Ribbon and Fabric and Shells.... Oh My!

The first pictures are of all the pretty ribbon I got from one of my favorite stores in Cambria, California. Cambria is a little beach town that I have been to several times for women's retreat for church. There are awesome memories for me there. Well during one of my retreats I stumbled across this little store owned by a retired couple. It has vintage everything! Postcards, ephemera, glass, gadgets, and French and specialty ribbon! The first picture shows some of the scrap ribbon packs she sells for a dollar! Oh My Gosh! and some other ribbons I picked out. I try to get things I don't see around here when I go.



This next picture shows more of my ribbon. Pink and brown, turquoise and brown, pink with "Mon Amie" on it, lavender striped, fleur di lis in pink and black and an old vintage lace card with two kinds of vintage ribbon on it!



The next two pictures are of fabric scraps we got in Arroyo Grande. These were $5.00per bag. We got two bags. The fabric is high quality apolstery and brocade fabrics...





THese next pictures are of some more awesome fabrics we got in Morro Bay. A place called "The Cotton Ball". I have been going there for years! I always shop the remnants baskets. They have a huge selection! We just love it.





These are all the shells we got at Morro Bay. They are so cool. I am gonna embellish some of them and the rest are going in my new bathroom.



And last, but not least...while we were in San Luis Obispo shopping (of course) I went to another favorite store called Paper Sky. I got these cute little envies and ribbon. The bird nest came from Cambria.



Well, I can't wait to use some of my new goodies. I am gonna make some ribbon flowers and fabric flowers too. So stay cool, God Bless, and create something fun! Becs

Home from the Beach and back into the HEAT!

This is the lovely view from our room all week in Avila Beach. It was so cool, the breeze everyday and then listening to the ocean every night! It was so relaxing! It never got above 70 degrees the whole time we were there. I ate fresh fish and clam chowder, went to all of my favorite places and slept. Family and friends joined us during the week, it was great!

I missed my bubba terribly though and I understand he was mad and didn't eat much. Since I have been home, I have not left his sight! What a great feeling to be loved so unconditionally....

I have some pictures to take of some of my goodies I bought....ribbon, shells, fabric... and I will p ost them later.

I had some time to work in Photo Shop and made a few collages





God Bless and have fun creating! Becs

I'm Goin' to The Beach! Avila Beach, California

We are going to the beach for a whole week! It is gonna be so relaxing. The only thing is, it is supposed to be hot over there and we are trying to get away from the heat over here! I am gonna miss my Kody...he can't go beacause the place we are staying does not allow pets. But our neighbor is gonna puppy sit for us. Anyway...I hope to share pictures with you all when I return. Becs

Cassandra's Planning a "Haunted Masquerade Blog Event"

Cassandra over at "My Artful Adventures" is planning a haunted masquerade event. I know it is only July, but she is so excited about this that I thought I would help her get the news out there! Go check out her blog, she talks all about it. And check out her new collages too, They are SOOOOO COOOOL! I am sure she plans to have a scary good time! I know I am looking forward to it myself! Have fun creating and keep cool! Becs

New ATC's

ANOTHER MARIE ANTOINETTE Swap. This time we made lil marie cuties. I have been making ATC's and working in Photoshop. My Marie Cuties for the swap are up above anf these two are just some little girl collage ATC's I made...

Happy 4th of July! God Bless Our Country and Our Troops!

Fourth of July is a day to celebrate our Country's History and honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. It is also a day to remember and to lift up in prayer those that are still fighting for America and our freedom. So sometime today, please take some time to Thank the Lord for these wonderful men and women that have gone before us and will go, those that are in Irag, Afganistan and any other country we have our soldiers stationed. Lord keep them safe and bring them home to their loved ones!

Be safe!

Becs

Carole's Summer Fun Swap

Well I have to say, it is certainly Summer here in Sunny Central California! It has been 100 degrees plus for the last week and I am sweltering! I HATE THE HEAT! I am sure looking forward to vacation at the beach where it is in the 70's and 80's....just two more weeks....

One of the groups I belong to, "ETSY COTTAGE STYLE" hosted a Summer Fun Swap and my partner is Carole, A Bohemian Market I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Carole and get to know a little bit about her. She loves McKenzie Childs pottery and the colors of green and orange. Our swap required a handmade item, an item with flowers and an item with a nest. I made Carole a couple of pieces of jewelry then I made this box and the card for her as well. The card has a picture she had posted on her blog that she really liked so I used it to make a card for her. I had a great time making the box and the jewelry pieces. I hope she likes it.

Wonderland...and Alice

I have been playing in Photo Shop and made this collage....it is different....WHile I was looking at Alice in Wonderland images, I came across the sneak peaks of the new Johnny Depp and Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland film that is set to be released in February 2010. I can't wait! I love Johnny Depp!

Check out the Mad Hatter!



And here is Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Anne Hathaway



The make-up and costumes are outrageaous!

Digital Collage Class by Gail Schmidt

Do you know how frustrating it is to have a graphics program and not have A CLUE how to use it? I had PSP and never really understood how to use it correctly. Then my PC crashed and everyone online I talked to was using Photo Shop. So, on my birthday in April, my sister and Brother-in-law got me Photo Shop Elements 7. YIPPEE!!! I installed it immediately to find that my Vista did not like it. Of course it didn't! Nothing is ever easy with me and PC's....

So I came across Gail Schmidt and her Creative Workshops Ning group. I have never seen such amazing talent in my life.... So I signed up for the Digital Collage class....that was a month ago...LOL After reading everyone's posts, I found that my Vista was not going to allow me to use her videos....

I was elated when Gail sent an email stating she was having issues with the downloads and decided to put her videos on the ning group. YAY and Praise God!!!

So today, I did the first tutorial which is getting to know the tools and layers....My first attempt was the Ghostly Horse....here is my first try....



Well I was hooked, so I spent the rest of the evening on the second lesson called "Cherish" my collage is up above. I really liked the way she turned out although it looks nothing like Gails...LOL

Anyway, I hope to continue making some collages for my altered art and would appreciate any feedback from you all.

If you are interested in tutorials, Gail's group offers many different kinds, and not just digital images....click on the box below or on the right to find out more about her classes.



If you have any tips or stories to share or artwork you want to show off, just post a reply. God Bless You my Friends....Becs

My Royal Crown!

This is my amazing crown made for me by Tristan It was for a swap on Marie Antoinette Mail Art Ning Group. I just adore it! And it looks so pretty on my hand made vintage bear that my dad and mom got for me years ago.



As you can see, I love crowns and Teddy Bears of all kinds! I also had the opportunity to make a crown in the swap for Stephanie Watt a wonderfully talented artist. You can see some of her creations at her flick page.
Here is her fun crown that we be mailed to her tomorrow...





Don't forget....I will be listing another giveaway next week, so please stop back by if you are into making jewlery. It's gonna be a summer fun jewlery kit! God Bless, Becs

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

Thank you everyone for visiting and posting and for sharing your summer plans. I have picked three winners. The first place winner will recive the pictured items. The second and third place winners will receive smaller versions of the goodies posted. If you have not received my email, please email me your mailing address...Congratulations to all!

1ST Place Winner: Karen from Germany

2ND Place Winner: Christina of Sweet Pea Ink

3RD Place Winner: Debra of Shabby Chic Junk

Thanks everyone! Becs

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!!!

My friend Jennifer of "For the Love of A Teddy Bear" has tagged me to list 6 uninteresting things about myself. So here it goes...
1. I love watching dancing and singing reality shows on TV.
2. I love to kiss my dog on the nose about 200 times a day (I think it drives him crazy but her tolerates me)
3. I love to listen to Irish, Scottish and Instrumental Music when I work.
4. I have so many pairs of shoes I don't even know the count.
5. I love to watch my sister paint, she gets paint EVERYWHERE!
6. I love to watch old movies on TV late at night when the house is quiet.

So, there it is. Now I get to pick 6 of my blog friends to list 6 uninteresting things about them that make them smile...

1. Cassandra of My Artful Adventures
2. Tristan of Enchanted Revelry
3. Amada of Over the Top Studios
4. Mimi of Mimi's Rose Chenille Boutique
5. Carole of A Bohemian Market
6. Terri of Artful Affirmations

It's GIVEAWAY Time!

As promised....this is the first of a series of giveaways. I am kicking it off with a crafter's dream of papers, embellishments, ribbons, lace, rhinestones, buttons, flowers, tags, envelopes, feathers, and a pink sparkly crown! There are a few other things not pictured that can be used in mixed media and home crafting.

Ok, here are the rules...Post a comment on my blog about what you are looking forward to this summer. This will get you one chance. Then if you tell another person about my giveaway, and leave me their name in your post, when they post on my blog, you will get another chance. (So if you tell five freinds and they all post then you get five chances plus one for your post.)

This drawing will end on Monday, June 22, 2009 at 12:00 pm (noon) Pacific Standard Time.

Here are some pictures of some of the goodies you will win.

Daddy's Empty Chair...

Good afternoon! I hope you all are having a great weekend. My sister sent me this in an email, and I may have forwarded it on to some of you, but since it is so close to Father's day, and I miss my daddy so much....I thought I would post this here:

Daddy's Empty Chair~
"A man's daughter had asked the local minister to come and pray with her father.

When the minister arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows.

An empty chair sat beside his bed. The minister assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit.

"I guess you were expecting me, he said.

'No, who are you?" said the father.

The minister told him his name and then remarked,

"I saw the empty chair and I figured you knew I was going to show up,"

"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man.

"Would you mind closing the door?" Puzzled, the minister shut the door.

"I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man.

"But all of my life I have never known how to pray.

At church I used to hear the pastor talk about prayer, but it went right over my head."

I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued,

"Until one day four years ago, my best friend said to me,

"Johnny, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus. Here is what I suggest."

"Sit down in a chair; place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair.

It's not spooky because he promised, 'I will be with you always'.

"Then just speak to him in the same way you're doing with me right now."

"So, I tried it and I've liked it so much that I do it a couple of hours every day.

I'm careful though If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me off to the funny farm."

The minister was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey.

Then he prayed with him, anointed him with oil, and returned to the church.

Two nights later the daughter called to tell the minister that her daddy had died that afternoon.

Did he die in peace?" he asked.

Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me how much he loved me and kissed me on the cheek.

When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead.

But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed.

What do you make of that?"

The minister wiped a tear from his eye and said, "I wish we could all go like that."

It is comforting to me to know that my dad was able to talk with Jesus in his last days. He told us all about it. I know Jesus carried him when he could no longer carry himself. To those of you that still have your daddys...take some time during the next week to tell them how much you love and appreciate them.



SUMMER GIVEAWAY COMING!
I am putting together a shabby mixed media goody bag for a giveaway and a summer fun beach themed jewelry kit giveaway. So check back on Monday for pics and giveaway rules!

Time to Vote!

You have GOT to go and look at the amazing entries for the Mind Wide Open Challenge this month! I told you all earlier that I entered my measly little ol ATC. Well you need to go see all the amazing works of art that were submitted. ANd don't forget to vote. You have til the 16th.




Did you notice my cool banner up above? I got the banner from Cassandra "Blogs n such" She has a bunch of cool blog backgrounds, banners and gadgets....just click on the blog name and check them out.

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And I just had to show you these....on Marie Mail Art group we did an ATC binder Jam. There were four of us. One persone started the binders then they went around and each person added more to them. I was the last one so I got to keep mine and send the other three back to the first person who will then mail them out. It was so cool, and the binders are for storing all our ATC's....Very fun....Anyway, the picture above is what the fronts and backs look like.

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I just had to show you all this amazing shrine that Tristan made for the mind wide open challenge. Isn't it beautiful? You can see more of Tristan's amazing work and his incredibly warped but funny swnse of humor on his blog "Enchanted Revelry"

Ta Ta for now....Becs

Marie Antoinette Elegance Enshrined Altered Tin

Once again Marie Antoinette Mail Art group has inspired me with another challenge. This time we made a shrine by altering a tin. I used an Altoid tin, painted it a pale green, then covered it with paper. For the front I used a postcard image, then layered an Eiffel Tower image. I added a brass metal floral piece then added Swarovski Rhinestones to that. I also included a broken earring from my mom's old jewelry stuff. I antiques the edges of the tin, then covered the rim and back with more cardstock.

On the inside cover, I used an image of a young lady reading mail. I added a Fleur di Lis and rhinestone to it and a crown on the young lady.

On the inside of the bottom, I made a 3D collage using french script paper for the backing, and shredded green and pink paper, An image of Marie Antoinette (one of my favorites), then I cut out a window from another image and had the Eiffel Tower pop up. I added millinery flowers, rhinestones, a paper butterfly and a clay rose...


In this swap, all the people signed up then we made the tin for the person after us on the list. My tin has been shipped to Patricia. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did making it! You can check out her art work on her blog, Coquettish Fleur.

"Mind Wide Open" June Challenge

I did it! I entered a challenge at Mind Wide Open. Gail uses the most amazing images for her challenges. I know I am at the basic levels but it is exciting to enter something. She holds one each month. You can click on her link at the box to the right. >>>>>>>>>

Here is a close up of my Wish Fairy. You have to use the image she provides....I immediately thought of a little girl wishing she had a fairy to take her anywhere but where she was.....so I made her a Wish Fairy. I did collage and 3d embellishments...I love her! You can vot on MWO blog on the 8th (I think)...

Here's a close up:

My Marie Altered Tin Shrine

Isn't this lovely? As you all know by now...I LOVE my Marie Antoinette Mail Art group. We had an altered tin swap and Cassandra from "My Artful Adventures" made this wonderfully beautiful tin shrine for me. I took this picture showing it standing upright on a pedestal. It is just stunning! Thank You Cassandra!

BTW, Cassandra is having a giveaway on her blog, so stop by and see how to enter.

She has also added several new blog banners on her new site called "Blogs n Such"

Stay tuned for some new items I am adding to my website, and more fantastic Marie art too!

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for us...

This was emailed to me today. It pierced my heart! Please read... True Story.....

Luke AFB is west of Phoenix and is rapidly being surrounded by civilization that complains about the noise from the base and its planes, forgetting that it was there long before they were. A certain lieutenant colonel at Luke AFB deserves a big pat on the back. Apparently, an individual who lives somewhere near Luke AFB wrote the local paper complaining about a group of F-16s that disturbed his/her day at the mall.

When that individual read the response from a Luke AFB officer, it must Have stung quite a bit.

The complaint:
'Question of the day for Luke Air Force Base:

Whom do we thank for the morning air show? Last Wednesday, at precisely 9:11 A.M, a tight formation of four F-16 jets made a low pass over Arrowhead Mall, continuing west over Bell Road at approximately 500 feet. Imagine our good fortune! Do the Tom Cruise-wannabes feel we need this wake-up call, or were they trying to impress the cashiers at Mervyns early bird special?

Any response would be appreciated.

The response:

Regarding 'A wake-up call from Luke's jets' On June 15, at precisely 9:12 a.m., a perfectly timed four- ship fly by of F-1 6s from the 63rd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base flew over the grave of Capt. Jeremy Fresques. Capt Fresques was an Air Force officer who was previously stationed at Luke Air Force Base and was killed in Iraq on May 30, Memorial Day.

At 9 a. m. on June 15, his family and friends gathered at Sunland Memorial Park in Sun City to mourn the loss of a husband, son and friend. Based on the letter writer's recount of the fly by, and because of the jet noise, I'm sure you didn't hear the 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, or my words to the widow and parents of Capt. Fresques as I gave them their son's flag on behalf of the President of the United States and all those veterans and servicemen and women who understand the sacrifices they have endured..

A four-ship fly by is a display of respect the Air Force gives to those who give their lives in defense of freedom. We are professional aviators and take our jobs seriously, and on June 15 what the letter writer witnessed was four officers lining up to pay their ultimate respects.

The letter writer asks, 'Who m do we thank for the morning air show? The 56th Fighter Wing will make the call for you, and forward your thanks to the widow and parents of Capt Fresques, and thank them for you, for it was in their honor that my pilots flew the most honorable formation of their lives.

Only 2 defining forces have ever offered to die for you....Jesus Christ and the American Soldier.


One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.

Lt. Col. Grant L. Rosensteel, Jr.

USAF

Another Awesome Blog Award

Thank You Nicole of Freshwater Designs for this awesome award! You are so sweet! If you want to se some fun and funky jewelry, visit Nicole's blog and her Etsy Store

Now it's my turn to pass it on... here are the rules:

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

Pass the award to 10 or more other blogs that you love. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

1. Jennifer of "For The Love of a Teddy Bear" for being such a sweetheart and a sister Teddy Bear collector.

2. Stacey of "Shabby Rose Boutique" one of my Shabby Lane Shops Neighbors and lover of all things shabby.

3. Victoria of "Victoria's Rose Cottage"An amazing graphic artist with some of the best web designs out there.

4. Vickie of "Victoria's Shabby Cottage" visit her website for some amazingly beautiful web designs (she and Victoria made my website)

5. Catherine of Isabella's Roses and founder/leader of Shabby Lane Shops", THE BEST online shopping mall anywhere!

6. Mrs. Charlotte of "Mrs. Charlotte's Boutique" A wonderful woman with a love for all things shabby and vintage

7. Debbi of "Marion Berry Cottage" who makes the most beautiful shabby chic towels and pillows and other goodies.

8. Margie of "Artistic Glass and More" one of my Shabby Lane Shops' Ning group neighbors!

9. Mimi's Rose Chenille Boutique" for wonderful fabric and chenille clothes.

10. Bunny of "B. Catherine Designs"

So, check out these blogs and visit their shops, I am sure you will find something you cannot live without!

Altered book Swap for Marie Antoinette Mail art group

Doesn't this cupcake look yummy? It is one of my pages for Corrine's cutest book for the Marie Antoinette Mail Art group swap. We are sending our books around the country having each other do pages in them. I did this page for Corrine by making circles from cardstock and gluing them on like icing. I added glitter, ribbon and roses with a banner that says, "Let them eat cake".


This page is the second one. I used ruffled crepe paper, german glass glitter and then collaged with postcard, vintage lace, and one of my favorite Marie style images.

I also got to finish my pages for Rona's book for the swap as well.


This first one I used silk Rose petals and a piece of Vintage lace. Then I layered an image of Marie and some roses over the roses. I added glitter and paper roses as well.

This next page is my second one in Rona's book.


I used a background cardstock with cupcakes all over it. I added a collaged image of Marie with a cupcake and embellished it with glitter rhinestones.

I had alot of fun doing these and can't wait to get the rest of them! If you have never been a part of an art swap like this you really should go for it! talk to ya soon! And Happy Memorial Day!