Ink~Paper~Scissors

Baby Stuff

2011-01-20T15:00:00.000-06:00

I am getting ready to head to Colorado and get to know my new grand baby

Brinlee and play with her sister Abbie.

Of course the procrastinator that I am puts off making her quilt and diaper bag until the last minute.

I have had this fabric since before we knew Brinlee was even a girl.

I tell myself I do it because I like the thrill of a deadline.

Here is the diaper bag I just finished

Do you see the eyelash yarn....hahahaha

No project is complete without it!

In case you can't tell it is chocolate brown not black.

Here is the inside pockets

I got creative and pieced some of the pockets.

I didn't want to cut a whole chunk of fabric just for a small piece.

Now it's a designer bag!

Of course no diaper bag is complete without burp cloths and a wipe/diaper holder

And here is the quilt

It's a rag quilt and I am not going to wash it to fuzzy out the edges until I get there.

It's flatter this way for my suitcase.

Besides they can have all the fuzz in their washer and dryer :)

Okay. I am off to accomplish more.

Trying to decide if I should take down all my winter snowmen and put up valentines before I leave.

I wouldn't want to get bored or anything!

I never posted my winter snowmen...tomorrow I will...I took the pictures even!

Have a good creative day

Mauna

MEET BRINLEE

2011-01-15T08:54:00.000-06:00

This is Miss Brinlee Elizabeth

Is she not the cutest baby!!!

This is grand baby #6...we are so blessed!

This is big sister with Brinlee.

Abbie loves her new baby sister!

Can't wait to go and get my hands around these two!

Won't be long now!

Have an amazing day

Mauna

Christmas Garland

2010-12-20T10:21:00.000-06:00

THE PARTY IS OVER

The party I was in charge of for my ward at church was Friday night.

It was really fun and everyone pitched in and help.

The program was fun.

And now I am done with all my obligations and can just enjoy!!!!

I haven't had alot of time to make anything. BUSY- BUSY- BUSY

Here is the garland then hangs as you walk into the great room.

Here is a close up.

I don't really attach anything to the garland permanently.

So next year when I try to do this again it will look different but the same.

Here is the hurricanes that I made at Halloween done up for Christmas

I used Epsom salt as the snow in the bottom of the glasses.

I love the glitter snowflakes you get at walmart for like $3.

I stick them everywhere for some sparkle.

Speaking of Walmart (UGH)

They have had some pretty cute christmas ornaments in awesome colors for a buck.

Did you see them all????

Well, Walmart their usual self...

one day there are tons there and the next day....

poof.....

they are gone....none in the store.

What is with that??????

You can not tell me a person came in and bought them all.

SEND WALMART TO UNDERCOVER BOSS

IN MY SMALL TOWN!!!!!

Okay...off my soapbox......I feel better venting...Thanks!!!

I have an elegant dessert to share and a marble tree to show you.

Have a wonderful day getting ready for Christmas day!!

Mauna

CHRISTMAS IN THE DINNING ROOM

2010-12-14T08:53:00.000-06:00

When you walk through the door at my house you are greeted by
my favorite Nativity.

I love this set because they have no faces and the clean lines.

This is what Christmas is about!

This is my dinning room.

Here I just turned some ornaments upside down and stuck them in candle sticks.
I love the way it looks.

Here is the view looking in from my entryway.

Here is another Goodwill cloche filled with blingie balls.

I love me some bling!

Back to creating for this party on Friday night.

Have an awesome day!

Mauna

UNEXPECTED TRIP

2010-12-13T08:10:00.000-06:00

I went on a last minute trip to see these cuties.

Grandkids are God's reward for surviving your own kids!!!

They are so full of energy and fun.

We had a blast and now it's back to the real world.

Here is a quick picture of what is on my kitchen island for Christmas

The Sign and cloche are from previous post.

The red and green plate I got at Home Goods in Houston.
wish we had one in this area...could be trouble though!!

The cups with candy I got at walmart clearance last year..

The cloche is full of green, red and white bells.
The white ones are glittered..gotta have some bling.

What you can't see is behind the sign is a tall black spindle with a star on top.
It has a red ribbon on it.

I am in charge of our church christmas party friday night.
I will be busy making stuff for that all week.

I will be glad when that project is over!!!!!

Happy Creating
Mauna

LOOK WHAT I WON

2010-12-08T09:04:00.001-06:00

Look what I won!!!

My friend over at Austin City Limits had a give away

I love it and it matches my kitchen colors!

Go check out her Blog she takes amazing pictures.

And lots of give aways.

I never win anything so this is a first.

What is so funny though is I am very sensitive to chemicals.

Things like perfume, cleaners, candles all that stuff.

Some are worse than others...I just never know.

If I get a candle I have to put it in the garage for a couple of months before I can bring it in the house.

It's actually not fun to have because I never know when I step outside my house what I will run into...

Or should I say have to run away from.

My throat closes up....

Could be worse and it is something I can live with.

So what do I win.....a Sentsy aroma burner.

I just have to laugh.

Makes a nice night light and I love it.

INSTANT VACATION

2010-12-07T11:11:00.001-06:00

I was going to title this

FROM NAKED TO LAUGHTER
You know naked wood...

But then I was afraid I would end up on all the porn searches so I chickened out!

I bought a wooden frame from Walmart.

I think it was close to $4.00 not too expensive.

One like this

And I turned it into this:

I sanded it.

Painted it black. (and me..I am not a clean painter)

Then decoupaged scrapbook paper on it.

Then I added eyelash yard...you're surprised I did that right :)

And my favorite paper flower...done with the cricut.

I saw the laughter saying somewhere and knew I wanted to put it in a frame.

I am a true believer in laughter and humor.

Life is too short to be gloomy!!!

Spend today laughing and seeing the bright side of things!!!

Happy Creating

Mauna

RECIPE TIME AND A FUNNY

2010-12-06T13:52:00.000-06:00

Funny First

Remember when I made this:

I was busy getting ready of a party and wanted to hang it in this spot.

I hadn't put some kind of hanger on it yet so I just took the clothes hanger and stuck it on a nail that was already there.

Well I proceeded to get busy and forgot all about it until 5 minutes before the party.

So I ran and got a piece of ribbon and tied around it and left it.

Every one thought I did it on purpose and loved it.

So, there is hangs with a clothes hanger and a bow.

Who Knew?!?!?!?!

Recipe time

Here is what I made for the party and it went like hotcakes!!

Warm Chicken Cheese Spread

1 can of chicken
1 cup grated cheese
1 8oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 can diced green chili
add garlic salt and tabasco to taste
I used 4 drops of tabasco

Put in pie plate and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes

Serve with crackers.

It is so yummy!!!!!!

Enjoy
Mauna

CHRISTMAS MANTEL

2010-12-05T14:27:00.000-06:00

Here is what my mantel looks like this year.

It's never really the same twice because I don't attach anything permanent to the garland.

In case you can't tell I like Santa's.

The wooden ones I have painted over the years.

The two stockings I knitted a couple of years ago...did not help my carpel tunnel I might add.

This Santa Screen I painted when my kids were little.

I still love it!

I have some more Santa's but they won't fit so I just scattered them.

Did you notice my camera took 5 pictures today and they are clear!

One of you out there must be praying for it...thanks!!

The last of my grandbabies left with her parents yesterday...It's so quiet here.

When they left they took their third dog with them that I have been watching until their house was built.

So I am even down a dog too.

I guess I will just have to create to keep from being sad!!!

Happy Creating

Mauna

Christmas Exchange Ornament

2010-12-03T13:24:00.000-06:00

Well, here it is.

Remember my camera battery is bad..can't find another one yet.

Also, The santa is in vinyl so I could not get it to be not fuzzy...all two shots I could take.

I thought I had a good picture but I can't find it.

This is a shaker ornament.

I water colored the santa and cut it out.

Then I sewed a vinyl pouch put the santa and beads in it and stitched it closed (sewing machine)

Then I blanket stitched around the edges with eyelash yarn (fun through vinyl not too fun!)
Most projects are not complete with out the stuff!

Last but not least I added a bell to the bottom.

They are a lot cuter than the picture....trust me :)

I am off to spend the last day with my kids before they head home....not thinking about that part yet!

Happy Creating
Mauna

OH HOW I LOVE MY JUMBO PUSH PINS!!

2010-12-02T09:13:00.000-06:00

Remember when I couldn't get a curtain rod in my window so

I use jumbo push pins.

I am so loving it!!!

I can change out my curtain any time I want with anything.

Just with the pinch of a clip.

Here is my Christmas window.

I kept it pretty simple. There isn't much space there.

I used the super wide mesh, some black ribbon, and black ornaments.

(Had to be careful with the black so family wouldn't think I was in morning or something)

TA DA!!!

I had some cute green and red polka dot plates to hang here but it just didn't look right.

So I left the black plate from Halloween, added a frosty candle ring and

then stuck in a red ornament.

The orange spot you see on the plate is a reflection.

My camera will take about three pictures and die still.

I am going to try to get a new battery for it.

Hopefully that will work.

Ok, I am off to get ready for my ornament exchange here tonight.

Tomorrow I will show you my whole ornament.

I already have the picture to I don't need to worry about my camera..Ha!

Happy Creating!

Mauna

AND IT BEGINS!

2010-12-01T15:30:00.001-06:00

My camera is having issues!!!

I charge the battery and it will only take a couple pictures and die.

The pictures are kind of fuzzy. Sorry!!!!

I wanted a christmas tree in my kitchen.

Being my usual self I didn't want to spend any money.

I did buy a 3 foot tree for $12 the rest of the stuff I had at home.

This is what I came up with.

I made all of the ornaments except the white snowflakes. Dollar store.

I was going to show you the ornaments up close but my camera is being ugly!

You know you can click on the picture and make it bigger to see it better.

Most of them are floating around blog land somewhere.

I did:

Clear glass ball stuffed with tinsel

Cut circles, fold in half, glue them together, glitter edges

Painted glass squares white and then polka dotted them

Tie red eyelash yarn to black balls.

You didn't think I would not use eyelash yarn somewhere did ya?

I had some twirly white glittery twigs hanging around from a couple years ago

and I broke them off and stuck them in here and there.

It looks cuter in person.

If you have a question just let me know and I will answer!

I will post more...I might have to get creative with my flip camera.

I have made videos with it and I need to experiment more...this may be a good time as any.

Happy Creating

Mauna

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT SNEEK PEEK 2

2010-11-23T15:50:00.001-06:00

Here is sneek peek number 2
of my exchange ornament.

I am happy to say that they are finished!!!

DID YOU NOTICE THE EYELASH YARN?

A little more labor intensive than I planned on but I like them.

You have to wait until Dec 2 to see the whole ornament....

Oh the suspense!!I am busy creating but I am not at the point posting them yet.

They have to be perfect ya know.

After Thanksgiving week things should slow down a bit.

Ha! who am I kidding!!!
I am in charge of our ward Christmas party...

At least I think I am my calling was dissolved.

Somehow I don't think they will let me off the hook that easy :)

I do have something I am going to post tomorrow...

Till then...
Have a good one
Mauna

CHRISTMAS SIGN

2010-11-19T09:04:00.000-06:00

I saw this sign HERE and knew right away I had to make one.

(or two)

Something about the NAUGHTY!

Someone asked if I always used black as a background in my stuff.

99% of the time I do.

I think black pops the other colors you use.

I haven't made too much.

I am chasing a two year old and lovin it.

Four more cuties come next week!!!

I do have to get my fanny in gear though....time is flying buy too darn fast for me.

Have a great Friday!!!

Mauna

DOLLAR STORE FIND

2010-11-17T21:34:00.000-06:00

Look what I found at the dollar store.

They have so much potential.

They have green, red, gold, and white.

I got white because I can do more with them for other holidays.

I can see bats or spiders for Halloween.

Hearts for Valentines, you get the picture.

I will have to put on my thinking cap and see what I can come up with for Christmas.

Working on the back patio area again.

Had some cement work done.

Pictures to come.

I am feeling the need to put away fall and thanksgiving and get out Christmas.

Changing my mind again about when to decorate.

Getting alittle nervous!!!

Mauna

RECIPE TIME

2010-11-16T09:23:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I went to the airport and picked up my Daughter in Law and my grand daughter.

Actually, both Grammies went.

I have been good friends with Alicia's mom way before our kids decided to marry each other.

It was sooo cute to watch Abbie look at both of her Grammies and then just

grin from ear to ear...

Rates a number 10 one the heart melting scale!

Since I have been playing with Abbie I decided to share a recipe today.

My husband brought this recipe home from work so I gave it a try and YUMMY!

CHICKEN TORTILLA CHOWDER

2 cans condensed cream of potatoe soup

2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup

(both soups undiluted)

2 cups milk

1 can chicken broth

1 can drained Mexican corn

1 can chopped green chilies

1 pkg ready to serve roasted chicken breast strips chopped

3 flour tortillas cut into 2 inch x 1/2 strips

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Additional cheese for topping.

In a large saucepan, heat the soups, milk and broth. Stirring frequently.

Add corn, chicken and chilies.

Bring to a boil.

Stir in tortilla strips.

Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.

Stir in cheese until melted.

Sprinkle each serving with additional cheese if desired.

This is yummy and super quick.

I would even try corn tortillas cut into strips and baked until crisp to add some crunch.

My husband said the lady at work added noodles instead of tortillas.

Any way give it a try!

See ya tomorrow

Mauna

SWAP CARD

2010-11-12T08:18:00.001-06:00

I know you're thinking black and red again.

I can't help it...I am drawn to those colors.

This is not exactly what my brain envisioned but it turned out.

I wanted the red part to be red with tiny white stripes but couldn't find the paper.

And since my printer is nutzo I couldn't make the paper.

At the end I decided it needed a kick so I added some very fine glitter around the celebrate.

I am not sure if it shows up in the picture.

I made 26 of these little suckers. Got a few hot glue ouchies.

I am thinking about sharing some recipes with you.

Quick and easy is my motto..get in get out of the kitchen.

What do you think??

Gotta run I have an appointment with some more black paint.

Have an awesome day!

Mauna

I just did spell check...it said nutzo isn't a word and suggested...NoDoz...ha!

(you know the stay awake pills)

CHRISTMAS SHADOWBOX

2010-11-11T16:38:00.000-06:00

Okay this was a crazy day!

My computer crashed awhile back

and I am just now getting around to loading my

cricut design and sure cuts a lot software.

can you say pain in the behind

I had to find all the programs that would match Windows 7.

Then I had to update the firmware on my cricut.

Most of the day later........I finished my project.

Here is the shadow box I promised.....

It's a keeper

I must give credit to where it belongs....this was not my idea.

I really believe if you copy someones idea

you need to give them the credit.

Go here to see the original that I saw.

I made mine bigger...it's 8x10 and tweeked it a little.

I went to hobby lobby to get my shadowbox. They had a black one for $24.99

OUCH!!!!

Then I saw this one for 12.99 and they were half off so I ended up paying $6.50.

I did have to bring it home and spray paint it black....but hey...

What I won't do to save a buck!!!!

I had everything else.

The ornament hanging off the bow was a package of three I got from dollar tree last year.

I am working on something else right now...and I have black paint all over me... again.

You can leave me a commnet and tell me what you think.

See ya tomorrow

Mauna

THANKSGIVING SWITCH

2010-11-10T11:19:00.000-06:00

I know I said I wouldn't do Thanksgiving but.....

I have some grand babies coming and I am thinking about all those little fingers.

It might be better to wait to put up Christmas.

Besides the tree goes in their play area....where would they play???

I did switch out my frames.
Nothing fantastic....just a hurry up job.

This one I like.

I have had these transparent leaves forever.

Got them at Walmart when walmart used to be good!

I finally decided to bust them out and

try something and I like what happened!

There is a yellow leaf, an orange one and then red .

I layered them light to dark, top and bottom to middle.

I know...you're not stupid...you can see that in the picture.

Just humor me :)

Okay...I am off to work on the shadowbox that I sooooo excited about!!

Hint:

Spray paint and bells.

That's all you get til tomorrow!

Mauna

I HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN YOU!

2010-11-09T21:40:00.000-06:00

Really I haven't!!

I have a shadowbox in the works I am really excited about!

My ornament for the ornament exchange.

My cards for my card exchange.

I did redo some picture frames with Thanksgiving things in them.

And I got some cute, cute trees from the dollar store I will share.

Today I went shopping with a friend.

Nothing better than shopping with a friend!

Tomorrow I will post some pictures...Promise!

Come back and see....

Mauna

ORNAMENT EXCHANGE SNEEK PEEK

2010-11-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

SNEEK PEEK!

DON'T YOU JUST LOVE A QUICK PEEK AT SOMETHING!

Then you get to wonder what it is going to look like finished.

I am in an ornament exchange.

This is the beginning of the ornament I am making.

Watercoloring Santa's how fun is that.

I am really excited about my plans for these little guys.

Can't wait to show ya...but I have too.

The exchange happens Dec 2nd.

will probably give you another sneek peek sometime though.

Back to painting

Mauna

CHARGER--EASY PEASY

2010-11-05T09:45:00.000-05:00

Take a $1.99 charger from Hobby Lobby.

Add some vinyl.

And there you have it!!

Easy Peasy.

I know some people on my Christmas list who will be getting one.

Gotta run...busy working on some other stuff!

Have an awesome Friday and weekend!!

Mauna

CAN YOU SAY CLOCHE

2010-11-03T10:40:00.000-05:00

Okay, for two years now I have been wanting these Cloche.

I saw mini ones when I was Utah at Tia Pia and they were expensive.

I think I remember about 24 bucks each.

NO WAY MAN!!!!!!

Soooooo...just like very one else in blog land I paid a visit to good old Good Will.

I bought these for $2.50 each.

I was going to do the glue the plate to a candle stick thing for the bottom

BUT........

I went to Walmart and found these for $4.00

(I still don't like going there)

Transfer the lid and there you have it!

Cloche for $6.50.

I still have two wooden bottoms I can paint and do something with also.

I live in rural Texas.

Shopping is not very easy..

.I have to drive an hour just to get to a Hobby Lobby or Michaels.

Then it's very limited at that.

I just can't run to the store for a small piece of fabric so it makes it challenging sometimes.

But hey...the traffic here is great!

Thanks for stopping by and see ya tomorrow

Mauna

HALLOWEEN AFTERMATH

2010-11-02T12:52:00.000-05:00

Guess what I have been doing!?!?!?!?!?

Cleaning up Halloween Decorations.

This isn't all of them even.

But you know what....I will do it all again.

Because I love it!!!!

I am ready to start on some Christmas stuff.

I wouldn't allow myself to start until Halloween was put away.
Boy was that now fun....I don't like waiting.

I am not forgetting Thanksgiving...really.

I left out all my pumpkin stuff that didn't have Halloween on them.

Hope your Halloween was everything you wanted and.....

HANG ON TO YOUR HATS............HERE COMES CHRISTMAS!!!

Mauna

Lady Bug Abbie

2010-10-31T18:26:00.000-05:00

This is Abbie my other son's little one.

I figured I had better give some equal time here! :)

She has a baby sister coming in January.

Yes I will be at the sewing machine some more!

I used to see this cutie almost every day.....

my house seems alittle empty now!

I guess I will go chase the dog around......not as fun though.

Mauna

HOW SWEET IT IS!!

2010-10-30T20:28:00.009-05:00

Have you ever seen anything so sweet!

That is Ty singing to his baby sister Kenzie.

He loves her to pieces and is always kissing and singing to her and she responds.

It just melts your heart.

Miss them already!!

Mauna

GOING TO MEET BABY KENZIE

2010-10-19T11:27:00.000-05:00

This is Miss Kenzie.

Tomorrow I am headed off to meet this sweet princess.

and to squeeze these cuties!!!

I am so excited!!!!

Isn't that just the cutest family!!!

I had some left overs from the blanket and diaper bag I had made for Kenzie.

I thought I would whip up a burp cloth and a onesie.

This is my first attempt at the onesie.

Here is the front:

And here is the ruffle bottom..love it!

I didn't gather the ruffles. I hand pleated them.

It's easier than it sounds.

I had layered two ribbons. The pink ribbon has black stitching down the middle.

Won't use that again. (ribbon with stitching) Made it bulky.

So I just hand pleated it.

You just push up a tuck in your fabric as it is about to go under the presser foot of your sewing machine. Takes alittle practice and don't expect is to be perfectly spaced.

I am not into perfectly spaced...if I wanted that I would buy machine made.

Did ya notice my addiction.......yes that is eyelash yarn on the burp cloth.

Any color is good but I mostly use black. But this just had to have hot pink!

So....this time tomorrow my arms will be full......of heaven on earth!!!!

UFO # 3

2010-10-18T12:31:00.000-05:00

Here is the latest UFO project I finished.

I bought the fabric three years ago and forgot I had it.

Is that a sign of old age????

The pattern is from a book by Art to Heart called Cottage Charms.

You can go here to go to their website and see all the fun projects they have.

I have this hanging from a doorway so that's why it looks kind of uneven.

It was long and that is the only place I could think of to take the picture.

I am probably going to skip Thanksgiving crafts and go right into Christmas.

Don't hold me to it though.

I have an ornament swap at my house on Dec 2 and my house needs to be all decked out by then.

That doesn't leave much time between thanksgiving and then to get it done.

I never decorated much for that holiday anyway.

Just left the unspooky Halloween up.

I am off to figure out what I am going to make for the ornament swap and a card swap.

Unless I get sidetracked by some other creating!

Mauna

MEET MR ROOSTER

2010-10-16T15:37:00.000-05:00

This is Mr Rooster.

He has been the guardian of our backyard for about 4 years.

Mr. Rooster is looking sickly!!!

Mr. Rooster and I have had some adventures.

First, I think he is target practice for golfers sometimes...

Second, I got him at a place called Canton.

It is once a month and is like a huge swap meet, flea market, craft fair, etc.

I saw Mr Rooster and he was a deal of a price so he was coming home.

Here's where the fun starts:

We are about as far away from the car as you can get.

Mr. Rooster is not small or light weight.

We had a wheelchair with us for one of our friends so.....

Mr Rooster got a ride, in a wheelchair, through a huge crowd, to our car.

It was quiet funny all the looks and comments we got.

By the way...I left my friend who needed the wheelchair sitting on a bench,

she didn't hold Mr Rooster on her lap!!

I decided to make Mr. Rooter better again.

I bought spray paint.

Yellow Krylon from walmart.

Colonial red Rustoleum 2x from home depot.

Krylon is awful!!

It was like spraying yellow water.

The picture below there is 3 coats yellow and 1 coat red.

Can you believe the coverage difference?

I am sold on Rustoleum 2x coverage paint.

I will be off to home depot to buy yellow paint in that brand.

I didn't want Mr Rooster to be perfect but heck I didn't want yellow water either!

Well, he is half way better for now...

and hey Mr. Rooster......FORE!!!!!
(is that how you spell fore for the golfing term?)

Mr. Rooster and I will see you later!
Mauna

DAY TWO OF UFO'S

2010-10-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

Incase you don't know a UFO is an

Un Finished Object.

Here is day two's object.

These are two small stuffed pillows.

I don't really like calling them pillow because to me they're not.

Just two small things to stick somewhere to add some zing.

Nothing exciting or funny to write about.....

I hate when that happens makes me feel like I am in a rut!

Doing UFO's doesn't make me feel very creative.

All that has already been done...I just have to finish them.

Guess we will just wait and see what today brings!

Have an awesome friday.

Mauna

FORGOTTEN AND UNFINISHED

2010-10-14T17:58:00.001-05:00

One good thing about getting ready to move is

purging your house and getting it ready to put on the market.
(the move that never happened)

When you are doing this you find all sorts of things you forgot about.

Like projects that got stuck away..forgotten...never finished.

Yeah...I found some.

It's been my goal this week to finish them.

Here is number one:

Why did I not finish these....I love them!
They were supposed to be a wall hanging but I made them into pillows instead.
Tomorrow I will show you project number two.

Photo Hint: I have found with my camera if I put the setting on back light my pictures seem to turn out better for some reason. Who knew. Give it a try and see what your camera does. I just have a little Kodak Easy Share. Nothing fancy or new. But hey, it works.

Mauna

ITSY BITSY SPIDER...

2010-10-12T09:14:00.003-05:00

I was in the garage looking in some boxes that

were still packed from the move that never happened.

I came across 2 inch styrofoam balls and black pipe cleaners.

That just screams SPIDER!!!

Aren't they cute little buggers.

I smashed the bottom of the balls on the counter to make it flat.

I cut the pipe cleaners in half and hot glued them into the ball.

Remember: hot glue melts Styrofoam so be careful.

I had some black paper floral ribbon that I wrapped the balls with.
I had to glue it in spots to keep it in place.
I think black yarn would have been better but hey I used what I had.

Then I wrapped them in eyelash yarn and....

TA DA!!!!

and just so you know

I AM ADDICTED TO BLACK EYELASH YARN!!!!!

You wouldn't believe the stuff I stick it on.

I just opened my last package of yarn and I feel the panic setting in!!!

JUST BREATHE!!!!!

The world is not a good place without black eyelash yarn!

Enjoy your day!
Mauna

WIPE THAT BOO OFF YOUR FACE

2010-10-11T22:33:00.002-05:00

I love Nancy Halverson quilt and applique books

I can just sit and mindlessly blanket stitch around the design.

I made these two kitchen towels last year.

Sorry they are not the greatest pictures.

It was nasty weather today...dark and dreary.

Happy for the rain though.

I am working on some new projects..just don't have them quite done yet.

Tomorrow I will post some cutes spiders I made.

I have also had my head in a book.

I am rereading the Mortal Instruments Series.

On the last book now.
Have to wait til April for the next one in the series.

I NEED AND IPAD OR MAYBE A KENDAL.

I guess you could really say I want one or the other...
I used to tell my kids..
it's good to have wants...it builds character!

I HAVE TONS OF CHARACTER!!!!!

C ya Later
Mauna

WITCHES HAT

2010-10-07T09:53:00.001-05:00

I took a friend to Family Dollar the other day and saw this witches hat.

It's black velvet with a black boa around the outside of the brim.

It' spoke to me...I need to go home with you.

Then we went to the dollar store.

I got the bell you see at the top of the hat.
It was a christmas bell but I yanked off all that stuff.
Then I got a purple and green boa and a black crow.

Came home threw it together....nothing is glued.

Hat...$3
Crow, boa and bell....$3
I had all the rest.

I put it on a cake plate to give it alittle height for display.

For me part of the fun in creating is the thrill of the hunt for stuff cheap.
I don't mean quality cheap...I mean price cheap.
I think if I had all the money in the world I would still hunt for cheap prices.

I look at stuff and then look at the price and laugh
(I have champaigne taste on a beer budget)
and I don't drink.

I come home and try to figure out how it was done and do it cheaper.
Hence the thrill.

Plus there is a feeling you get when you make something with your own hands.
You can't get that feeling with money and store bought.

So try making something.
Don't give up if you dont like it!!!

my motto:

TRIUMP-----TRY WITH A LITTLE UMP BEHIND IT!!!

Make something and let me know how it went!!!

Happy creating...Mauna

DIAPER BAG IS DONE

2010-10-06T10:23:00.001-05:00

I made this quilt for my 5th grand baby that is coming
(right now actually!)

I wanted to try my hand at a rag quilt.

I am not rally a fan of cutesy baby stuff. You know the ABC's, butterflies etc.

I saw this zebra flannel and went Have to have it!!!.

Then I saw the Leopard and the rest kind of fell into place.

I love how it turned out and so did mommy. She asked if I would make a diaper bag and wipe holder to match. Of course you know a grammy will do anything!!

Here is the diaper bag.
I wanted to make it with the rag squares and the same pattern layout as the quilt.

I didn't have a pattern. I looked a few online and then just went for it.

Here is the inside.

Here is the bag with the diaper/wipe holder.

The big flower I made also.

I just cut out a cardboard circle.
Glued netting around the outside.
Made a long strip of black satin and gathered it
Swirled it around until it made a flower and glued it to the cardboard.

There is felt and a pin on the back so it can be removed.

Well, I am sitting by the phone waiting for a call....

I hate waiting!!!

Next up I did a witches hat and some spiders.
I also started a Christmas applique.

Off I go to wait..did I say I hate waiting!

Have a great day...come back soon

Mauna

KITCHEN CURTAINS

2010-10-01T11:24:00.004-05:00

I decided I was going to make some cute curtains for my kitchen windows.

I went to the fabric store and bought some cute chicken fabric and some ball fringe.

Then I went a got rings with hooks and two cute black rods with finals to hang them on.

I asked my cute hubby to hang the rods for me and he said.....

"Where, there is no room"

Guess what....there is no room.

After staring and pondering at the spot where a rod should go

wondering what to do.....

I already spent money on this fabric and fringe (which cost more than then fabric)

Once again my brain went weird and thought

JUMBO PUSH PINS.

That's right jumbo push pins. And look... it works

This is not the finished product.

I hung black napkins there to see what it would look like and went

HALLOWEEN CURTAINS

I can change them out for holidays or seasons.

This is working out better than I thought.

JUMBO PUSH PINS.....AMAZING!!!

I am running away to do some laundry.

I do have to finish making a diaper and wipe holder to go with a diaper bag I just made.

See I am not all Halloween

Off I go Mauna

HALLOWEEN PAPER PLATES

2010-10-01T11:09:00.002-05:00

Yeah I know I need help. What can I say.

I went to Walmart
(I really don't like walmart any more but there is not any other choice where I live.)

I saw these paper plates.
Black square with white scrolls and orange pinstripe border.

My brain goes......

Chocolate cake (I wish)

It goes......

cute frames.

Who knows how my brain works

For a buck fifty I got 8 plates
brought them home and did this....

I glued two plates together because they were quite flimsy.

The images I did with the cricut.

Cut them out ..Inked them up...glimmer misted them..then glued those babies on.

They hang one each end of a rod iron bar I have in my front hallway.

So go to my most favorite store in the world and get yourself some paper plates!!

HAPPY OCTOBER
MAUNA

HALLOWEEN DECOR

2010-09-30T09:36:00.004-05:00

As promised here is most of my Halloween Decorations

I know I am possessed with Halloween Decor...but it is so much fun!!!

I don't do scary though...not yet anyway.

The pictures have a mind of their own!!!

Halloween Spirits I guess...but after two tries who cares. You can see the picture right!

This is a table in my great room. The only thing I didn't make here is the bird and the small plate.

This is a wall hanging that hangs in my hallway by my kitchen. I made this a couple years ago. Love doing quilt applique. I have done one for every holiday.

This is on the media cabinet in my great room.

I saw that picture and had to download it.

This is the right half of my buffet in the entry and the picture after it is the left side.

Left side.

This is on my coffee table.

This is my fireplace. I know you can see that from the picture. I am not sure why it is small but just click on it ...it will grow.

This is the dining room. The green and black witch in the background I got dirt cheap because beads were missing. Just bought some beads and glued them back in.

This is the kitchen by the sink. The curtains are a work in progress and I will fill you in on that next blog.
Well there you have it.

A look around my house for Halloween. I have some towels I appliqued on hanging in the kitchen too and stuff like that around.

I still want to make some canvas candy corn and then I got these amazing paper plates that I have some plans for. So hang around...I still have a whole month to create......

HEAVEN HELP US!!!!!

Have a boootiful day

Mauna

HALLOWEEN EEKS AND BOOS

2010-09-27T13:08:00.005-05:00

Boy have I had a hard time posting this. This electronic age is great until it goes wrong. It kept telling me service unavailable.

Here are the EEK and BOO blocks that I did last week. I think they turned out pretty cute...especially since I only had to buy spiders all the rest was left over supplies.

Believe it or not I had the hardest time with this EEK block.

I had a mental decor block. I had this yarn that matched perfect and finally ended up winding it around the outside of the block. Add some orange bling some spiders and Walla

HANDY HINT (cricut)

I made the ghost on the BOO blocks using my cricut.

I used the paper dolls cartridge.

For each ghost I cut out 5 images from white card stock.

I stamped a background stamp on one of the ghosts.

Then I glued all 5 together to make it thick. Putting the stamped ghost on the top.

Then I inked all the edges with black ink.

Next step is to use Glossy Accents on them. Wait for it to dry and there you have it.

You can use this layer cut outs on alot of stuff and I have gone as many as 10 layers. I know I could cut the image out of a cereal box or something thicker than card stock but on some things I like the layering effect it has.

My family wants me to post my Halloween decor around my house. So check back tomorrow and I will show you. I need to charge my camera batter. I am hoping that is why my pictures are kind of funky.

See You Tomorrow

Mauna

HALLOWEEN AGAIN!!!

2010-09-22T14:20:00.003-05:00

Remember when you were a kid and you made paper balls in school.

Here is the grown up scrapbook paper version.

They look pretty darn cute in my two tier basket on my kitchen table. Something else that's funny is on the night that I made these my niece Savannah was doing the same thing. She is 10 and really creative.
She lives in another state and we hadn't even talked to each other. Too Funny!!

Here is another idea:

This is what I do with my old calendar pictures. I frame them. Because frames don't really come in the right size I just put a sheet of black paper behind and center the picture. The add height and interest to a grouping. I change them out for each holiday or season.

Sorry for the bad pictures. Its cloudy and I might need to charge my camera but you get the idea.

I gotta run...I am busy booing and eeking today.
Come back tomorrow and see!

Mauna

HALLOWEEN CENTERPIECE

2010-09-21T09:42:00.003-05:00

Are you wondering when I am going get tired of making

Halloween Decorations?

While blog surfing I came across this super cute idea.

Lil' Luna had made these flowers and I wanted to give it a go.

Funny thing is...this is not what I set out to make.

I was just putting some black beans is a dish and was

then going to stack skeleton heads on the beans.

Well, one thing lead to another and this is where the heads went...

Down in the beans- in the bowl- that the flowers went in.

Don't know how my brain works but hey, I like it.

Click on Lil' Luna up top and it will take you to the instructions on how to make the flowers.

One change I would make though...

I did the fan folds at one inch. Next time I will do half inch. I think it would look better.

Have fun!!!

Create something---it's good for the soul.

Mauna

WHY!?!?!?!

2010-09-20T15:54:00.002-05:00

Can someone tell me why......

I go through all the trouble to space out my post and make it somewhat cute.
Then when I hit publish post it comes up with no spaces inbetween lines...UGH!!

I can't figure out why...

any clues??

HALLOWEEN CUPCAKE STAND

2010-09-20T15:34:00.002-05:00

This is what you get when you

glue a candle holder to the bottom of a plate.

I got this plate at hobby lobby 50% off.

Still kind of spendy but...

where I live if you wait.....

IT'S GONE!!!!!

I have a notebook of ideas

I cut (usually rip) out the picture of the idea I like then

I put it in a page protector.

I have a white piece of card stock in each sleeve and

I glue the pictures like a collage.

I have dividers for holidays, weddings, home decor etc.

It works for me.

Anyway, I have a picture of cups, candle holders, plates and bowl

all glued together to make cake plates.

I think the idea is like 10 years old.

I thought it had wedding decor potential.

I wanted my cute plate to be taller so....

I grabbed a candle holder from the dollar tree

gotta love that place!!!!!

Primed it then sprayed painted it black.

Glued it to the bottom of my plate and

TA DA!!!

Remember all those pumpkins I made?????

They are going fast...I keep giving them away...

If I want some I am going to have to make more.

Who would of thought

Gotta run..thanks for coming

Mauna

More Halloween Goodies

2010-09-17T17:01:00.003-05:00

Today I am going to share something I saw over at House of Smith's

Shelley has made some really cute stuff.

I really liked this one.

So I made one.

Looks really cute with all my pumpkins!

Go check out her blog...awesome!

Thanks for sharing Shelley!

Tomorrow I will show you what I did with a plate and a candlestick for halloween!

Have a boootiful day

Mauna

A PUMPKIN EXPLODED IN MY HOUSE

2010-09-15T15:53:00.005-05:00

THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!!!!

Here is what it looks like when you are making pumpkins.

Two friends and I decided to make some pumpkins.
Some Fall and some Halloween pumpkins.

I didn't have a pattern...I just saw them at a few places and figured I could do it.

I wasn't sure how much fabric to buy.

Half a yard each person in each fabric sounded good.

This is what we ended up with.....

61 Total Pumpkins.

THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!!!!

Here are the Fall ones....

Here are the some of Halloween ones.....

We had so much fun laughing at ourselves
because there were so many.

And my friend peaed on my floor!!!
That's right.... she did...dropped a whole package of those little buggers.
(split peas to weight the bottom of the pumpkins)

Of course we didn't have to keep sewing them...
Hey we were on a roll!!!!

A PUMPKIN ROLL...HAHAHAHHA

My family has dibs on one or two so I might end up making a few more.
Who would have though.

Hey don't forget I only got a third of them!!!!

We also made some more spooky blocks.
See previous post.

Okay I am off to clean ...ignored my house for three days...ugh!

Tomorrows and new day and a new project!

Bye for now Mauna

SPOOKY

2010-09-10T12:20:00.001-05:00

Halloween is all over blog land
and it put me in the mood for some
spooky
crafting.

This was all made with left overs from other projects.

I love those projects where you don't have to buy anything!!!

If you wondering about the chicken and fuzzy balls project...
One part I was planningwasn't going to work so I spent a couple of days
trying to figure out a solution...

Problem is solved so that is next project.

HEY CUPCAKE!!

2010-09-02T09:39:00.004-05:00

Who knew you could take a black and white poka dot

cupcake papers

And turn it into this

I have seen these all over the web in white.

Martha Stewart did Christmas balls this way.

I was in the mood to make something for Halloween so I got out

my cupcake wrapper that I got at Michael's

my Styrofoam from Dollar Tree

and my trusty glue gun.

Don't ask me how many times I burnt my fingers before I

went and got a pencil to use instead.

Word of Advice:

What dose instinct tell you to do when you burn you finger.

Right--stick it in your mouth.

Not good with a glue gun burn.

I almost did it twice. Notice almost. It was a pretty close call!

Anyway, I am loving this.

I am also trying to decide if I should add some Halloween deco to it.

Let me know what you think.

My hubbies comment:

That's cute...I like it alot better than the book thingy you did.

Something tells me he wasn't that impressed with my book wreath.

I tell him his taste is all in this mouth.

Love that guy!!!!!!!

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?

I wasn't going off any instructions.

I just wrapped the styrofoam with black ribbon.

Then I folded the paper in half and crunched up the bottom.

put some hot glue on it and stuck it down.

Working from the outside in--round and around you go.

Come back tomorrow and see what I'm doing.

It involves chicken and fuzzy balls.

I will leave you with your imagination going!

Cya

Mauna

HERE THEY ARE!

2010-08-31T07:38:00.003-05:00

Here is my finish product.

Can you tell Black and Red are my favorite colors.

I made 24 of these babies!

Like I said....I am glad I have a circut.

The book I used for the background is

Chicken Soup for the Golfers Soul.

No hot and steamy romance novel......Sorry.

The flower is cut from the cricut cartridge

Tags, Bags, Boxes and More.

The stamps are Stampin Up

I still have more projects to work on.

Kitchen curtains or diaper bag...trying to decide what's next.

Have a tremendous tuesday!!!

Mauna

CARD SWAP SNEAK PEEK

2010-08-30T08:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a sneak peek of the card I am doing for my swap.
This flower speaks to me. I don't know why.

Click on the pictures and you can see it closer.

I think I might try and make a wreath or something out of them.

Thank goodness for my cricut...Cutting all this by hand would be a nightmere!!!

I will have the finished product for you tomorrow.

Come see what it looks like!

Mauna

IT'S DONE-- THE PERGOLA-- IT'S DONE

2010-08-28T11:30:00.006-05:00

Remember this from a few days ago?

The Bare Naked Back Yard.

Well it now looks like this and

I love it!!!

The house looks finished now.

It always looked like something was missing and hot before.

Funny thing too..

The back patio looks bigger.

Who would of thought???

See those beams holding everything up? They are huge they are 8x8.

I think the house would blow away before they would.

Next comes flag stone. There is a dirt area between the patio and the iron fence.

There are drain holes so it is like a huge planter that you are always watering.

In Texas heat that is not necessarily a good thing.

That is where the flag stone comes in.

We are going to put down flag stone and just use large vases or boxes.

Heck, we need another target for the golfers to hit!!!!

Okay, you know with any home improvement there is a

chain reaction of having to buy things.

Patio furniture for example.

We had a table and chairs but the chairs all fell apart....as in dangerous to sit in.

Bye Bye Chairs!!!

Last night we stopped at Home Depot to look for something else and

look what I found on sale!!!

They were originally $60 and I got them for $24.

They had 5 left so I took them.

Perfect

No I have to decide do I paint the light color table to match or....

maybe I will find a deal on a table too.

You never know out here in small town Texas what you will or will not find.

So, there you have it. The Pergola. And I love it.

Next Project:

Cards for a swap I am in.

Stop by and see what design I come up with.

See ya soon. Mauna

RECIPES ORGANIZATION

2010-08-27T13:51:00.009-05:00

Remember this from yesterday?

I gave you a sneak peek yesterday of what I was working on. Believe me that picture is not as messy as it really is. I had my recipes in a binder with dividers for each section. As you can see the recipes were in sleeves that held pictures. It was okay but I had to get the whole book out each time and flip all the pages...it just wasn't working for me.

HERE IS THE NEW SYSTEM

I went to Walmart and I got photo albums. These are 4x6

I could tell you I got 5 and they are black but I think you can see!

The numbers I did with my cricut and white vinyl.

I know you are all thinking I am going to have vinyl on everthing that doesn't move.

Really I am not!!!

I suppose you are wondering how anyone will know

what is where

Well let me show you:

Well, I don't know why this isn't rotated the right way...It is in the picture folder. You get the idea anyway. I made a index that tells what is in each book. It is the first page in book one.

I got out my trusty label stampin up label punch and made tabs between the sections.

I made sure I left room for add ins.

If I had a recipe that was from the computer or magazine instead of writing it out I just glued it to a card as is.

By thw way this is an awesome sugar cook recipe!!!!

This is how Joy (my dil) does hers and I thought it was a great idea. I will let you know how I like it and if I make any tweeks. I think it is going to work for me.

I was going to stash it in a cupboard somewhere But I think I am kind of liking the black books with the numbers. May keep them out.

FINISHED PERGOLA PICTURES TOMORROW

---IT'S AWESOME!!!!!!

Happy Friday

I hope all of you have an Amazing Weekend!!

Mauna

DAY ONE OF PERGOLA BUILD

2010-08-26T15:34:00.001-05:00

Here it is Thursday and it's day one of the pergola build. We had to wait on the huge posts to come in. I am liking this!!!! The great room already feels cooler but it could be because we are having a cool front go through. The temp is now 98 instead of 102.

When we found out we were moving to Colorado (not) we went through and purged our house. A lot of stuff went away. My daughter in law Joy is really good at organization and letting stuff go. She has inspired me to do more. I am working on one project that I will share with you when I am done.
Here is a sneak peak of the mess!!

We will see what day two brings tomorrow.
Thanks for stopping by
Mauna

SOMETHING NEW IS COMING!!

2010-08-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

This is the back of my house as it is now.
The yard goes from the house to the metal fence.

I know you are thinking man that is not a yard!!!
But we love it....low yard work.
And our view is amazing....we back up to the 7th hole on a golf course.
We get all the view of a perfectly maintained landscape without any of the mowing
watering and all the other stuff that goes with it.

We do have to duck our heads once in awhile when a stray golf ball comes but not very often.
The angle that the house is built they hit the ball away from us.

In a coupe of days this will change. Yahoo!!!!! This side of the house faces West (where the sun sets..at least I think that is west). It gets at least 20 degrees hotter than then front of our house. And it been 102 lately.

We just celebrated our 33 anniversary and my cute hubby gave me pergolas for my present. I am so excited. It will totally change the look of the back of the house and cool it off.

Last weekend hubby dug up all the plants that were along the fence and moved them to other places around the house.
We do have side yards and front yard so we are not totally without any grass to mow and places to weed and water.

Of course this means new patio furniture, plants etc.....when you start a project it is like a chain reaction. Too Bad :)

Did I tell you I am excited!!!!!

Well, I am off to do Monday chores...I am getting a handle on this stay at home domestic goddess thing!

See Ya Mauna

NOT MOVING TO COLORADO

2010-08-21T09:58:00.003-05:00

That's right we are not moving to Colorado now. I can't believe I forgot to post that!! We are staying put right here in good ole Texas. Hotter than Hades Texas!!!

Everyone Doug works with is here in Texas so they decided to leave him here for awhile and see how that works. He will have to go to Co off and on for meetings and stuff. So for now I get to keep my house. I have mixed feelings...we were both released from our church callings, I quit my job, you know.... had one foot out the door.

So here we are, it's like starting over but not at the same time. It's weird.

Brett Alicia and Abbie are moved and I do miss them. But my other grand kids are still in Houston so I can go see them.

So here I sit no job, no calling, no grand kid next door and its 100 plus degrees outside.

Oh well...my life is a blank canvas waiting for ......should I say trouble he he he.

Stay tuned for more....Mauna

BOOK WREATH AND VINYL

2010-08-21T09:34:00.003-05:00

I am now retired from my job and I am back from helping my kids move and a family reunion.
I am trying to adjust to this life with time to do things.

I saw this wreath made from book pages on the web

here is the link ....http://livingwithlindsay.com/2009/11/librarians-please-avert-your-eyes.html

I loved it and had to make one.
Of course I could not leave well enough alone I had to make it bigger!!! It took 2 1/2 books. I think it was an 18 inch Styrofoam. Instead of leaving it white I sprayed it with a whole bottle of coffee shoppe glimmer mist and I love the look.
I needed something new over the doors in my great room and I thought that would be perfect.
When I got it up there it needed something more so I got out my cricut and some brown vinyl and there you have it.
I love it!!

Well, I still had most of the day left and lots more vinyl so.......I labeled the dog food and treat jars.
That didn't take very long so..........

I
Then I put a rooster on my fridge. My kitchen is done in chickens because my husband works for a chicken company.

I decided I had better stop there with the vinyl for now.

I do have several projects planned...kitchen curtains, baby quilts, Christmas ornaments for an ornament exchange I am in and of course my addiction...more mini albums.

Since I am retired and Abbie doesn't live down the street I will have time to blog again. My husband says I will get bored soon and reminds me that my pay check is missing....hummm.....does that mean less trips to hobby lobby.....dollar store and Goodwill look out!!!!

Thanks for stopping by have a great weekend! Mauna

SNEAK PEEK OF CELEBRATE ME

2010-06-01T15:08:00.000-05:00

Here is a sneak peek at the mini album I am making now. I am going overboard on the glam stuff. Come back and check out the finished product.

Hope everyone had a good holiday...here is mine in a nutshell...barbecued steak and corn on the cob. My corn was awful. Dog (not mine) stole two left over steaks...had to clean carpets. Decided to go to movie...times on computer and times at actual theatre did not match...missed movie. Oh did I mention the water shut off to the house leaked and had to be fixed. We have been trying to find the darn thing for six years...WE FOUND IT!

All in all it was a good holiday...the things that really mattered were there.

Hope your Tuesday is terrific
Mauna

Mini Album for Wedding & Colorado

2010-05-29T13:59:00.002-05:00

Here is a paper bag mini I did for a wedding guest book. Inside each bag pocket are two large tags for the guests to sign or leave a thought that makes 16 double sided. I did this at my daughters wedding and it was a huge hit. It will be fun to see it after they put the photos in.

I used K&Company Ancestry.com paper, it matched the wedding colors the best. I have never met the bride so I didnt get to crazy or go overboard. I like how it turned out! Hope the wedding is perfect!!!

Colorado update: We ended up not getting the house that I posted the pictures of. Just didnt feel right for some reason. We think we have found what will be good for us so we shall see. I haven't seen it just video and since my husband should not quit his day job to become a video person I dont have any great pictures and the web pictures aren't that great either. I will try and see what I can come up with and post later.

Have a great Memorial Weekend!
Mauna

OKAY OKAY OKAY and SOME OF LIFES LESSONS LEARNED

2010-05-12T13:05:00.007-05:00

Everyone is telling me that I need to blog again. Well everyone as in my family maybe a few more.
Now that I am not working and done getting my house ready to sell I do have a few spare moments so I guess I will start again.

Since I am a stay at home woman now or as I like to call it a Domestic Goddess, I decided I needed to brush up on some of my homemaking skills. You know the ones like cooking and cleaning. Trish, my daughter, gave me a yummy choco chip cookie recipe made with pudding. I thought I would dust off the kitchenaid and give it a go. I was doing great....got everything room temp. Was mixing ingredients according to recipe...which I seldom follow a recipe..thinking my domestic skills are still intact. Well guess again....I added flour to the mixer...turned it on......poof flour everywhere...looked like a dust storm. I forgot to put the collar on the bowl to keep that from happening. I had white powder everywhere. Good thing no one was around to see me looking like a ghost. I do have 6 dozen yummy cookies though.

Doug, my hubby, always keeps our drink fridge stocked with the water bottles. Are we spoiled or what. Anyway, he is MIA off and on in Colorado so I decided today I would do it. He usually just brings in the 24 bottle case and plops it on the shelf and we dig out the bottle. Well the domestic goddess me decides I was going to remove the pastic wrapper and put them in the fridge nicely. You know the cardboard box underneath the bottles, I was going to use that to carry them to the fridge. Warning... If you do that you end up with 24 bottles of water all over the floor. Cardboard hugh....try cardstock. After chasing them all over the floor I now have very nice rows of water bottles in my drink fridge. There are alot of things you take for granted when your hubby is always home.

Come back later and I will update on our Colorado house purchase and a mini album I am working on.

It is good to be back blogging.....cheaper than a shrink too!!! Love ya Family

Moving to Colorado and Mini albums

2010-02-20T13:22:00.002-06:00

Okay...why is it that when you get your house the way you want it you move. I have come to the conculsion that I need to leave one room undone just to prevent that. We will be moving as soon as our house sales is the game plan for right now. My husbands company got bought out...he kept his job...many did not...and we are off to Colorado! Less house for more money...but hey...we have a job!!!

I have a new addiction. Mini albums. I have been creating like crazy. I decided I should post pictures of them. Most I have given away already but I will post some pics soon. Love them!!!!

I know I will be showing my house soon but I will still create...I have to or I will go insane. I will just have to try and be clean when I create...how does one do that....I am a big mess....wish me luck!!

BACK TO BLOGGING AGAIN

2010-01-14T16:58:00.000-06:00

I am still alive. I can't believe it has been almost a year since I have posted anything. I have been very busy and have been creating just not posting it. I love doing all kinds of mini albums. I decided it was time to start posting again. This time I am going to post everything I create though. So to start off blogging again here is my new kitchen we just finished up dating. The picture on the left is the only one I could find of before. I forgot to take pics. The one one the right is the redo. We took down a cabinet that was over the counter andmade the counter 10 inches wider. We had blue grey formica countertops - can you say yuck! Now there is granite. The cupboards had light wood doors with and dull off white bases. We painted all of it an antique white high gloss enamel. The walls are now a kaki color. I have already used the counter more....we don't bump our head on the overhead cupboard. I am very happy with how it turned out. We are now on to the master bedroom and bath. I will take some before pictures this time.

THANK YOU FRIEND

2009-02-08T13:41:00.000-06:00

Today's FS challenge on SCS is K Dubrook. Here is the card I choose to CASE I kept the background layout the same but changed the rest. I added ribbon, used flowers and brads, and put a sentiment tag. I also did the inside of the card. Karen has a lot of cute cards!

HOW DID SHE DO THAT??

Stamps: Short and Sweet, Friendship Blossoms
Ink: Chocolate Chip
Paper: Old Olive, KC and Company DP
Tools: MS Border punch, Word Window Punch
Embellishments: Paper Flowers, Brads, Ribbon

Thanks for stopping by. Hope your day is wonderful!!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

MY TWO NEW ADDITIONS

2009-02-04T14:39:00.000-06:00

Meet Abigail and Ty. Okay here is the real reason why I have not been stamping. Can you blame me. Aren't they just the cutest. If you remember they were born 14 days apart. Okay, I am really off to get something done this time. Three posts in one day is a record for me!

See Ya
Mauna

VALENTINE CARD - 2 IN ONE DAY WOW!!!

2009-02-04T13:56:00.005-06:00

I said I was off to create something else. Two in one day can you believe it. I think I am getting back into the swing of things!!! O happy Day!!

I am really happy with this card. My favorite colors might have something to do with it ya think? I haven't done much with this stamp set but I think it has a lot of potential.

I used my SU markers and ink to color this. I used the 1/8 circle punch on the scallop edge punch to give it another dimention. Nothing hard just lots of texture and layers.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?

Stamps: A Little Bit of Happiness and Short and Sweet

Ink: Stazon on Black, certainly celery, Regal Rose, Riding Hood Red

Paper: Basic Black, Certainly Celery, Riding Hood Red

Tools: Cuddlebug, Punches: Wood window, Scallop Edge, 3/4 - 1/2 - 1/8 circle punches dimensional

Embellishments: Certainly Celery ribbon

Have a great day!!

Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD ME!! I FINALLY GOT MY CATALOG!

2009-02-04T13:29:00.000-06:00

A little birdie told me it was Wednesday's Splitcoast Stampers challenge time. I have gotten a little rusty not stamping for awhile. What better way to brush up then a challenge. I sponged the background of the bird. I used chocolate chip, baja breeze and kiwi kiss. You can't really see all the colors in this picture. I didn't want to leave it stark white. On the bird I double loaded the stamp with baja breeze and chocolate uone is my favorite.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?

Stamps: Fresh Cuts, Spring Solitude and MSE Bird
Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze and Stella Ruby by Basic Grey
Tools: Tag punch, Cuddlebug, foam pop up dots

I finally got my SU catalog last Thursday. I didn't think it would ever come. I call and they said they wouldn't send a new on until Feb 2. I have had fun looking through it. Looks better then on the computer!!!

Well I am off to create some more....stamping and sewing....maybe I should post my other creative stuff....what do you think?

Come back again
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

LAMB AND LONG TIME GONE!

2009-01-14T17:50:00.000-06:00

After a couple of months absence I decided it was time to get back into the swing of things.

Here is the card I made for my card swap. The theme is babies. I wanted something that could go either boy or girl
and could also be used for other things besides just babies and this is what I came up with.

It felt good to create again!

HOW DID SHE DO THAT??

Stamp: Warm Words
Ink: Wild Wasibi
Paper: Soft Sky, Whisper White, Basic Black, Wild Wasibi, Pink, Soft Sky DP
Tools: Scallop and 5 petal punches
Embellishment: White seed beads

Hopefully I there is still someone out there who will stop by!!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

IT'S A GIRL!!!

2008-11-02T08:33:00.004-06:00

Okay baby number two arrived on October 30 cute as can be and healthy. My life has been a little nuts lately. Not only did we have babies but my daughter who is a cancer survivor had to have an MRI to check out a few things. It came back normal thank goodness. So I think I can settle down now and get back into my creating groove. I hope to have something this afternoon to show you. I will post pics of my babies later too.
Thanks
Mauna

SOMEHOW I DID IT ALL---and IT'S A BOY!!!!

2008-10-15T14:39:00.003-05:00

Okay, by much prayers I somehow got to do it all. Attend the baby shower at my house. Help some with the moving, drive to Houston and watch the girls for the other babies birth. Yes it's a boy...what to hear the best part...1 hour labor and 4 pushes...lucky girl!!!! 7 lbs 12 oz and 20 1/2 inches of cuteness!!!!!
I am home now.....help move in some more and wait a couple weeks for the next baby to come. Would be nice if it was 1 hour with 4 pushes!!!
I am a little tired but I am the luckiest woman...or should I say grandma!!! Oh, Got to play with the girls too...can't forget to mention them.

I AM READY TO GET INKY AND STAMP........

Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME !

2008-10-11T08:28:00.003-05:00

No baby yet so I get to go to the shower today. After the shower I will jump in the car and head down to Houston. The baby held on for me!!! Last night I helped move some stuff into the new house. So I have somehow accomplished all three things without cloning myself. YEAH! The man up above likes me. To understand all this see previous post. :0)

Got to run...may not have any stamping for a couple of days but I will keep you posted. Now my only worry is the baby wont come while I am in Houston. Come on down baby!!! (and out)

Have a wonderful weekend..give someone a hug!

Inky Hugs~ Mauna

I HAD A FEELING!?!?!?!

2008-10-08T16:53:00.000-05:00

This is the diaper cake I made for my daughter in law's baby shower at my house saturday.
I did the usual.....started out with an idea and ended up with something totally different.
But I like it and she does too....It was supposed to be a surprise but I showed it to her.

Want to know why I showed it to her........
because my other daughter in law is dilated to a 5 and ready have the other baby any minute.
I might be headed out and miss the baby shower at my house. Oh gosh...I had a feeling this would happen.
Oh and the one who's shower is at my house saturday, their new house if finished and they are moving in this weekend too.

Does anyone know how to clone...I need to be two people.

When I was younger I used to think older people were no fun...now I know why....they are tired!!!!

Okay I need to collect myself and get busy...tons to do!!!

Oh yeah....directions for how to make a diaper cake...just google search and there are tons of videos and directions.
I used my cricut to cut the squares, hearts and letters.

Babies, and showers, and moving...OH MY!

Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

MY FIRST SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY

2008-10-06T20:50:00.001-05:00

My upline and friend Nancy Riley is the guest designer at Jen's SFYTT for October.
These two ladies are very talented!!
In honor of Nancy I am trying my first SFYTT. I love this layout!!

You know when I first saw the new SU colors I wasn't all that excited about them but the more I work with them the more I am liking them. I have to admit the big wigs up in headquarters know what they are doing...don't tell I called them big wigs :0)

I seem to have this problem when I am making cards. I wait until the card is all done and then I try to decide where to put the sentiment. Does anyone else have this problem. Sometimes I don't even leave a space for one. Any advice on what you do?

HOW DID SHE DO THAT??

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Fresh cuts and Live Like You Mean It
Ink: Stazon Black, Riding Hood Red, and Kiwi Kiss
Paper: Kiwi Kiss and Bella Rose DP, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red Whisper White and Black
Tools: Cuddlebug
Embellishments: mini black buttons

The inside of the card is stamped with the same flowers along the left edge.

My daughter in law told me my picture looks mean. She says I smile a lot and the picture is not smiling. FYI: I am not mean :0)

Hope everyone had a marvelous Monday and will have a terrific Tuesday.

Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

OK I FINALLY DID IT!!

2008-10-03T11:17:00.003-05:00

As much as I hate to have pictures of myself taken...I finally took a self portrait and posted it.
I like to see what people look like so I figured I might as well bite the bullet and let people see me. Silly isn't it. So here I am in my full glory....

I am glad no one was around to watch me try and take this. My arm isn't long enough to get way far away from my face....I tried stretching by that made me make a funny face LOL
I then tried the timer. Watching the flashing light and waiting for the final picture moment is like waiting for the dentist!!!!! No offense if you're a dentist....:0)

I figure since everyone is posting all this halloween stuff it would be a good time to reveal me..hahahahaha

Have a great day...it's the weekend YAHOOOO
Mauna

LOOK 2 DAYS IN A ROW!!!!

2008-10-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

I got to stamp two days in a row ...go me!!!!!
This card is for SCS196 Wednesday sketch challenge.
It's been awhile since I got to play but things are looking up :0)

I used my cuttlebug to emboss the background. I used a white gel pen to add some dots to the lettering.
It needed some punch. Then I cut a pumpkin out to put over the o for more punch.
You can never have enough punch!!

How did she do that?

Stamps: I got this at my LSS a long time ago
Paper: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, and DP from walmart halloween pack
INk: Stazon Black
Tools: Cuddlebug, photo corners punch
Embellishments: ribbon and buttons from halloween pack, foam pop dots, white gel pen

Boy was it hard to get a picture of this card. I still didn't get a very good one.
I used a new Halloween cuddlebug embossing folder. I put glitter glue in they eyes of the skeletons.
I tried chalking one and it was just a mess!! I really looks alot better in person.

How did she do that?

Stamps: Batty for You
Ink: Craft White
Paper: Whisper White and Basic Black
Tools: Scallop punch, 1 1/2 and 1 1/4 circle punches
Embellishments: white sheer ribbon, pop foam dots and opal glitter glue.

Okay, now I have to get down to business and clean so I can stamp some more tomorrow.
Why is it that housework is never done?????

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

WHAT WAS I THINKING AND 2 SETCHES 4 YOU

2008-09-30T16:38:00.000-05:00

I thought when you got older and your children all left home that you would have more time for yourself. HA HA HA! I don't seem to have any time lately. My evacuated kids went back to Houston and everything there was fine. Thank Goodness!!! My two grandbabies are due to be here withing the next month so I have been busy sewing baby stuff and then a friends mother died and then my son and his wife are trying to get into their new house they built before the baby comes...painting nursery and some landscaping. Anyway...not much card making time.

I finally found some today. I haven't done the 2 Sketches 4 You challenge in 2 or 3 weeks ugh! I like this sketch but I can tell I am alittle rusty! I cut the two swirlly things(don't know what else to call them :0) ) on the blue with my cricut.

How did she do that?

Stamps: Michaels Dollar Spot
Ink: Stazon Black and Pacific Point
Paper: Basic Black, Pacific Point, and DP from LSS
Tools: Cricut
Embellishments: Black Sheer Ribbon and Blue Glitter

I think my life has calmed down so that I can create again! YAHOO!!

Hope you didn't forget about me....come back! LOL
Inky Hugs Mauna

LIVE LIKE YOU MEAN IT!

2008-09-17T22:54:00.001-05:00

I am so happy.....I am stamping!!
My kids from Houston are still here...little ones are asleep.
It's 11:00 pm and I got a new stamp set inked up.

This is today's SCS Challenge 194
It seems like forever since I have done a sketch.

I used all of the new SU colors and then one of the new Hostess stamp sets
I saw the "Live Like You Mean" It and just had to have it.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?

Stamps: Live like you mean it and Pick a Petal
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss and Baja Breeze
Paper: Same as ink colors with whisper white and black
Tools: 3/4 and 1" circle stamps, mat pack, photo corners punch and pop foam dots

Life is busy! Work all day...play with little ones at night...and momma looking like she might have baby while she is evacuated here!!!
They still don't have electricity!!!

Like it says....LIVE LIKE YOU MEAN IT!!

Thanks for stopping by!!!!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

ALIVE AND WELL...WE WERE LUCKY!!!

2008-09-15T22:20:00.004-05:00

Well, we got lucky with this storm. It was really windy and rainy but we kept our electricity and nothing really bad happened. A lot of fallen tree limbs. Everyone around us lost power though. My heart breaks for those who live in Houston and the other hard hit areas. My daughter in law talked to someone in Houston today. No electricity, can't flush toilets, water is not drinkable, 6 hours wait in line for canned food no perishables, no gas for your car. I am so glad I have them here with me and from the sounds of things it might be awhile too.

I got my box of new SU goodies right before the storm hit. I think I might get a chance to play with them now things have calmed down a bit!!!

Thanks for stopping by....enjoy the little things in life!!
Mauna

WE ARE PREPARED AND WAITING!

2008-09-12T16:50:00.002-05:00

I hope this post finds everyone safe and prepared here in Texas. My kids from Houston are here and we are preparing for the storm in East Texas. Got my flashlights and water!! Work has been busy too. I don't know if it is because of the storm or the full moon but everyone wanted to go to the doctor!

Just wanted to post a quick note. Hopefully I will keep my electricity and can post later!

Inky Hugs
Mauna

IT'S A BUCKLE CARD!

2008-09-08T21:44:00.001-05:00

Here it is Monday and I am finally doing Sundays SCS Featured Stamper Challenge. Better late then never I say. Here is the card I chose to case. The Belt Card really caught my eye.

I loved Denise's gallery she has some awesome cards! I will be visiting there again for sure.

I changed the paper, the color scheme, and the stamps. I made the ribbon rose one the belt with my 5/8" regal rose grosgrain ribbon. I usually do them with thinner ribbon but this worked out well. I cut out the leaves in the paper and stuck them behind the rose. I know wild wasabi is no longer with us...too bad...such a nice color...I used it anyway.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?

Stamps: Sanded Background, Think Happy Thoughts
Ink: Black Stazon , Wild Wasabi
Paper: Black, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White, Regal Rose and Porcelain Prints DP
Tools: Window Word punch, Photo Corners punch, Boho Blossoms punch, 11/4 circle punch
scallop punch. MS circle cutter, paper piercing tool, mat pack
Embellishments: Regal rose grosgrain ribbon, black brads.

Looks like another Hurricane is heading toward Texas area. My family may be back sooner than we thought!

My dishwasher is broken so I am off to do dishes the old fashioned way....good way to soak this ink off my hands from stamping!

Inky Hugs~
Mauna

SWEET DREAMS WINDOW DRESSING

2008-09-06T15:36:00.000-05:00

More Bella Rose DP and I finally inked up my Window Dressing stamp set. I wanted to try something new (for me anyway) so I decided to turn my kiwi cardstock on the diagonal and run it thru the crimper and then turn in the opposite direction and run it thru again. It made an interesting texture. I will try this again! It does shrink up your cardstock a little uneven but that is easy enough to cover up.
Some people sketch out their plans before they make a card. I think that is a great idea but my brain doesn't function that way. I just cut and glue as I go. Sometime I make a mess and sometimes I am pleasantly surprised. I do like doing other peoples sketches though.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?

Stamps: Window Dressing and Sweet Dreams
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Pink pirouette Kiwi Kiss and Stazon Black
Paper: Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red and Bella Rose DP
Tools: crimper, photo corners punch, scallop edge punch, 1 3/8 square punch

I really love that fact that SU has paper and ink that match each other. I remember being so frustrated before joining SU. I never could find anything that matched.

I just placed another SU order. In a week Mr. Brown will drop off some goodies. It's always like Christmas when he comes. I have been so busy I am slow to order the new stuff. But as you can see with the previous post my heart was busy elsewhere!!! My family is awesome and I am a very happy woman!!!

Have an awesome weekend....don't blink....it will be gone!!!! I am off to enjoy some sunshine....it has been awhile with the hurricane since we have seen it here in east Texas!

Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

I HAVE NOT FALLEN OFF THE PLANET!!

2008-09-05T11:16:00.002-05:00

These are the cutest two reasons why I haven't done anything this week but play. My grand daughters!!! We have colored, went swimming, feed the fish in the pond, and all kinds of stuff.

They went home and now it is pretty darn quiet around here!

I have also been sewing baby bedding for the two new babies coming. These cuties are getting a brother and my other son and his wife are having a girl.

Today I am going to stamp!!! Then finish crib bumper pads.

Thanks for stopping by and I promise I will have something new later today!

Have a good day! Mauna

LUNCH BAG LIFE

2008-08-27T06:57:00.000-05:00

When I saw this weeks 2 Sketches 4 You and Laura's challenge sketch my mind immediately though of a lunch sack card. So off I went to the art room and this is what I came up with. It took a couple of days but I think it was worth it. I decided to make this about LIFE.
I love the quotes on the inside. One says Don't ever save anything for a special occasion, Being alive is the special occasion. Another one says One of the secrets of a happy live is continuous, small treats. I used a lot of stuff to make this. The base is a lunch sack and then I added coregated cardstock over that. I used my cropadile to punch the holes through all the layers. The points on the corrugated part I make with my photo corners punch. There is a card that pulls out that I didn't take a picture of. It says my happy list to write things in life that make you happy. I will definitely be making more of these. I did make a book that was like this for my daughter's wedding guest book. It was a great hit so I guess you could say I am casing myself.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?

STAMPS: Sweet Dreams, Priceless and LSS $1
INk: I mixed Riding Hood Red and Purely Pomegranate to get the right color and then Stazon on Black
Paper: Lunch Sack, Corrugated cardstock, Black, Whisper White, Wild Asparagus DP
Tools: Cricut, photo corners punch, retro flower punch, mat pack and punch, cropadile, tag punch
Embellishments: Various 3d flowers from spare parts, eyelash thread, twine, bottle cap letters, life themed stickers

I think that is it.

It's Wednesday!!! The half way point yipee!!!
Thanks for coming to my corner of the world....
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

HOUSE WARMING GIFT

2008-08-23T14:05:00.003-05:00

I was checking everyone's blogs this morning and Siliva at mabiestampin had two things published and this cute file box was one of the. Congrats Silvia!!!! When I saw it I knew it would be perfect for my son and his wife who are building a house. They can use it to write down all the info on their house. Paint colors, carpet, plant names, anything they need to keep track of with their house.
My daughter in law likes clean lines and tailored so that is how I tried to keep the file.

It was really easy to follow her tutorial. But I am super messy with glue. No matter how hard I try I get glue everywhere. I think one of my problems is that I don't have the patients to let the glue dry. I want to move on!!! I stuck to the box a few times :0) I used red line tape as much a possible.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?

Stamps: Lovely Letters Alaphabets
Ink: Close to Cocoa and Pacific Point
Paper: Whisper White, Brown and Torquise cardstock, Wild Asparagus DP
Tools: 1, 1 1/4, 1 3/8 squard punch, red line tape, turnbow glue, glue dots, velcro, tab punch
Embellishments: Buttons

It's still gray and rainy here in Texas...can't get any really good pictures....Sorry!!!

I am going to go and try to get all this glue off me and create some more. LOL
Thanks for the visit
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

OLDER THAN DIRT!!!

2008-08-22T14:37:00.000-05:00

Today's Limited Supply challenge at SCS was to break out your old stuff.
This paper is 8 years old. I think that qualifies. Its from back when I was scrapbooking.
Boy does time fly!
I haven't been stamping long enough for a really old stamp
Ibought this awhile ago and it is the first time I have ever used it..ugh!!!
Why do we do that.....buy stuff and then don't use it.
Sorry about the picture......it's really rainy here.....rainy all week!

This was the first week I'm not looking forward to friday.
It means on Monday I have to go back to work after a nice long time off!!!!

Thanks for dropping by...Have a great weekend!!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

WEDNESDAY SCS SKETCH DONE HALLOWEEN STYLE

2008-08-20T16:32:00.001-05:00

I haven't gotten to do the Wednesday SCS Sketch Challenge in awhile. Here is today's SC190 challenge.
I was rummaging through a drawer and found some Halloween Paper for a while ago. I decided to use it today.
I think my ghost needs to be a little bit bigger but that is the only stamp I have at the moment. I didn't want the ghost to be so stark white so I put a little green chalk on him. I colored my candy corns with sharpie markers and a white gel pen. Like they say poor man's copics.

How did she do that?

Stamps: Halloween set from Hobby store (before I knew to keep the company name!)
Ink: Black Stazon
Paper: Halloween paper pack, Tangerine Tango, Black, Whisper White
Tools: Punches: photo corners, scallop, 1 1/4 circle, MS circle cutter, sharpie markers, pop up foam dots

I suppose I had better be a good girl and finish the laundry and get that room ready to paint.
I have to accomplish something major on this break for work...might as well be paint the laundry room.
I have a saying to hang in there after I paint that says "Dull women have immaculate houses" I thought it was funny.

Have a great day...come back again...happy stampin!!!
Mauna

NO VAMPIRE JUST A SKETCH

2008-08-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

No vampire...just "Bella Rose" paper!!
If you read my previous post you will get the no vampire thing.....
Here is my card for this weeks 2 Sketches 4 You .... fun sketch! I decided to try my new "Bella Rose" paper.
Turning the corner with my new scallop edge punch was tricky...I haven't mastered that yet but the second try on the pink was easier than the brown first try.
I used my polka dots and petals stamp and stamped a flower on the pink pirouette. The pink pirouette ink hardly shows up on the same color paper. It's almost the versa mark effect.

I love this green ribbon. I buy it at walmart. It will go with so many of the greens. I use it with then new kiwi kiss, wild wasabi and then old olive. If you are putting it straight on the color cardstock it's not so good but if you put it like I did it does really well.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT?

Stamps: Polka Dots and Petals, Michaels $1 sentiment
Ink: Pink Pirouette and Close to Cocoa
Paper: Bella Rose DP, pink Pirouette, Chocolate Chip
Tools: Scallop edge punch, medium eyelet spring punch and setter, pop up foam dots
Embellishments: Green Ribbon

It's gray and rainy outside...perfect day to stamp! Did I tell you I am off work this week. The office is closed. I won't end up working much in August. I could get used to this. Going to be a killer getting up for work next Monday!

My husband is in the Florida Keys for a business meeting. He has been smack dab in the middle of the storm. Glad it wasn't too bad!!! Hope he can fly home tomorrow. Never a dull moment!

Thanks for stopping by...hope you day is amazing!!!!
Mauna

OKAY....I WILL ADMIT IT!!!

2008-08-19T09:36:00.003-05:00

I am going to confess why I didn't start stamping as soon as I got home....I got sucked into the Bella and Edward story. I heard about the books but I wasnt going to read them...why would I want to read books on vampires! Well, I was at my daughters and couldn't sleep. It was 2 am and sitting on her table was a black and red book called Twilight. There was nothing else to do so I figured what the heck....I will just peek. THE BEGINNING OF THE END!!!! Me who doesn't read finished all 4 books in 9 days. My husband is like what!!!!! You don't read!!!!

Okay there ya have it....I enjoyed every minute.....I confess........now I am back to stamping.
The movie is coming though ;0)

Happy Tuesday and since there is no more books I am off to stamp......my friend said to make a vampire Halloween card!

Come back later and see.......

Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

A CHALLENGE AND AN AWARD

2008-08-18T16:47:00.002-05:00

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!!!

It seems like I haven't stamped in forever...probably because it has been forever!!!
I decided to do Jen del Muro's Sketch for you to try.
I felt a little rusty but I am happy with the way it turned out :0)

How did she do that?

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks and Posies for you
Ink: Blue Bayou, Wild Wasabi and black
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Blue Bayou and Porcelain DP
Tools: Scallop punch, 1 1/2 and 1 1/4 circle punches, foam pop ups
Embellishments: Buttons

I got an award!!!! Amber at Scrapbooking Tink gave me the I Love your Blog award. Thank you Amber!!!
Amber's blog is pretty new to me and I have enjoyed checking it out.

These are the rules that you should follow:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.

2. Link the person you received your award from.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links of those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girl's you nominated.

Here are my 7 ....boy was it hard!!!

1. Nancy Riley at iSTAMP

2. Kim at Paper in the Works

3. Wendy at It's All About Stamping

4. Janine at 2bKrafty

5. Nancy at Paper Smiles

6. Dawn at Dawn's Stampin Thoughts

7. Angie at Chic n' Scratch

These and many more of you ladies inspire me daily!!!!

It's good to be back!!!!

Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

I'M BACK!!!!

2008-08-14T08:45:00.002-05:00

Vacations are nice but it sure is great to be back home!! Yellowstone was amazing. Beautiful!!! Too many people for me though. You couldn't find places to park to go see the sites and then it was like at jammed freeway driving through the park. Kind of hard to be at one with nature.

We spent a zillion dollars on mosquito repellent and never even opened it. Not one bite. I am not complaining at all.

I came home to a box of new stampin up stuff and I am ready to get ink all over me!

It's good to be back!

Mauna

I AM IN SALT LAKE A DAY LATE AND A DOLLAR SHORT!!!!

2008-08-02T20:40:00.004-05:00

I flew into SLC today for a family reunion in Yellow Stone that we are going to. I searched and searched to see a SU person...no signs of anyone...they must have all gone home already. Just my luck....I wanted to finally meet another SU demo.

I will be gone this week....don't bother trying to rob my house...my family is staying there ...LOL

I haven't seen Yellow Stone before. I am hoping to get inspired by nature and come back with some awesome ideas for cards....do you think mosquito bites will inspire me somehow?

If I am anywhere near a computer I will be checking in....have to stay up will all the convention buzz since I couldn't find anyone here.

I will be back.....suffering stamping with drawls....ready to stamp like a mad woman!!!!

Inky Hugs~ Mauna

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CARD !?!?!?!?!

2008-07-31T22:06:00.001-05:00

Well I am not quite sure about this card. This is one I hope I go to sleep and wake up and it looks better. HA!!!!
Have you ever bought DP that you thought was just so cute at the store and then when you got it home you just couldn't make it work. That is what happened with this pink, purple and green flower paper. I think it was really meant for scrapbooking not card making. Oh well, can't love them all!
I used the SCS Wednesday sketch for this card. The sentiment is a SU rub on. The green strips have a flower stamped on them with versamark. The flower I just kept layering. There is 6 layers.

HOW DID SHE DO THAT.....so I won't...LOL

Stamps: Think Happy Thoughts
Ink: Versamark
Paper: Wild Wasabi, Pixie Pink, Purple and DP from LSS
Tools: $1 mini flower punch, Large retro flower punch, large and small daisy punch, 3/4 circle punch, white gel pen
Embellishments: Ribbon, SU rub on

Tomorrow is Friday...Yahoo!!!
I am off to sleep...so my card will look better tomorrow...one can only hope :0)
Glad you stopped by!!
Inky Hugs~ Mauna

MY FIRST MOJO CARD

2008-07-30T13:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!!! I decided to try my first Mojo Monday card. Julee at Poetic Artistry has a sketch every Monday. It was about time I gave it a go. I really like this layout. The picture changed to color of the ribbon...weird!!! It really is bright white. I tried taking several pictures but they all did the same thing. I wanted to use just two colors on this card, something I don't do very often. I have always been told things in threes are more appealing to the eyes. But I really like the way it turned out. I used the Martha Stewart punch in the center of the scallop flower...I finally found out the name of the punch...hydrangea petals. I also used the MS scallop border punch....my SU is in the mail. HURRY MR. BROWN!!!!!!

HOW DID SHE DO THAT???

Stamps: Warm Words
Ink: Real Read
Paper: Whisper White, DP Real Red and Real Red
Tools: MS hydrangea punch, MS scallop border punch, scallop punch 1 and 3/4 Circle punches and word tag punch
Embellishments: white ribbon and glitter glue in red.

Okay I am going to try and stamp some more. I just got back from the ear doctor. I had to have my ear vacuumed out...can you say head spinner!!!!! I think some of my brain got sucked out....it throws off your equilibrium off for awhile......which make you sea sick.
I have teenie tiny ear canals...HA! go figure...the only thing tiny about me LOL. Anywho ...that causes some problems and my ears get plugged. This is the first time though to an ear doctor and the vacuum. So my next stamping project may look dizzy :0)

Have a Marvelous rest of the day and come back soon!!

Inky Hugs Mauna

2 - 4 U AND 1 - 4 ME!!

2008-07-29T19:56:00.001-05:00

This is my card for this weeks 2 sketches 4 U layout.
I sure have had a hard time trying to stamp lately. Every time I sit down to stamp something happens and I have to go running off.

This card is pretty quick and simple. I used the sanded background stamp on the wild wasabi square. The hot pink is all cut with my circut.

How did she do that?

Stamp: Sanded Background
Ink: Wild Wasabi
Paper: DP is Paper Studio from LSS, Wild Wasabi, pink and brown cardstock
Embellishments: buttons
Tools: Cricut

Okay there is still day light and maybe the stamping fairies will be with me and I can do some more tonight....

Glad you came by!!!!
Inky Hugs
Mauna

BLOG AWARD!

2008-07-26T08:49:00.004-05:00

Look what I got!!! Lorri at Confessions of a Stamping Addict gave me this award. Thank you Lorri! Check our her blog she is very talented and fun.

The rules for this award are:

1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.

2. Link to the person who awarded you.

3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4. Put links to those blogs on yours.

5. Leave a message on the blogs of those you've nominated.

I know alot of you have already received this and there are so many of you that amaze me!

Here are the ladies that I think are very talented and I love to visit their blogs.

Tammy at It's all about Stamping!

Erin at S.T.A.R.S.

Dawn at Do Stampin with Dawn

Dannie at Dannie's Designs

Christina at Flowers and Ink

Tara at Stampalicious

Dawn at Dawns Stampin Thoughts

Gosh that was so hard to pick. Look at my side bar and visit all these great blogs!!!

My husband is off golfing...I am home alone....you know what that means.....STAMPING!!!!!!!

Have a great weekend!

Mauna

BRIGHT SUN RAYS

2008-07-25T11:57:00.001-05:00

I have had this stamp for awhile and hadn't done anything with it yet. I also wanted to practice my marker watercoloring technique so I stamped 3 images to practice. When I was done I liked the colors and decided I would do something with them and this is what happened. I say what happened because I had no clue what I was going to do and just kept adding stuff. The amazing part is I like it! Usually when I start out with no idea I am not so thrilled at the finish. I used the dotted swiss cuddlebug emboss folder on the three strips of color and the black circles in the center. Then I ran 1/8 inch ribbon down each strip. The tag I cut on my cricut.

I decided this card would work for 2Sketches4U challenge this week. If you haven't done any of there sketches you should. It's fun to play along!

How did she do that?

Stamps: Stampendous Sun Rays and sentiment is $1 michale's
Ink: Real Red, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Spice and Stazon Black
Paper Real Red, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Spice, Basic Black and Watercolor Paper
Embellishments: Black Brads, 1/8 black ribbon, dimensional
Tools: MS Circle Cutter, cricut, cuddlebug, 3/8 and 1 inch punch, photo corners punch

Are you ready for the weekend!!!! I am. We have nothing planned ahead of time. Just relax and do what we want....could there be stamping :0) Hope it stays that way!!

Thanks for coming to my little corner of the world....enjoy the rest of your day!

Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

PLEASE STOP THE WORLD AND LET ME STAMP!!!

2008-07-23T19:23:00.001-05:00

I have been trying to work on this card since Sunday. I keep getting interrupted, kidnapped, visited .......the list goes on! I finally said everyone else can wait while I finish this tonight!!! I finished it and have to run again. I think I am ready for winter hibernation. SCS featured stamper was Susiestampalot. I cased this card. I changed the colors, direction of circle in center, sentiment arrangement and a few other things.

How did she do that?

Stamp: Think Happy Thoughts
Ink: Close to Cocoa
Paper: Wild Asparagus, Whisper White and Brown Cardstock
Tools: Nestibilities, scallop punch, 1 1/4 and 3/8 circle punches, boho blossoms punch, Martha's butterfly punch, pop up foam dots
Embellishments: Brown Ribbon, white brad

Okay--I must go again. At least I am not bored. Dead tired but not bored!!! :0)

Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to stop by!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

SATURDAY SURPRISE SPRING

2008-07-19T19:10:00.002-05:00

I decided today I would try something new. New for me anyway. I went to Splitcoast Stampers aka SCS and checked out the resources tab. They have tutorials for all kinds of things I decided to try the Spring Card. It's fun to try new things. It's a good thing there are pictures though because a few times I was like huh!?!?!? with the written description. I will be making one of these cards again. They say it fits in a 5 1/2 square envelope.

It is another very hot day here...especially if you are outside working on a fence. Gofer Girl at it again!!!! Gofer Girl got sun burnt...ouch!! We did the double gate today. Needs a few tweeks then we are done. The shed is done and painted the fence is pretty much done...just some dirt moving and landscaping left. We have learned on very important thing with out very first building project. Figure out how much it will cost you....then double it!!! Same thing with time.

How did she do that???

Stamps: Thinks Happy Thoughts
Ink: Wild Wasabi and Blue Bayou
Paper: Porcelain Prints DP, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White and Blue Bayou
Tools: 1 1/4 circle punch, scallop punch, hole punch, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, SU Mat Pack and piercing tool, white gel pen, mini glue dots and foam pop up squares.
Embellishments: Certainly Celery ribbon, thick white thread, silver brads

Do one thing each day that makes you happy!!

Have an amazing weekend and thanks for stopping by!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

ONE SHEET BOX

2008-07-16T19:56:00.001-05:00

I was exploring the SCS Stampin Up gallery last night and came across this amazing little box. It only take one 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of cardstock. Silvia at Mabie Stampin has the cutest example and a tutorial how to make them. It was so quick. I don't have alot of time tonight for embellishing it because I am filling it full of chocolate heading off to give it to a friend in need of cheering up. But you could decorate it any way you wanted. Love it!!!! Thanks Silvia

I put in a jumbo eyelet to put in the ribbon pull. I did it after the box was made. You might want to think about how you will open the box and do it before you glue the box. My cropadile barely made it. But I guess if you had the new Big Bite it wouldn't matter.

How did she do that?

Stamps and Ink: None this time
Paper: Paper Studio from the LSS
Embellishments: Prism Flowers, jumbo eyelet, the jumbo brad and dream I have had so long I don't remember who make them sorry.
Tools: large and small retro flower punch, cropadile, and foam pop up dot

Okay I am off to get the chocolate!!!! I imagine there will be a few peices that just don't make it into the box...:0)

Happy Wednesday to YOu!!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

PS........I just noticed I think this card would make a great box for ATC's

ORANGE AND BLUE MONDAY!!

2008-07-15T20:51:00.000-05:00

It's Monday that means a new 2 sketches 4 you to try.
I cuddlebugged, I crimped, I used the chalkboard technique all kinds of stuff.
I doesn't show up a lot but the blue is cuddlebugged with the circles. I made the scallops with my slit punch. I haven't ordered any new SU yet I wanted to wait and really know what I wanted. I am still on the fence so therefore I had to make my own scallops.
The color dots on the scallops are done with the chalkboard technique. You stamp whisper white craft ink and then before it has a chance to dry you rub your chalks in it. Love the way it looks. You can click on the picture to enlarge it and see more details.
I like the way the colors turned out on this card.

How did she do that?
Stamps: Warm Words and the flower center from Heartfelt thanks
Ink: Whisper White and Basic Black
Paper: Basic Black, Only Orange and Brilliant Blue
Tools: Cuddlebug, Crimper, Slit punch, Corner Rounder, glue dots
Embellishments: Black Brads, Green Ribbon and a black button.
Oh Yeah...my SU Chalks can't forget those!!

If we make it through tomorrow we are half way through the work week...can anyone else tell that it will be a full moon on Friday????
It brings the strange out in people LOL

Thanks for coming to see me!!!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

OKAY I'M OVER IT!!

2008-07-13T00:52:00.002-05:00

I am over my just do the basic stamping...didn't last very long! I have a punch from Martha Stewart that has 1 small flower and two mini ones. I saw it and immediately thought the mini one folded up would make a great flower center. I cut two scallops with my nestabilities, then I cut a one inch circle and covered it with the mini folded up flowers. It's nice when something you picture in your head actually turns out the way you thought. My mind wouldn't shut down to go to sleep until I tried it. Maybe now I can get some shut eye!!

How did she do that?
Stamps: Baroque Motif and Fresh Cuts
Ink: Black Stazon
Paper: Whisper White, Basic Black and Real Red
Embellishments: Black and dotted ribbon, Foam pop dots.

Thanks for coming to see me and sweet dreams!!
Inky Hugs ~ Mauna

NOTHIN BUT WHITE PAPER AND INK!!

2008-07-11T22:12:00.001-05:00

I wanted to challenge myself to do a card with just white paper and ink. Back to the very basics. No color paper, no embellishments, no paper piecing, no punching.....just back to the beginning of stamping. Here is my version of the pick a petal sick guy. I don't own too many sentiments yet...no sympathy or get well things like that. I do have some letters I got from the LSS when I first started. They are kind of big so I couldn't say get well ...soo0....the sentiment is back to the basics too...

U sick....I sorry.
They are much cuter in person...I couldn't get a good picture.

I almost didn't post this.
It's not jaw dropping wow or my best but it was fun doing good ole stamping!!! And I am covered in ink and lovin it!

I inked the edges in black and wild wasabi. I had a small square ink pad I had gotten free somewhere. I don't recommend rubbing it along the edges...it flaked black speckles...another lesson learned!

How did ya do that?
Stamps: Pick a Petal and LSS letters
Ink: Black, Wild Wasabi and Soft Sky
Paper: Whisper White
That's it nothing else.

FRESH CUTS AND SC184

2008-07-09T14:03:00.000-05:00

It has been awhile since I got play along with the SCS Challenges. Today is SC184. I really like this layout.
I cased myself sort of from my June 17th card. I think this is one of my all time favorite color combos.
I covered the inside of the card with ww cardstock and stamped the vine and black flower.

Stamps: Fresh Cuts
Ink: Stazon Black, Versa Mark, River Rock and Real Red
Paper: River Rock, Whisper White and Basic Black
Embellishments: Black Sheer Ribbon, Red Rhinestones and Red eyelash fiber

I am back to gofer girl again...helping put up the fence .
Last night it was my job to hand tools, make sure the top of the slats were level, get drinks and hoe dirt.
All in 98 degree humid weather. FUN!!!!!
No gofer girl tonight....bridal shower to go to. At least it's in the air conditioning :0)

Thanks for coming...have a great rest of the week. We are half way over already!!!!

Inky Hugs~ Mauna