Day 27 : 01-27-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
This gorgeous, old, stately oak tree stands majestically awaiting the night.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Princess Card AND...
Oh my... it's been an awfully long time since I've played here... I am BACK! Ahhhh.... home. I definitely have some catching up to do with projects I've made and not posted. Oh well... A step at a time! :)
I have had the most fun the last couple of days working on a card project. I am the lucky aunt of many darling nieces that LOVE princess things. I had to create something that would be good for their birthdays this year! (Of course, I've already missed a couple of the princess nieces birthday's this year and sent them store bought *gasp* cards... I will most likely have to make up for that!)
This is what I came up with:
I can't think of many little girls who wouldn't LOVE getting a card like this! And the kicker is... after they read the pop-up "Happy Birthday" inside and my little personal message they get to WEAR IT LIKE A CROWN!!!! If you have seen any of my other cards you already know of my obsession of making cards that are "2 in 1!"
OK... Hold me back... Isn't that just adorable?!!! (Mainly because my beautiful and oh so patient daughter is modeling!) I am so excited with how it all turned out! Yippee!
This was a fairly simple project, after figuring out what I was going to do... Now that I have everything like I want, the next ones should go a little faster.
The Details & Supplies:
Silhouette Cameo (I LOVE this machine!!)
Card Stock - I used two colors
Xyron Sticker Maker
Fiskars Cutting Board & Martha Stewart Scoring Board (Great Tool!)
Scissors
Turbo Tacky Glue
Gold Pen-touch Marker
Assorted "Jewels"
Tiny Hole Punch
Elastic Cord
I am a relative newbie to the Silhouette Cameo... I have had it long enough to TOTALLY love it however! I have created some of my own designs and I have altered many designs to what I wanted... I have total creative reign! Ahhhh... the power.... :) It truly is amazing!
I used two shape designs for this project:
I opened up the Crown Card shape in the Silhouette software and I resized both elements so that the card shape would completely fill my 12" x 12" paper. I then opened the "Happy Birthday" phrase on a new document. I selected those elements and adjusted the size to what I thought would be perfect for my pop-up element. I copied these and pasted them on to the same document as the crown/card. I did it this way because I plan on making multiples of this card so I will cut out all the elements in two different card stock colors. Then mix and match the pieces for 2 cards. If you want to make one card only then you will need to separate your card elements by colors on separate documents or deselect elements to cut. Now... let that lovely Silhouette Cameo cut out your elements!
I used my trusty Gold Pen-Touch Marker to outline the filigree part of the crown. Ran it and the phrase (top word piece only) through my Xyron. Of course plain old glue works great here too! Just a little trickier on the tiny script. (Another option is to use the fabulous sticker card stock from the Silhouette store! Sometimes I make my own sticker paper before cutting... It works great!) Place the sticky pieces on their mates.
Now.... Here's where the Pop-Up element begins! I ADORE pop-up cards and I use lots of different techniques. This time I used the "floating layer technique." This is one of my favorite! (OK... I admit it... They are ALL my favorites!) I love how the floating layers technique makes the design appear to "float" in mid-air!
Here's how I did it for this card. First you begin by making the supports. Using scraps from the card base colored card stock I cut a piece 4 1/2" x 1". Scored down the length of this 1/4" from each edge.
I then cut the long strip into 3 @ 1 1/2" lengths. Turned the strips over and scored across the width in half at 3/4". (My photos show these dimensions... I may adjust them to make the supports a little smaller for my subsequent cards.)
Take each strip and make a small cut up the mid crease of each strip, to separate the hem and create the support "feet."
Apply glue to one half of the inner face only (not feet) of each support. Close the support and press the two faces together. This completes the support form.
Carefully glue the base of one support EXACTLY over the gutter crease on the card. Glue the other two (one on each side of the center) down in line with the center. This is a small design so the support feet will be touching each other.
Crease your "Happy Birthday" phrase down the middle. Apply glue ONLY to the central support and carefully join the central crease of the layer to the central crease of the support.
Apply glue to the other supports... Flatten all three to the left (careful not to let the glue touch the underside of the floating layer yet!) Once all three supports are flattened to the left carefully lower the phrase layer onto the glued supports so that the whole structure lays flat. Make sure the glue adheres and then carefully pull the structure upright.
Yippee! A POP-UP!!
Here's what the card looks like at this point...
Now for the fun decorating! Glue all the jewels you like onto the front of the card. Ahhhh.... ssoooo sparrrkkklllyy!
What about making it a crown?! Use a small hole punch and make a hole on each side of the back piece of the card only. About an inch up from the bottom or so. Thread the elastic cord through, tie a knot... I also punched out a larger circle of matching card stock to glue over the ends of the elastic cord to tidy it up and hopefully make it a little stronger.
That's all there is to it! Enjoy!
I'd love to hear from you! Please leave a comment...
Day 26 : 01-26-12
Day 26 : 01-26-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
It was a lovely warm day today. While walking Clark I noticed that the poppies were already blooming... The orange blossom was so bright and vibrant against the blue sky as it stretched toward the sun.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Day 25 : 01-25-12
Day 25 : 01-25-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
I finished up yesterday's card... I made it convertible! A card AND a crown! (smile)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Day 24 : 01-24-12
Day 24 : 01-24-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
I was happy to spend a little time in my studio today... The card is still in progress, I have some jewels to add to the crown and finishing touches, then it should be a perfect card for my nieces.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Day 22 : 01-22-12
Day 22 : 01-22-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
I love my succulents! I had to take a picture of this beauty in my backyard. The light was perfect!
Today was a lovely lazy day. A day I like to call "Pajama Sunday!" I figured out how to apply my logo as a watermark in my phone prior to uploading today. Yippee!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Day 21 : 01-21-12
Day 21 : 01-21-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
The Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach. It's a beautiful building with curved lines accented against the sky.
It was another audition day!
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Day 19 : 01-19-12
Day 19 : 01-19-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
I made this soul warming chili for dinner tonight. I served it with homemade bacon cheddar cornbread muffins. Delicious!! The perfect meal for a cool day with leftovers ready for a stormy weekend!
I'll share the recipe soon! :)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Day 18 : 01-18-12
Day 18 : 01-18-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Day 17 : 01-17-12
Day 17 : 01-17-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Day 16 : 01-16-12
Day 16 : 01-16-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
The clouds and tree really make the day seem colder than it was. The gloominess in this picture seemed appropriate for today... I discovered my car was egged sometime over the weekend. Extremely annoying!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Day 15 : 01-15-12
Day 15 : 01-15-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Day 14 : 01-14-12
Day 14 : 01-14-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
Cami takes a private with one of her teachers today at the studio. She's preparing for another audition tomorrow. She worked very hard and did a fabulous job. I know she'll do well!
I loved the concentration on her face as she listened to her teacher.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Day 13 : 01-13-12
Day 13 : 01-13-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
a world of shape and color and much to be grateful for...
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Day 12 : 01-12-12
Day 12 : 01-12-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
I had some shopping to do today... Cami's birthday is right around the corner!
I couldn't resist taking a break from the shopping to take a picture of this lamp post with lights radiating out from it. The brilliant blue sky was a perfect backdrop!
I'd love to go back at night sometime to take a matching picture...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Day 11 : 01-11-12
Day 11 : 01-11-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
It's hard to believe that the trees are starting to bloom in what should be the middle of winter! It really shows how warm it's been this past month.
It's funny... today was actually a little cooler than it's been in awhile... only reached the low 60's. I needed a little jacket when I went for a walk!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 10 : 01-10-12
Day 10 : 01-10-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
It was a tough day today. Cami wasn't feeling well and stayed home from school AND her phone wouldn't work. Luckily, she was feeling much better by the afternoon AND I was able to get her phone exchanged for a new one! It all ended up ok.... but stressful along the journey.
I had fun "sketching" this photo in Photoshop Express on my phone.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Day 9 : 01-09-12
Day 9 : 01-09-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
It's really hard to believe that it's January... We've had May weather since before Christmas! Another day in the mid 70's...
I caught Cami resting outside with Clark for a few minutes after school today. A little break in her busy daily schedule.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Day 8 : 01-08-12
Day 8 : 01-08-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
Summer intensive auditions begins! Today was the first of auditions for various companies that will last all month long.
After the audition I helped Cami with her Honors Biology. I had fun relearning Punnett squares and a little genetics. It was so nice to spend a couple hours together figuring it out. She doesn't ask me for help very often anymore. I love that sometimes she still needs me... I'm so proud! She's such a great student!
UPDATE 01-23-12: Cami was accepted to Joffey Ballet School in New York City!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Day 7 : 01-07-12
Day 7 : 01-07-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 6 : 01-06-12
Day 6 : 01-06-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
I took this photo as Walter did a little sunbathing in the backyard. It was a beautiful 75 degree day. Lovely!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day 5 : 01-05-12
Day 5 : 01-05-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Day 4 : 01-04-12
Day 4 : 01-04-12, a photo by ha! designs on Flickr.
Clark got stress colitis when we left him for a few days while we were out of town. Now he's all better and begging to play, as usual!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Day 3 : 01-03-12
I took pictures of Cami at the studio today. She needs an arabesque photo for upcoming auditions. (I have a much better one I'll have to post later from a photo shoot we did in late November.)
January is a busy month... It's national audition tour time for ballet/dance summer intensives. There are four companies/schools that she wants to audition for this year. She loves the auditions, loves the master class that she takes at each audition. She LOVED attending American Ballet Theater over the summer. It will be interesting to see if she chooses to go away this summer... She really wants to take summer school so that she'll be ahead for next school year. If she does that she will take the wonderful local summer intensive. We'll have to wait and see what happens!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Day 2 : 01-02-12
Last day of winter break... We have breakfast as a family at one of my favorite restaurants.
It was sad to see Leila head back home. It was so nice to have the whole family together for a full week! I love seeing the girls together having fun, giggling, and having movie sleep overs until late at night. Now back to school for Cami and to a regular routine once again.
Also... Happy Birthday to Harmony!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Day 1 : 01-01-12
Norm & I have dim sum to start the new year. It was the first year that both our girls weren't home to join us... it was lonely without them.
Today is the first day of my 2012 Project 365 (plus 1)! A photo and thought(s) about each day of the year. I am VERY excited about having a photo journal! Of course I'll be posting more than just my Project 365 here... After all it's my place for "adventures in life and art!"
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Costco Inspiration...
A few days ago at Costco I saw this wonderful little bag filled with four beautiful, small eggplants. I picked up a package... I was inspired to look for and try a new eggplant recipe. This ended up being a VERY good idea!
I really enjoy using "epicurious" site to find new recipes or ideas to try when I have one specific ingredient that I want to build a dish around. I typed in "eggplant" and waited to see what I'd find. Lots of options popped up, but one in particular caught my eye. I knew I would have to make it! Eggplant and Smoked Gouda Open Faced Grilled Sandwiches... I clicked on it... I knew I was going to try it and when I saw the ingredients and read the instructions... oooohhhhh.... it HAD to be good! It's basically bruschetta with grilled eggplant and yummy cheese melted on top! WOW!
So this is how it turned out...
I really enjoy using "epicurious" site to find new recipes or ideas to try when I have one specific ingredient that I want to build a dish around. I typed in "eggplant" and waited to see what I'd find. Lots of options popped up, but one in particular caught my eye. I knew I would have to make it! Eggplant and Smoked Gouda Open Faced Grilled Sandwiches... I clicked on it... I knew I was going to try it and when I saw the ingredients and read the instructions... oooohhhhh.... it HAD to be good! It's basically bruschetta with grilled eggplant and yummy cheese melted on top! WOW!
So this is how it turned out...
...DELICIOUS! We all enjoyed it! A wonderfully light, scrumptious dinner! I can hardly wait to make them again! :)
Thank you Costco, for providing the inspiration...
Thank you Costco, for providing the inspiration...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
A Delightful Summer...
A delightful summer... SALAD!!!!
The salad is called, Herbed Shrimp and White Bean Salad. Don't like shrimp? Substitute chicken breast strips! Lazy?! Get the chicken breast strips from Costco and just flavor them up a little with some lemon pepper and a little kosher salt before proceeding with the rest of the recipe! Easy AND delicious!
I like having a bottle of roasted red bell peppers in the fridge. This came in handy because I didn't have to roast the red bell pepper... no heating up the oven! I just pulled some of those handy strips out of the bottle, drained them, and chopped! Wah lah!
Arugula not your thing? Substitute baby spinach or your favorite lettuce! I LOVE baby spinach so that was our green of choice. I find shrimp's always yummy with spinach! I have a Thai shrimp curry dish I like to make that has baby spinach... ooohhh I digress. (I'll add that recipe later!)
Ooops... Just remembered, I did heat up the oven... but briefly so that I could toast the pine nuts for 5 minutes. I would definitely not skip this step, it adds a lovely dimension to the nuts! They were the perfect addition!
Whenever I'm cooking something I always look in the fridge to see if I can use up anything. Well, today I had some corn on the cob from Costco. I grabbed one of those fresh ears and cut off the kernels and added that to the salad! YUUUMMMMYYY! I will keep that as one of the ingredients for sure! It added a nice little sweetness.... mmmmm... summmmeerrr!
The herbs are a very integral part of the flavor of this salad, definitely don't skip them! The red onion... FABULOUS! These bright tastes remind me of the flavor profile of a nice Thai salad. In fact, next time I make it I may chop a few mint leaves along with the other herbs... Oh yeah... that would be gooooood!
A perfect way to end a delightful summer day...
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