Huge Giveaway Ends Today!

Happyexpressions.blogspot.com has a huge awesome candy basket that she is giving away.  Today is the last day to enter!  It is her blogiversary.  Congrats!  Good luck to everyone who enters!  Sorry about the late notice, but I just found out about it.

I just watched the fireworks put on by Quaker Stake and Lube in Sharon, PA, and they were beautiful!

This is just a sample!

The pics were taken from our front porch, so they were much bigger if you were closer.

I'm busy working on my Etsy order, and it's coming along great.  We're putting our canopy up tomorrow for the fourth.  We may go to the beach for a while, who knows?  I haven't been to the beach in years.  It's been too long.

I'm looking forward to getting back to scrapping again in a couple of weeks.  I need to go to the store and scrap again for a while.  While my room is being renovated, I think it's easier to scrap there.  I'm putting off the renovation for a few months while I purchase a spinning wheel.  The wheel has been on my wish list for years, and I found one that I can actually afford!  I'm jumping on it with both feet!

I can't wait to start spinning my own yarn!  I want to make my creations, and dye them to my specifications and desires.  I think it will be much cheaper in the long run to make my own skeins.  Who knows, some of my skeins may appear on my Etsy store if I get good enough.  I just need to find some sheep & alpaca farmers that are local and are willing to wheel and deal!

I felt much better today.  I was actually able to get some housecleaning done.  Yeah!  I had to sort through my yarn stash and organize it.  I'm starting to get quite a collection of magazines and books.  I'm going to have to find a home for them.  I'm thinking of getting rid of about 200 books, because I have my e reader.  I figure that I'll never be able to read all my books on that let alone what I have on the bookshelf.  I just want to keep my faves.  What do you think?

Have a nice weekend!

Happy Scrappin & Hookin,

Michelle

First Sale on Etsy!

I'm so excited!  I made my first sale on Etsy, and I'm negotiating my second!  I sold the Cricut Cartridge, but I still have the the Sizzix embossing equipment for sale.  Go view my Etsy store, and take a look at the 2 new kitchen dishcloths and the stuffed kitty that I crocheted and have for sale!  If you e-mail me and say that you saw my blog, I'll give you a 10% discount!

I didn't get much done today.  I'm lucky I got the dishes done. :)  I thought about scrapping, but I just don't have the energy today.  I'm going to work on crocheting my delta lace project.  I'm still just beginning it, but it's already pretty!  I'm using Simply Soft Caron in Yellow.  I decided to increase the number of stitches in the foundation crochet to be sure that it fits.  One Size DOES NOT fit all!  I really hate when they say that.  Nothing makes you feel like Big Bertha when you can't fit into a one size fits all piece of clothing.

It's over 90 degrees here in PA today.  My dumb dog wants to stay outside all day.  Typical beagle.  I worry about the heat, and he just plops down in the hot sun and looks dead!  I make him come in the air conditioning, because he had kennel cough, and as a result he now has asthma really bad.  He can't even go for walks in the summer.  Both of my male dogs have had kennel cough, and have that problem.  I'm glad we have a fenced in yard, or they would never get exercise.

Notice in the last pic that My dh is holding Cinnamon?  He's terrified of the camera.  He thinks that thunder and lightning is coming out of it, and refuses to get his photo taken!

Let me know what the weather is like in your area.  I love to hear about different parts of the world.  Let me know what your working on.

Happy Scrappin & Hookin,

Michelle

Peach Cheap Giveaway!

Peachy Cheap is having a $100 giveaway on Facebook!  All you have to do is like them, and leave a comment.

I went up on Ravelry.com to organize my yarn stash and projects.  I spent hours looking for free patterns.  It always amazes me how someone can turn crochet or knit pieces into works of art!  Some of the projects are just beautiful!  I'm starting to get bored with the knifty knitter, so I'm starting another project, and I'll work between the two.

There is a ScrapArt Tour in Mars, PA on July 15 or 16, and I will be there.  There will be stamping vendors from all over the US selling at discount.  I can't wait.  I'm debating on going to the $30 scrapping session.  You get a goodie bag, and 7 or 8 make and takes.  That's quite a bit, but I have my eye on a spinning wheel that I want right now.  I have to keep reminding myself that I can't do everything at once.  Someone was selling their Cricut Imagine for $100!  I think it went fast, because I couldn't get them to return my email, or I would have it!

Don't forget, I have a Cricut Paperdoll Dress-up cartridge, Sizzix Sidekick, & Sizzix embossing purse for sale.  I would like to get at least $15 for the cart and $10 for the purse, but I will take offers.

I did color the cards that I stamped the other day, but I have yet to add embellies.  I chose to play with my dog outside and stay away from the crafts and computer today.

I still have to make decorations for the Fourth yet.  We are planning to invite our friends over for a picnic.  I want to have some decorations make up to make it more festive.  I only have 2 Fourth of July stamps, and no carts for the Cricut.  I will have to be inventive.

Happy Scrappin & Stampin,

Michelle

Fibromyalgia

I have been dizzy and sick off and on throughout the day for the past 2 months.  The doctors are still running tests to try to figure out what is wrong with me.  I think that I finally figured it out!  It's pain!  I have grown so used to being in pain and ignoring it, that it's been getting me sick when my pain levels are getting too high.  Lately, my arthritis has been really bad, it helped me figure it out.  One minute I feel like I can do anything (Doesn't last long), and the next, I feel like laying down and being put out of my misery!  No, I'm not exaggerating.  I just wanted to put it out there in case someone else is going through the same thing.  They have me scheduled for a brain scan, but I know there's no tumor or anything.  I have the scans every so many years due to migraines.


Thank you for encouraging my DH to build my desk, and remodel my scrapbook room.  I currently have to carry my stuff downstairs to my living room, and sit on the floor or armchair to scrap!  By the time I get everything downstairs, I"m all wore out.  


I did work on some cards yesterday.  I stamped some Christmas, Fourth of July, and Halloween cards.  I wanted to add embellies and color them either with pencils or markers to finish them off, and then I will post pics of some of them.  I want to submit the Christmas ones, if they turn out nice to some magazine submissions.  I decided that I need to get published.  Why not?  If I want to be on a design team, I decided it would help if I had some designs that were published.  


I'm about halfway done with the wrap that I'm working on with the loom.  I'm using Lion Brand Homespun yarn with the Prairie colorway.  I love the light colors that are turning up as I weave.  I'm debating on putting on some fringe when it's done.  I think I'm going to add a flower for decoration.  


For the scrapbooking crowd, I noticed that crocheted flowers are hot right now.  I crochet my own for a few pennies each, that look identical to the ones that are being sold for $4-6 for 4 flowers.  Would anyone be interested in buying crocheted flowers off of Etsy cheap?  I can do any color, or color combo.  I can do different flowers, vines, leaves, etc.  I can even do bugs!  Of course, you do your own by looking up patterns and using crochet thread to make them yourself.  


I still have the Cricut Paper Cut Dolls Dress-Up Cartridge for sale.  Make an offer.  I only used it once or twice.  It will come with the box and instruction booklet, as well as the rubber pad.  I never uploaded it to a gypsy as I don't have one, so you will be able to do so.

I also have a Sizzix purse that I'm selling. The plates come with it.  I just don't have them in the pic.  I have a Bigshot, and I no longer need the purse.  Make an offer.

I have a Sizzix Sidekick that I'm selling as well.  Make an offer.

That's all I have for now.


Happy Scrappin & Hookin,


Michelle

WIP

I am currently working on my Knifty Knitter, and I have never used the big one that I bought.  I am using a thick soft yarn (can't think of the name), and it's turning out to be real pretty.  I haven't figured out what it's going to be yet.  Here is a pic so far:

I'm so excited to try Delta crochet!  I might just start tonight.  I have to look and see if I have any yarn that will work.  I want the right color for the project I mentioned in the last post.  I also want to do a little card making and scrapping if time allows.  I've been actually getting some housework done for a change.  Go figure!  Now it's time for some fun!  I'm thinking of doing some fun things for the fourth, but I also want to work on some things for Christmas.  I know it's early, but I want to apply for some of the magazines for publication.  Who knows, I might actually get published.  Little update on the Shibaguyzs Designs, I did not get position that they had available.  They did tell me to reapply in 4 months though.  There are people whom they told not to reapply.  I thought that they might tell me this as I never had to block a swatch in my life.  They did not turn out too well.   It was a lot harder than I thought to crochet a swatch without a pic to see what it should look like when your done.  I found that I had a lot trouble doing this, and it took me a few times before it turned out nice.  Oh well, I don't mind practicing. :)  I have another shawl that is 3/4 of the way completed, but I have to get more yarn payday to complete it.  Can't wait to see the finished product, let alone wear it!

There is a Scrap/Stamp Art Tour in Mars, PA in July.  I will be there with a friend.  I hope to see you there! I hope the scrapping Friday isn't sold out yet!  I'd love to go on Friday with all of the make and takes that they have along with the prizes.

I need some more stamps.  I need larger stamps that I can use for cardmaking and can color with colored pencils or markers.  Most of mine are too small or not appropriate.

Happy Scrappin & Hookin,

Michelle

I'm Selling my Cricut Dress-Up Dolls Cartridge and Sizzix Purse!

Say hello to Calico!  She was finished last week, and she is dressed for France.  She has a little red beret too, but it fell off and it's so tiny that I mislocated it.

She also is sporting a tote with cherries on it, and a companion duck! LOL!  I also completed a floppy summer hat crocheted with cotton, but it looks much better on.

I am currently playing with my Knifty Knitting Loom while I am waiting for some books that I ordered from Annie's Attic.  (I almost wrote Auntie Anne's, the pretzel place--LOL!)  My mind is going with the fibro again!  I ordered 3 crochet books and a christmas card book about a week ago.  I'm anxiously waiting for them.  I have decided that I'm going to purge some of my craft stash, in order to buy what I really need.  I have a Cricut Dress-up Dolls cartridge that I am selling for $15 plus shipping.  (It shouldn't cost much)  It has never been put on a gypsy since I don't own one.  I have 2 of these carts.  Both were gifts, and I can definitely get rid of one.  I have rarely if ever used this cart, and it comes with the box, instructions, and of course the pad.  I have the Sizzix Embossing Purse that retails in the store for $30, and I am selling mine for $15 plus shipping.  I used it once or twice, and then got my BigShot for Christmas.  I can send pics upon request.  I just haven't taken them as I just decided to do this.

I am thinking of having an online class for $10 that will teach you how to make your own embossing folders using your Cricut and die cut machines.  Classes that will teach you how to reuse the hard plastic on the packages you buy, to make gifts, cards, and other items.  Card classes, LO classes, crochet classes.  All of these classes would be online.  Is there any interest for this?  Please give me feedback.  I am all for learning how to do things for free or close to free instead of spending a fortune as I am not rich!  I'm sure most of you are not too!

I am looking for an used gypsy that works well.  If you have one, please contact me.  I am also looking for roving (wool), alpaca fur, etc, that can be spun on a spinning wheel from local farmers or any farmers shipped at a reasonable price or for barter.

Happy Scrappin & Hookin,

Michelle

Free Paper from Colorbok!

Colorbok has a new membership panel that you can join, and for participation you will receive a paper pack to get you started!  Periodically, you will receive products to test or review just for being a member.  Go to their facebook page and sign up by taking the survey!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Colorb%C3%B6k/112716942577

I was outside the other day, and I took some pics of my yellow roses.  I bought these roses from Sam's Club for $4, and now they're almost taller than me!  I have to prune them back this year.  I'm not sure how to go about it without killing them.  Any advice would be appreciated.

The above LO was completed with paper donated by DCWV.  I'm not sure which paper stack it was from since they sent me paper from mixed stacks.  I used a Sizzix flower die-cut to cut the flower and I used the center of the flower on the page as well.  I used a BoBunny butterfly button and glued it inside the large pink flower.  I embossed the cardstock as well as punched the corners with a punch on the cardstock behind the picture.  I used a creative memories corner rounder punch on the picture.  I used a peel and stick ribbon from the dollar store.  I also used a cute cone brad from a travel pack that was bought at Ollie's a year ago.

A lot of people think you have to spend a lot of money on paper and glue.  However, I went shopping today at the dollar store and scored!

All of this cost $5!  I bought pastel cardstock (acid free) 12x12 and 8x10 (both match!).  I bought 100 sticky large sticky squares that I will probably cut up smaller.  The bags are different sizes and are resealable.  I will also use these for jewelry making and crochet jewelry.  The scotch scissors are for my crochet and knitting, but would have cost $5 or more in a regular store.  They also had Jolee stickers, inks, beads, more cardstock, you name it!

I had a heck of a time with a certain bank.  I'll give you a hint (it has 3 letters), in the western PA area.  Their policy is that if an unauthorized transaction is pending, they will withdraw the funds from your account, and if funds are unavailable, then you will receive overdraft fees on your account.  The overdraft fees are YOUR responsibility!!!  It is a courtesy, and totally up to the rep as to whether or not they reverse these fees if the transaction never goes thru.  If the transaction never goes thru, you can't contest it and the overdraft fees won't be reversed or included in the fraud.

It is quite a racket that this particular bank has going.  They could only tell me the state and city the company was located in.  They didn't have a legitimate address or phone number.  However, I was able to email them and threatened them with a lawsuit for the overdraft fees and pain and suffering if they didn't remove it from my account, because the longer it was there, the more the overdraft fees.  By this time, it was the 3rd time contacting this particular bank.  I happen to know that 2 other banks do not operate like this, and would not let the customer get shafted because a computer can not tell the difference between a fraudulent pending draft and a real one.  I must also tell you that the customer service and management online was rude and disrepectful implying that I probably authorized it and was lying, and continued to put me down for over an hour!

Long story short, I just had it fixed today, after the company removed the pending authorization, and after the 4th time contacting the bank.  However, I believe that I will no longer be a customer.  I will find a bank with more ethical practices and urge you to do the same, especially if you are on a budget as well.  I urge everyone that reads this to check your bank policies on fraudulent charges pending, and write to your bank or switch banks if they have the same practice!!!!  If enough people do this, they will change this policy, because they do not want to lose our business.

Happy Hookin & Scrappin,

Michelle

Chosen for the DCWV contest

I was chosen with 24 other people to enter the DCWV contest in collaboration with May Arts Ribbons.  I received tons of paper and ribbon, and I made an album.  I had 2 boards that had ink resistant designs on them, and I used ink on them.  I rubbed the extra ink off with a paper towel.  I used cardboard for my pages, and I will spray the entire album with a preservative spray.  I loved the die-cuts that were part of the paper pack, and I cut some of my images out from the paper to use as die-cuts.  Here is the finished album.

Hope you enjoyed that!  I didn't win, but I had a lot of fun.  I learned that I need to step my game up to win. I just learned how to make my own embossing folders, using my cricut and my die-cuts, and I plan to share this with you.

I am currently working on the knitting Loom making a scarf for the first time on the long loom.  I want to do this to see how I can figure out how to make an afghan.  I want to start building up my stash, so that I can enter one of the shows next season.  Suggestions are welcome, since I have never done so before.  I think I may do some papercrafting as well.  I'm really interested in pergammano  (don't think it's spelled right), and I'd really like to add it to my card making skills.  DH and I are both really sick right now, and haven't been doing anything.  I can't wait to feel better so that I can go to the beach and make a sand castle.  I would love to have a cook-out.  I plan to get the gas tank filled for our grill for the 4th of July for a picnic.  I would love to take the boat out too, but unfortunately not until after the 4th.  Our boat is bigger and faster and a whole lot funner than the the one pictured here.  I'm sure you'll see pics later.

DCWV is having a Design Team call.  I entered, and they will announce it in July.  I hope you enter.  Competition is fierce, so I don't really expect to win, but it's good experience to apply.

Let me know what you have on your hooks!

Happy Scrappin & Hookin,

Michelle

Mother's Day Card and WIP

I know Mother's day is past and Father's day is coming up, however, I actually bought a Father's day card.  I found one that I couldn't resist!  I made a card for my mom, and I remembered to get a picture before I gave it to her.

I used the Winnie the Pooh and Friends cart.  I think the log was 4 1/2 inches and Pooh was cut at 3 1/2 inches.  I used the layer function with Pooh.  This card was very easy to make!    I made another one for my mother-in-law.  I lost my mother's day present though.  Do you ever do that?  I cleaned, and I put her gift up in a safe place.  When I went to wrap it, I ended searching for hours, and I finally gave up.  I figure it will turn up eventually.  I was disappointed though.  I really was excited to give her gift.


My sister earned her second MA in working and teaching learning disabled children.  I made a teal and yellow shawl that can also be used as a cowl.  Here is a pic:

I'm currently working on another shawl for me, a kitty, a summer hat, etc.  I'm starting to get bored.  I haven't been feeling well, and all I've been doing is crocheting!  I entered a contest put on by DCWV and Maya Roads, and I made a scrapbook.  I wasn't able to enter my pics on time, however, and they aren't posted.  I'm having difficulty sending them to them.  They don't want to attach to my email!  I did all that work, and I can't even show off!!!  I post pics next time.

Happy Scrapping and Hooking,

Michelle