece and then again on some bits and pieces lying on my work table.
I cut them out and placed them on the already stamped image.
The background piece is stamped with Stormy Sky distress ink. It is the French Script from Stampin' Up.
I also used a little faded jeans distress ink around the edges. The seam binding was white and I ran some Faded Jeans distress stain over it to give it some color. When it was dry I tied the bow and added a tag and sentiment from Papertrey Ink.

Have a fabulous evening and thanks for stopping in....

On the Menu Monday *** a day late

2011-07-12T06:39:00.002-04:00

I LOVE Pizza!! It's one of my favorite things to make and eat!!

But when I am in a hurry I let my bread machine do the work for me.

1 cup water
3 Tbsps. olive oil
3 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 teaspoons bread machine yeast

2 hours later you have a nice soft dough.

I made a quick no cook sauce from a tin of
San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, dried basil and salt and pepper.

I had a hunk of Fontina cheese and Mozzarella which I grated *** I love a cheesy pizza!!

Bake it until it is bubbly and browning around the edges..

I added some torn fresh basil from my garden as well***

I add a good sprinkling of pepperoncino because I like spicy***

So if you have a bread maker that has been collecting dust, get it out and make pizza tonight for dinner***

Celebrate***

2011-07-08T12:51:00.003-04:00

The Season*** One more card forthe Christmas stash!

I saw this cute Unity duo at Scrappin' Great Deals here in London, Ontario and decied to ink it up last night.

Colored with Copics, a gold pen to do the tops, designer paper from Cosmo Cricket's "Mitten Weather" collection, some red gemstones and a bit of white bias tape.

Enjoy your weekend*** and thanks for stopping in...

More canvas fun***

2011-07-06T15:33:00.002-04:00

My second attempt at a painted canvas.

I used Claudine Hellmuth paints, Crafter's Workshop stencils, Faber Castell markers, Pitt Pens, Inka Gold paste...

The love is rub on that I found as this is a gift for two good friends that are getting married soon.

Thanks for stopping in***

2011-07-05T15:33:00.003-04:00

This card is done for Week 2 of the On Line Card Camp being hosted by Jennifer McQuire and Kristina Werner.

I stamped a Penny Black image and colored it with Faber Castell markers and cut it out.

The background is a Stampin' Up script stamp and the yellow piece of cardstock is punched with a Martha Stewart punch.

The sentiment is Papertrey Ink.

Unfortunately the background color really is a limey green which is one of the colors we were supposed to use this week but it sure didn't photograph that way.

This card is already on it's way to a good friend in Montreal so use your imagination.

Have a great afternoon and thanks for stopping in***

On the Menu Monday with Shrimp from Sunday***

2011-07-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

My son Tyler and Alix, Britt and birthday boy Landon***

Boys will always be boys***

Alix and Tyler***

Britt and Landon***

A great weekend of celebrating, swimming, eating and relaxing***
I love it when all my kids are home!!!

Sunday was a quick dinner of grilled shrimp on the BBQ and salad...

Marinade for Shrimp

adapted from Cook's Country

one bag of 16-20 shrimp defrosted and patted dry

put them in a zip lock bag

add***

a couple of chopped garlic cloves

one jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped

olive oil - about 3-4 Tablespoons

1 tsp. cumin

salt and pepper

1/4 - 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

zest of one lemon and one lime

juice of three limes and one lemon

marinate the shrimp for an hour

thread onto metal skewers

grill until pink..

Thanks Alix for taking the picture***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANDON***

2011-07-03T05:30:00.000-04:00

25 years ago today we were given the most beautiful gift***
There is no-one quite like you.
You are unique.
We are fortunate to have you
as our son.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANDON***
ENJOY YOUR DAY!

Fun Times in the City***

2011-07-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

In the city of Kitchener Ontario that is!!! I had a class with oh so very talented Karen Ellis of the Art House Studio***

I am loving all this mixed media and called Karen after I saw some the gorgeous canvases she had done. I just had to know how to do it.

We had fun with paints and markers and mists and gels and masks and jute and paper and all kinds of wierd and wacky things....

We had a blast and now I can hardly wait to try another canvas and see what I can come up with!!!

Thanks Karen and if you are ever in her neck of the woods stop in...She would love it***

2011-07-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!!!

Happy Birthday ***

2011-06-28T07:00:00.001-04:00

I have a bunch of birthdays that I need to make cards for and now that the posties are back to work, I can get back to work.

I used a piece of white cardstock and smudged on a light blue pan pastel.

The chicks and flower are from Dana Reaveley's set "How does your garden grow".... I stamped them once on the white cardstock and then again on colored cardstock and cut them out.

The sentiment is from Anna Wight***

Enjoy and thanks for stopping in***

On the Menu Monday***

2011-06-27T08:00:00.003-04:00

Yvonne at StoneGable is hosting "On The Menu Mondays"... Click on the button on my side bar and it will take you to her site.. Lots of gorgeous pictures, recipes and treats!!!

I started with some herbs from the container on my deck... Rosemary, oregano and parsley.

Added a little basil...

Chopped the herbs up along with two large cloves of garlic, added some red chili flakes, and lemon zest along with the juice of half a lemon. Put the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a bag along with all the goodness and marinated them ALL day!!

Corn from the market rubbed with olive oil, salt and pepper and the other half lemon ready for the BBQ!!!

Everybody off the grill ready for dinner***

Set up outside for a nice leisurely dinner***

A quick salad to go along with dinner.. a citrus vinaigrette too!!

I added some capers on top of the grilled chicken and squeezed the grilled lemon on top as well. When you grill lemons they get SO juicey... delicious***

CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

2 teaspoons good dijon mustard

2-3 teaspoons honey

juice of 1 lime

juice of 1 lemon

A bit of zest of both

put all the above in a jar and shake well.

Add really good extra virgin olive oil, about 1/2 a cup and shake until emulsified.

salt and pepper

***

Friendship***

2011-06-24T16:00:00.000-04:00

I used "Sweet Threads" paper from Basic Grey and did a little stitching. The chipboard stickers are also from Basic Grey's "Sweet Threads" collection.

The die cut banner and sentiment are from PTI. The sentiment from their "Wildflower Garden" set.

Simple seam binding bow and off onto my shelf until the postal strike is over...

Life is Sweeter***

2011-06-22T16:00:00.000-04:00

Designer paper from the "Lime Twist" collection by My Mind's Eye, poppies by "The Artful Stamper", sentiment from Hero Arts.

I stamped the poppies and quickly colored with Copics. My sewing machine went a little haywire on me so I had to add a little green flower to cover the mess.

Thanks for stopping in and have a fabulous day!!

Feel Better***

2011-06-20T17:23:00.002-04:00

This is an old stamp of mine from Stampendous. Inked in Memento black ink and colored with Copics.

A little distress ink in Pumice around the edges. Seam binding wrapped around the one edge and a tag and sentiment from Papertrey Ink.

Have a wonderful Monday!!

2011-06-19T09:19:00.001-04:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

New Stuff***

2011-06-17T08:02:00.005-04:00

For the background of this card I used Pan Pastels... They are SO nice to use. I used several blues for the sky and green and white for the bottom of the card

You have to use Krylon fixative to spray your work before you stamp and color..

I used a Penny Black stamp, inked in Black archival ink. The sentiment is PTI**

I used these Peerless water color sheets to color the flowers... Just dipping a brush into water and picking up the color off the sheet...

Great colors and very vibrant...

Have a great day everyone***

2011-06-15T18:54:00.002-04:00

Two cards done with Papertrey Ink's "Botanical Silouhettes" . The wedding gift tag uses the flowers from the "In Bloom" set and a sentiment from "Botanical Silouhettes". Colored with Copics and a wide satin ribbon added.

This card was also done with "Botanical Silouhettes", simply stamped with New Leaf and Orange Zest inks.

Thanks for stopping in!!

Sharing recipes***

2011-06-12T07:17:00.003-04:00

Here are a few of the recipes from our girls weekend away*** Mary was kind enough to share hers***

TANGY APPLE SALAD

2 large Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries
2 green onions
2 tbsp. dark agave syrup ( or honey)
1 tbsp. whole-grain mustard1 garlic clove minced
Watercress, optional
1. In a medium bowl, combine apples, cranberries, onions, syrup, mustard and garlic, toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate several hours.2. Place salad on a bed of watercress, if desired, and serve.

PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED CHICKEN BREAST STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE

6 chicken breasts ( I used boneless and pounded them flat)
1 cup fresh goat cheese to which you add in and mix 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano leaves and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1 teaspoon lemon zest and ground pepper to taste

Make a horizontal cut in each chicken breast to create a pocket and stuff with cheese mixture. (I found it easier to pound the breast flat, spread the cheese mixture on top and then roll up tightly)

Season outside of chicken with pepper and then roll 2 pieces of Prosciutto around breast tightly and then wrap in plastic wrap. If using boneless chicken, secure with toothpicks, being careful to remove when serving.Preheat grill to medium, indirect heat (350).

I placed the chicken in a grill safe pre-greased foil pan and then placed directly on grill. This way there is no concern of burning or loosing your cheese mixture as it melts. If you are brave place directly on a well greased grill.Cooking time will vary, likely 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of your breast.Let meat rest 5 minutes before serving. Boneless breasts can be cut into slices prior to serving,

CRAB CAKES

1 1/2 pounds crabmeat
1 cup panko crumbs
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped green onion3
tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon worchestire
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley or coriander
1 large beaten egg

Grilled corn kernels is a nice option.

Mix all together and form into patties.

Mix a little melted butter with panko and coat patties on all sides.
Grill on 350 degree preheated BBQ. I suggest on a grill foil pan so that if the cakes break apart you don't loose any crab.Be sure to flip carefully, once, until golden.
Serve with any fresh fruit salsa

Be Silly***

2011-06-10T14:21:00.002-04:00

A cute little flower with a silly face!!

Kim Hughes "Friendly Flowers" set paper pieced with bits from my bit bin... Seam binding bow!! and Bo Bunny gems***

Have a great day!! and an even better weekend***

Step Card***

2011-06-09T13:00:00.001-04:00

I needed a quick card but saw this step card on SplitCoaststampers and had to do it***

I used PTI's kraft cardstock and Basic Grey's Sweet Threads designer paper and chipboard pieces.

The bow is made out of seam binding, and the sentiment is PTI!!

Here's a side view... Not as hard as it looks.

Check out the tutorial HERE***

Have a great day!!!

SHARING***

2011-06-08T15:14:00.003-04:00

It was that time of year when I get to spend two or three days with my birthday buddies!!

Just had to share... Good food and the best of friends!!

Mary's stuffed chicken and apple salad with my leftover couscous and stuffed pepper!!

Deb's QUINOA salad...

Crab cakes with a peach salsa!!

Winners ***

2011-06-06T21:07:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone!! So I took all the Canadian names, put them in a bowl and put all the US of A names and put them in a bowl.

Here are the winners of the PTI Anniversary Sets

Pescbrico

Brittany Gale

Glenda Brooks

Amy Tsuruta

Email me girls with your addresses and I will get your sets out ASAP***

Congratulations!!!

GIVEAWAY***

2011-06-05T14:52:00.002-04:00

*************

I have 4 sets of Papertrey Ink's Anniversary Set "Botanical Prints" to give away... Leave a comment and become a follower... I will choose 4 lucky winners at the end of business Monday, June 6th 2011.

*************

Many mistakes***

2011-06-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is what happens when you make a few mistakes, cover them up and decide... what the heck... I will post it anyway...

I used a Heidi Swapp mask with Broken China and Wild Honey distress stains on a piece of ivory cardstock just to see what would happen.

I didn't like the bottom so I ripped it off. I stampe the sentiment the first time and it was crooked so I ripped that off as well.

I ended up with this and in real life it doesn't look that bad.

Happy Day to you***

Enjoy Your Journey***

2011-06-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

I used Tim Holtz's "The Journey" clear set on this card. I used a piece of manila cardstock and distressed the edges with Walnut Stain and Broken China distress inks.

I stamped the car twice and cut one up and popped it up with dimensionals.

It's always fun working with Tim Holtz stamps...

A Garden of Beauty***

2011-05-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

I stamped the flowers from Anna Wight's

"Garden of Friendship" set... Colored with Copics and added a sentiment from the same set.

A little stitching and a flower from my collection.

Easy Peasy***

Pretty Posies***

2011-05-28T11:19:00.002-04:00

I stamped a stem and flower top from Kim Hughes "Friendly Flowers" set, colored them with Copics and added a sentiment from another one of Kim's collections called " Sentiment Sampler".

A piece of designer paper from my bit bin...

Have a lovely weekend.

Holiday Time 3***

2011-05-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

For the life of me I can't remember the manufacturer of this stamp.... But I stamped it in black archival ink, colored it with Tombow markers and water, added a little glitter and mounted it on a piece of black cardstock.

The background paper is from the "Belle Collection" by Kaisercraft. The "Grommet Tag" is by Spellbinders and the sentiment is PTI***

Have a fabulous day everyone and thanks for stopping in***

Holiday Time 2***

2011-05-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

I love making Christmas cards and found this guy in one of my drawers.

He is from Penny Black, stamped in black archival ink and colored with Tombow markers and water. I used a glue pen and glitter for his pompom and hat brim.

The designer paper is from The "Mitten Weather" collection by Cosmo Cricket and the ribbon and sentiment are from PTI...

Have a great day everyone***

Holiday Time***

2011-05-23T15:08:00.003-04:00

HA!! I betcha thought I meant summer holiday time***

Nope! I always start my holiday cards in the summer so I thought I would share the ones I made over the next few days.

I stamped this "Inky Antics" stamp with Archival Black ink and colored the image with Tombow markers and water.

The paper is the "Eerie Paper" collection from Basic Grey and the rickety fence punch is Martha Stewart. The sentiment is PTI***

Happy Victoria Day to all my Canadian blogging friends** Have a fabulous day and thanks so much for stopping in***

SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG *** AND SUN TOO!!!

2011-05-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Well today the sun Gods were shining down on us!! No rain, not a drop!! After two weeks of solid rain what a glorious day!!

I thought I would share some spring pictures of our backyard with you!! To celebrate!!

Found this in our back garden. It's a trillium..

While some people think its against the law to pick a trillium they are only protected in provincial parks. AND the seeds are transplanted by way of ants!!

So now it has a nice home under our pine tree!

My little outdoor sitting room!!

The toad house!

The deck just waiting for an outdoor dinner and a nice glass of Pinot Grigio!!!

My lilacs just waiting to pop!!!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!!!

Plant some toothy smiles***

2011-05-20T06:24:00.002-04:00

I used another set from Kim Hughes called "Perky Plants"... Colored that toothy plant with Copics and used some papers from My Mind's Eye called "Stella Rose".

I added a little stitching and the sentiment is stamped onto a Spellbinders die.

A few gemstones strategically placed...

I thought the plaid and polka dots worked here***

Have a fabulous day!! Here is Southwestern Ontario we have no rain and I can actually see some blue skies.

Garden here I come***

Rain Rain Go Away***

2011-05-17T07:05:00.002-04:00

This card is for me and all my buddies living here in South Western Ontario!!!

Hang in There!!! Warmer weather and sunshine MUST be on the way!!!

Keep all the families from Manitoba and Slave Lake in your thoughts!!

It's your Bird-day***

2011-05-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Just a fun card that I did with a cute set designed by Kim Hughes*** Check out her site"Paper Smooches"***

I positioned all my papers and cut out the circles with my nestabilities. I used one of the cut out circles to stamp the bird onto and colored him up with Copics.

The sentiment is from the same collection and I added a few dew drops as well...

Have a great day everyone and thanks for stopping in!!!

Sew sweet***

2011-05-10T07:10:00.002-04:00

I had alot of fun with this card. I used Tim Holtz kraft resist paper which I edged with Fired Brick and Scattered Straw distress inks. I used his dressform die which I stamped with Stampin Up's french script.

Some twine from PTI was wound around the spool and I added a few buttons from PTI's collection.

The kraft resist paper had a dressmaking theme going on so I thought the dressform die worked perfectly with it.

Thanks for stopping in and have a fabulous day!

A mistake***

2011-05-09T16:07:00.003-04:00

I know I am tired... But I didn't even realize my mistake until I posted this tag... I used Tim Holtz's relections stamp set and I used it backwards on the tag... LOL!!! Oh well ... I posting it anyway and now you can decide to use it my way or the right way!

I also used a Spellbinders tag die, Tim Holtz's rosette die, a piece of Prima ribbon (which is the flower centre).

The tag is stained with Wild Honey and Peeled Paint distress stain..

Back to the craft room to see if I can come up with something frontwards not backwards!!

Have a good one!!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2011-05-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wishing you songbirds

to welcome each morning,

Wishing you flowers

to brighten each spring,

Wishing you laughter,

and sharing and caring,

And all of the joy that each new day can bring!

***Happy Mother's Day***

to you Ma!!!

Hey There CupCake***

2011-05-01T11:33:00.002-04:00

Happy Sunday everyone*** Here is a cute little card I made for a little girl turning one!!

I used some papers from my bit bin and the "Cupcake Collection" from Papertrey Ink.

A little glitter and a few gemstones and it was done!!!

Royal Wedding Fun***

2011-04-30T07:57:00.003-04:00

We had a fabulous royal wedding day dahlings!!!

Mary and Kelly greeted me at the train station with these fabulous hats... We awoke at 4 am... watched the wedding with tea, maple scones, cranberry-orange muffins and fresh fruit.

Have a good one!!

THE ROYAL WEDDING***

2011-04-29T02:00:00.001-04:00

THE ROYAL WEDDING!!!

I am heading to Stratford, Ontario to my friend Mary's and we are going to get up at 4:00 am to watch the royal wedding!!

Scones, mimosas and tea are on the menu!!

Then it will be time for a nice long nap before we head out with our husbands to celebrate all our birthdays!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

HAPPY SPRING***

2011-04-25T15:40:00.003-04:00

I love this High Hopes image called "Bunny by the Birdhouse" ! Very spring-y!! We need it here in London, Ontario... We have cold and rain!!

I colored the image with Copics and did a second birdhouse to pop - up with a dimensional.

I added a little Broken China distress ink to the edges and mounted it onto some designer paper from my bit bin along with some white grosgrain stitched ribbon and a little pink vintage button...

I think the sentiment is PTI !! My work space looks like a bomb went off so I will find out for sure...

Have a fabulous day and thanks so much for stopping in***

HAPPY EASTER***

2011-04-22T11:18:00.003-04:00

It is Good Friday and I am getting everything ready for tomorrow's Easter dinner celebration.

My family will be here and I have been getting all the little things done today that I can.

The table is set!

My little bunny napkin rings wait!!

Flowers are so spring-y!!!

Veggies have been washed... Baby zucchini, bay patty pan squash, broccolini and fennel will be sauteed with garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Double layerChocolate carrot cake waiting to be iced with mocha mascarpone cheese icing!!!

I can hardly wait for this one!!!

Lemon squares cooling!! Dusted with icing sugar tomorrow.

The lamb chops are marinating, the chicken will be stuffed tonight and roasted fingerling potatoes wait to be roasted!!

The coffee table is waiting for all the little nibbles when people arrive. Shrimp with cocktail sauce, an antipasto platter with cheeses, meats and breads, bruschetta and bread sticks wrapped with arugula and proscuitto dipped into an asiago spread.... YUM!!!

I hope you enjoy your weekend!! My husband is at the new offices cleaning up and I should have some pics Sunday!!!

We're In***

2011-04-18T19:15:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone!! Well we are finally moved into our new offices. I will post pictures when the place is a little less messy but we are in and it feels good....

Just wanted to post a card I made!! I am here, alive and well ... just busier that a mad bee!!!

And I apologize to all my wonderful blogging friends that I haven't commented on lately!!

I will get around to it! Soon!!

Happy Birthday flowers***

2011-04-10T17:42:00.002-04:00

I received a few new sets from Kim Hughes' "PAPER SMOOCHES"... Love the whimsical designs... I stamped the flower and stem with black versamark ink and colored the images with Copic markers. I did an extra three leaves and popped them up with dimensionals and added a little glitter to the hearts. Hope everyone is having a great weekend***

2011-04-03T13:26:00.002-04:00

Hi there!! Long time no see!! Super busy around here with the new shop and plant!! Still not in but it's coming along!! Got this new stamp and paper collection from Pink Paislee... Butterfly collection. Used base cardstock from PTI, designer paper from Pink Paislee, stamps from PTI and Pink Paislee and ribbon from Sharon's Stamp Simply Ribbon store. A few green gemstones too.!! Have a great Sunday!!! and thanks for stopping in***

Simple birthday wishes***

2011-03-29T07:39:00.002-04:00

I took the picture of this card way too early this morning so I apologize for the baaaaaddd pic.

I used a manila tag and rubbed the following distress inks onto it - fired brick, dried marigold, and spiced marmalade. I put a Heidi Swapp daisy mini mask onto and rubbed a little walnut stain over top. A little water was flicked onto the tag and then I used a Stampers Anonymous speckle stamp with some fired brick distress ink. The sentiment is from PTI cut out of a double banner die cut and a little ivory twill ribbon...

Enjoy and thanks for stopping in***

She's SO cute***

2011-03-25T08:10:00.003-04:00

Good morning*** This little flower girl is courtesy of Stamping Bella...

They have lots of great images.. I used my Prismacolor pencils and Lyra pencils to color her and added a dash of sprinkle to her dress and flower hat***

She is set on a scallop oval nestabilitie, the ribbon is from PTI and the sentiment is VERVE.

I do believe the designer paper is from one of my new Bo Bunny Mini Decks... I need to start writing things down...

Have a great weekend everyone***

BIT BIN TREASURES***

2011-03-22T18:35:00.003-04:00

Hi there!!! I found again some papers in my bit bin... My Bit Bin is HUGE!!!!!

I used some kraft cardstock for the base of the card as well as the piece that I used a Martha Steward punch on.

The rosette was made by scoring a piece of designer paper every 1/4" and then accordian folding it, gluing it together and then pushing it out. I used a punched out circle about 3/4" on both sides of the middle of the rosette to hold it together and then added a big gemstone in green.

The sentiment is from PTI***

Have a great day everyone and thanks so much for stopping in***

Happy Spring***

2011-03-20T15:35:00.002-04:00

SPRING arrives today at 7:21 PM... I have seen a few robins so it is just around the corner.

To celebrate I made this card with papers from a new mini deck I bought last week... from Bo Bunny I think... I will check and make sure.

The flower is from High Hopes, colored with Copics and a little glitter added. The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink stamped on a piece of cardstock cut out with the double ended banner die also from PTI...

The ribbon is from Papertrey Ink and the gemstones from Hero Arts.

Come on sunshine!!!!

A New Home***

2011-03-18T08:08:00.003-04:00

I used some bits of designer paper from my bit bin, and a set from Papertrey Ink called "Love Lives Here" ***

It couldn't get simpler and it's a great card for mailing..

Have a great day everyone and thanks so much for stopping in***

Have the Best Birthday***

2011-03-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am still in Anna Wight mode. This is her "Celebrate Nature" cling set. Stamped the bird three times in Black Memento ink as well as the flowers. I colored them with Copics and added two thin strips of double sided tape that I put glitter on. The flower is from my Prima flower stash... The paper is October Afternoon's "Seaside" 8x8 pad.

Have a great day!!!

Lost once and found again***

2011-03-13T10:00:00.001-04:00

I put this card together AGES ago and it was a little unfinished. I decided to add the flowers and get it on the blog... Can't tell you for the life of me which stamp that is or where the sentiment is from... Just enjoy!! Just for you!!!

Beautiful day***

2011-03-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is the last in my Anna Wight cards for this week. Paper is from October Afternoon's " Thrift Shop framed with black cardstock. I cut a piece of ivory cardstock to resemble a hill and distressed the edge. The flower and sentiment are from Anna's "Beautiful Day" set colored with Copics. Very simple!!!

Thanks for stopping in and enjoy your day***

2bKrafty

More hearts and roses***

Getting a jump on next Christmas***

Hearts and Roses***

Quite the pair***

Birthday wishes***

Bon Voyage***

New Baby Girl***

Sharing***

One last tag***

Christmas Craziness***

Birthday wishes***

Peace***

On the Menu Tuesday which should have been Monday***

Anniversary Wishes***

Hallowe'eney Tags***

On the Menu Monday night***

In my Thoughts***

Happy Thanksgiving***

Dream***

On the Menu Monday***

Butternut Squash Soup***

What was on my Menu Monday***

Birthday celebrations***

Distress Stains***

Kissing***

Sticky back canvas and stains***

Birthday wishes***

Inspiration showpiece***

BOO*****

Happy Thanksgiving***

For the man I love***

A yummy meal***

BOO***

On the Menu Monday***

When the Cat is Away***

Cosmo Cricket Sketch***

Just Because ***

Pizza on a Wednesday***

Thanks***

A brighter life***

To the Man I love***

All things grow***

Something new to look at***

Distress stains and watercolor paper***

On the Menu Monday***

Hi ***

On the Menu Monday *** a day late

Celebrate***

More canvas fun***

On the Menu Monday with Shrimp from Sunday***

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANDON***

Fun Times in the City***

Happy Birthday ***

On the Menu Monday***

Friendship***

Life is Sweeter***

Feel Better***

New Stuff***

Sharing recipes***

Be Silly***

Step Card***

SHARING***

Winners ***

GIVEAWAY***

Many mistakes***

Enjoy Your Journey***

A Garden of Beauty***

Pretty Posies***

Holiday Time 3***

Holiday Time 2***

Holiday Time***

SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG *** AND SUN TOO!!!

Plant some toothy smiles***

Rain Rain Go Away***

It's your Bird-day***

Sew sweet***

A mistake***

***HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY***

Hey There CupCake***

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY