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

Finished Objects with Pics

I went scrapbooking Friday, and I worked on some pages,then I got bored.  I had bought a mini tray that contained boxes made by Tim Holtz for $3.50.  I decided to get that out and decorate it.  I used 3 Gypsies paper on the outside.  I used paper from Tuesday Morning on the inside boxes, and I used Tim Holtz distress inks on the inside of the boxes with tissue paper to apply it to get it in the nooks and crannies.  I think it came out nice.  I'm not going to put anything inside until I find the perfect trinkets to represent me.  I may even use some of my jewelry.  Here are the pics:

I recently crocheted a purse out of Red Heart Super Saver yarn using a pattern from Crochet magazine.  I decided to add a liner on the inside.  I made some changes to the pattern.  It called for 2 crocheted handles, and I bought a handle and only used one handle.  I also had some difficulty with the bobbles.  The article said to push the bobbles to the right side out; however, they don't want to stay. It still turned out pretty will though.  I just put all of my stuff in, and I will be using it.  It's much too pretty not to.

I am currently working on knitting a shawl.  It will be my first.  The pattern is from Vogue Knitting magazine, and I'm using wool yarn.  It already looks a little different from the picture, but I think it might be due to less tension on my part.  You can see the pattern in my knit.

I will be going scrappin again this Friday again.  I will have so much to show everyone.  I am starting on the books that I did years ago that aren't good for the pictures.  I want to put them on acid free paper.  We should be getting some new pics of our new boat soon if the weather turns nice.  My dh and I are wanting to get the boat out and have some fun and of course I'm looking forward to going swimming.  I hope that I can still swim in the lake with my fibro.  I hope that it's not too cold for me.  My dh make dinner for us tonite.  Ham and mac-n-cheese.  Neither of us is feeling well tonite.  Hope we feel better by Wednesday.  My parents are taking us out for dinner if everyone is up to it.

Happy Scrappin & Hookin,

Michelle

Scrapbooking With Family & Friends

I went scrapbooking with my mother and friend today for about 5 hours.  We had such a nice time.  I managed to start and finish a calendar, about 6 to 8 pages from last Christmas, and then we had dinner out.  We stopped by Tuesday Morning on the way home, and they have Colorblok Album kits on sale for $7!  I bought a black and white album kit.  I also bought hinges for an album and a tiny tray with the square blocks.  Both are Tim Holtz.  I spent $12 total!  I also spent about $7 at Scrapbooking Expressions.  I'll take some pics and show you later.  I'm way too tired and hurting too bad tonite.  I was baking the other nite, and something went to fall.  I whipped my head around to see what it was and catch it, and I gave myself whiplash!  Go figures.  I pulled all the muscles in my neck, chest, shoulders, and back.  The doc cracked my neck back into place, but I have to go to physical therapy.  I hate going to pt!

I am going to a scrapbooking session Friday night from 5pm to 11pm.  I'm so excited!  I'm a little disappointed with myself though.  I spent all of my money before I got to go to the knitting festival.  I was really looking forward to it.  I just can't afford it right now.  I did buy a wonderful crochet magazine and a knitting magazine and some yarn for a couple of projects.  That should last me this month.  I am knitting a wool summer shawl.  It will probably end up as a Christmas gift.  Anything you see on my blog or etsy can be made to order.  (just saying) :) I want to get to the point where I am designing my own crochet and knit projects. 

I really need to either start making albums or buying them.  I have way too many loose pages laying around.  I can't seem to keep up with them money wise.  I'm always too busy buying more product and developing more pics.  :)  Anyone else have that problem?

Gotta go.  It's getting late.

Happy Hookin & Scrappin,

Michelle

New Layouts!

I have some Christmas LOs that I worked on recently.

Karen Foster Designs paper, K & Company embellies, & paper from my stash.

Paper from my stash, K& Company embellies.

Paper from my stash, K&Company embellies, white gel pen.

Paper from my stash, white doily, embellies.

Here is a picture of the tank top size 2x that I crocheted, but I think it's more of a 3x!

I will have more tomorrow!

Happy Hookin & Scrappin,

Michelle

Discount on Etsy.com

I am having a 20% discount on all my products on etsy.com.  My shop is Cropperhopperstuff.  Please use the  coupon code GRDOPNG when making your purchase.


I am currently working on a crocheted purse with cables and bobbles.  I just finished a pumpkin potholder.  I was supposed to go scrapbooking today, but I wasn't up to it. 

I recently purchase the Lemon Flower Stack paper pack from DCWV.  I love the yellows and green.  I also love the glitter!  I felt like buying something to represent spring.
 

I learned how to make my own binding for a small scrapbook, and I am putting together a Christmas album.  I like to use the miniature tree decorations for bling.  I get them off season at 90% off at Pat Cataan's.  Go to the back corner of the store, and that's where they usually keep them year round.  They will also add other seasonal items such as Valentine's Day to the pile throughout the year.

Happy Scrappin & Hookin,

Michelle

WIPs

I just finished a scarf that I'm giving my mother for her birthday tomorrow.  I haven't finished the tank top yet, because I lost the instructions.  I'm thinking of modifying the bottom since I have most of it finished.  I am working on a tee-shirt (crochet).  I don't currently have anything on my needles, but I have recently purchased a tatting shuttle.  I want to learn how to use it. 

I will be attending the Knitter's Fantasy Festival in Youngstown, OH on April 10th or 12th.  I have to look up the date.  I won't be able to take any classes, but I am looking forward to buying quality yarns in bulk.  I also love the swap that they have.  I have to go through my stash to see what I can swap. 

I will try to post pics of my latest scrapping efforts.  Plus, I have a haul to show you.  I received a gift card for $20 to Pat Cataan's for my B-day (March 21st), and I shopped for 2 hours all by myself.  I rarely get the chance to go shopping without my dh.  I had so much fun browsing.  I will be experimenting with white canvas cloth during my next scrapping adventure.  I am supposed to go scrapping this Friday, but we will see how both I and my mother are feeling.  We both have fibromyalgia, and neither of us feels well presently. 

I am loving the new blog Stitch and Unwind!  I love the patterns and the contests that they are having.  When I reach 50 subscribers, I will have some candy to give away.  I haven't decided what yet, but it will be good.

That's it for now.  I hope that I can share some pics to go along with my blog tomorrow.

Happy Scrappin and Hookin,

Michelle