Some Random Swap and Mail Stuff

I just love getting fun stuff in the mail.  I never realized how much fun receiving postcards are.  Well, anything in your mailbox that isn't a bill is fun!!  This past week I received some really great items in the mail for some of the swaps that I have participated in.

 

These three are ATC's I received from a swap.  The challenge my partner chose was to make at least 2 ATC's from a given collage sheet.  I think these turned out really well.  I love vintage anything and these are just right!!!  Thank you to Jackie (123Poggy123) at Swap-Bot for these great ATC's.

 

This postcard is from a swap that I hosted.  The swap was a photography postcard-send me some flowers swap.  I received this one from Inge (aladyde) at Swap-Bot.  The postcard look better in person, but it really did turn out very nice!  This one traveled all the way from Germany.  She even used some really nice stamps on the back.  I am going to definitely have to get some pages to keep these in, now!!

 

This is a necklace that I received today from BlossomPaper at Swap-Bot.  There was some mix up in the mail and I ended up having to resend for a handmade jewelry swap.  It was on its way to Italy.  There may have been a number of reasons that it didn't make it or took quite a while to get there.  But, to open the mail and find this really pretty necklace really made my day.  She also included a really nice note in the package.  Sometimes when you get frustrated because something didn't go right with a swap, and then you open up a nice package such as this out of the blue, it really makes you appreciate the community you swap with!  I was thinking that I didn't have anything to with this necklace, but I have found already it looks great with black.  Then I remembered that I have an outfit that this will go with perfectly!!

 

 

This is an ATC I made for a swap that I hosted.  It was for a Completely Inappropriate ATC swap.  I am not a drinker, and I try my best not to use curse words, but I found this saying and thought this would be perfect for a swap.  I love the vintage/retro pictures of women with the sarcastic sayings.

 

This is 1 of 3 postcards I made for a swap called Make A Postcard.  I had two of them drawn out already, so I just had to make one more.  I love the Zentangle inspired art and find it very relaxing and fun!  This one is going somewhere in the IS.  I already mailed it so I forgot where it is going!!

 

This is 2 of 3.  I had already drawn this one a couple of weeks ago.  Sometimes I just let my mind go in whatever direction it wants to go.  I love these in the black and white the best, I think!

 

This is 3 of 3.  I started with this card and decided to color it.  While I do like them in color, I really like the sharp, clean lines of the black and white the best.  All three of these were sent out to ladies in the United States.

 

This was another card I made for one of the Postcrossing addresses I received.  I found Postcrossing before I found Swap-Bot.  The concept is somewhat the same, except with Postcrossing, you get a random address to send a postcard to.  You start with 5.  Once you reach  a certain number of cards received, then you start getting more at a time to send.  I have had several received all over the world.  I made this postcard from a picture that I took in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  I guess I thought this statue was really as big as it looks.  NOPE!  It might be 5 to 6 foot tall.  I guess I just caught it in the right perspective to make it look big!

 

This is another card I made from a picture I took several years ago when we went to Fort Worth, Texas.  I love city skylines.  I caught this shot on a short train ride from the stock yards into town and back.  The day was a hot one, but the sun was out and it was beautiful.  This one was also sent to a Postcrossing member.

 

So, that is all I have for today.  I am going to try to start scanning in and sharing my little mailbox goodies as I get them.  It really makes getting the mail fun again!!!

 

~hugs, mel

 

Welcome Spring, Has Anyone Seen It??

WOW!!  I sure thought spring was coming, and then BAM!  It got cold again.  One day I have short sleeves on and the next I have a sweater and a coat and I am still freezing!!  I want to get out and ride my bike on the river trail so bad I can taste it!!  So, while I am impatiently waiting on the weather to get right, I have been crafting a few things.  I have really meant to post sooner than now, but it has been busy around my house!!  I am still swapping at Swap-Bot.  I have met a lot of really cool people.  I have swapped a lot of cool stuff from all over the world.  I have finally started hosting a lot more swaps.  Most of them have been really easy or quick swaps.  Mostly for handmade items, though.  I swapped some inappropriate postcards and thought that it would be fun to do an ATC.  So, that is what I have to show today.

 

I did get it a little crooked when scanning and got a little lazy on fixing it.  But, you can still see what it says.  I have to feed my sarcastic side from time to time!!!  So, it is now off to a new home in Massachusetts.  I do hope my swap partner loves it as much as I loved making it.

 

~hugs, mel

I Tried a Pinterest Recipe

OK, so it wasn't an involved recipe, but a rather simple one.  I had decided to make spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.  I even went by the store to get some hamburger buns to make garlic bread.  While waiting for the water to boil, I was on Pinterest.  I saw this recipe for garlic parmesan rolls.  The complete instructions were on the pin itself.  I happened to have all the ingredients on hand.  So I decided to make them.  They were quick, easy, and very yummy!!!  Here is a link to my "foods to try" board where you can find them and many other yummy recipes.  Pinterest board

Enjoy, mel

More Zentangle Inspired Art

Just a quick post catching up on some pages of Zentangle inspired art that I have done over the last few weeks.  Leave me a note letting me know what you think of them.  I am still learning to shade and finally bought some blending sticks.  May try some different pencils for shading.

More Artist Trading Cards

I think I am addicted to making artist trading cards (ATC's).  I can't seem to get enough of them.  I have resorted to looking through Pinterest and Google images for new ideas.  I came across this one that was really nicely drawn with a sun on it. I loved the idea of the sun and the colors and so I decided to make my own version of the sun.  I really loved the colors and the lines.  While mine is not the original version, I did make it my own.  I am also working with an old vintage book that I acquired.  I really love it and would use it in everything if I could!!!!  I can't remember exactly where each of these are going, but they will all be getting new homes really soon.  Hope that you like these.  Let me know what you think!!!

~hugs, mel

More Tangles

I started in a tangle this morning after seeing one called Phicops.  I was intrigued and searched for a tutorial on how to draw it.  All I could find was other drawings and posts about a challenge.  So, I sat here looking at it trying to figure it out.  It took me a few tries, but I think I did well for my first try.  I did this one completely freehand.  I did not use a string or draw out shapes to tangle in on this page.  I just kind of let my mind do what it wanted to do.  I still need some work on shading.  Yesterday, I forgot to list my patterns I used.  So, today, I am going to list the patterns that I used.  In this tangle, the patterns used are:  Phicops, vigne, swirly ribbon and concentric circles, onamato, hypknotix, changeling, and pipkins.  I know I may have left out a couple, but some of the ones that I used didn't have a name to them that I could find.  Hope you enjoy.

~hugs, mel

A Furby in the Cabinet and a Finished Tangle

I finally finished my tangle tonight.  I tried to work on my shading.  Still think it needs a lot of work.  Let me know what you think. 

My little girl bought her a Curvy with her Christmas money.  I am speechless!  That thing is crazy and there is NO on/off switch!  You have to feed it via app.  Then, if you touch it while it is asleep, it wakes up and won't shut up!  So, tonight, my husband found it a new sleeping spot.  He put it in the cabinet.  Goodnight Furby!  If you like some of the things I share, consider following!

~hugs, mel

More Zentangle Inspired Art

I started this tangle when I got in from work this morning.  I got in around 7am and it is already 10am.  Had to get the kids in the right direction for school, too!!!  Anyway, I have been adding to my Pocket a lot of Zentangles© and Zentangle© inspired art.  I seem to find it very peaceful to do and it seems to help me unwind when I get off work.  My Pocket is an app I use to download and/or save web content to view offline on my phone and my tablet.  I love it and it is so easy to use!!  Here is the one I started this morning.  The camera on my tablet is not as good as my phone, but I am not complaining.  I love my tablet!  As you can see, I have not finished it yet.  I will post when I do finish and include (to the best of my ability) the names of the tangles that I used in this piece.  Also, this is the first big one that I am working on where I used shading.  I think it looks better in this picture than actually looking at the piece itself.  As always, thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world.

~hugs, mel

Artist Trading Cards-What Am I Doing???

I decided to get out of the box in which I live.  I am trying my hand at artists trading cards, also known as ATC's.  Many people make them because they are small and easy to make.  It also allows you to trade them or given them to others who may like the work you do.  Don't get me wrong, I am in no way an artist.  There are people out there who are way more talented than I am.  But, some people say that art is all in how you look at it.  Sometimes I really like what I see, and other times others really like it more than I do!  So, I made these cute little Valentine themed cards.  The base in old book papers over lightweight card stock.  I use a lot of Mod Podge.  The stuff is great!!  After that, I glues a piece of tissue paper over the old book for texture and to make the next surface easier to work on.  After all that Mod Podge dried, I painted the pink heart.  I didn't want it to be perfect, so please don't think I missed some spots!!!  After that dried, I placed the little sayings in the front.  They are clippings from magazines I keep on hand when I need something witty to say.  I put another layer of Mod Podge over that.  Then I put the flower in the front.  I thought it would give it a nice touch since it is a Valentine's Day card.  I put the usual information on the back, made some handmade envelopes, and then I will be sending them on their way to a new home!!  One will be going to Houston, TX.  Another one will be going to My. Crawford, VA.  And the last one will make its way to Canada.  I hope the recipients love them as much as I do.  I know there are four but inky three leaving.  I am keeping one for myself.  I really like these little cards!!!

Letter B Zentangle Inspirrd Art and a Sick Baby

I seem to be somewhat catching on to this Zentangle inspired art stuff.  I think I am getting better at the actual drawing of them.  Now I just have to learn to shade some of them in the right spot.  I did this ATC of the letter B for a group I am trading with.  Yes the B is a little hidden, but look close and you will see it.  I did mess up a little bit so I think I am going to redo it before I send it to it's new home.

On another note, my baby (he is one of the twins and he is 7) is not feeling well today.  You know when he is not feeling well!  He is usually wound up tight, but this morning when I got home from work he was not.  All he could do was lay on the couch not saying a word.  He is a lucky little boy.  His twin sister was taking such good care of him.  She rubbed his head, hugged him, helped him get his pajamas and house shoes, and was just so sweet to him!  I had to stop and take a picture of them.  Just make you want to tear up because you know that all the time you tell them to take care of each other and love one another is really sinking into their thick little heads!!!!

So, I am leaving you with these two pictures.  One of the Zentangle ATC I made and one of the twins.

Zentangles and More!

I am having an lot of fun meeting new people and making new things doing y swaps over at Swap Bot.  I am working on some things that I do not normally do.  I love Zentangles and Zentangle-inspired art.  So, there was a swap for Zentangle ATC letter A.  I guess they always say to start small.  I wonder if the size of an ATC is what they are talking about?????  Anyway, just thought I would share the one I have completed.  I am still learning a few things, so it doesn't look all professional and stuff!!  This little card will be making its way to Washington state tomorrow.

I have also enjoyed some of the wonderful packages of fun things that I have received from all over the world.  I received a package of little goodies and snacks from Singapore, teas from many different places in Europe.  I even found a few that I wish I could get here!!!  I have received some neat clippings for my collage pages and post cards.  I have also used a few to make new post cards!!  I will be posting more pictures after my morning nap after working all night.  So, until then, enjoy this picture of my first ATC and Zentangle-inspired art that I made for someone else.

~hugs, mel

In the Land of the Stupid Drivers

I worked the weekend up to Christmas Eve.  I was off Christmas day to spend with my family.  Then it hit.  Little white flakes of instant stupid dropping from the sky!  First is was stupid in the form of ice then came the snow-at least 10 inches of it!  And when I say instant stupid falling from the sky, just add an idiot in a four wheel drive vehicle and there you go!!!  I am on the medical field.  We have no incliment weather policy.  We are expected to be at work no matter what even if it means packing a bag for a few days to stay away from home.  It's just what we have to do.  This picture shows a sign coming into the Little Rock area on my way home from work today.  It says "CAUTION WATCH FOR ICE".  REALLY?!?!?!? You have to have a sign telling people to watch for ice???  Wow!!!  That's how it is here in the south.  Gotta love it!!!  Makes fir a horrible time at work and horrible commute.  Yes it may be pretty, but this storm has been very destructive and many are still without power.  Please pray for them and that the power will be restored sooner than the estimated 7 days.  There is at least one transformer and one substation that are needing to repaired or replaced.  And, check back later for other news and happening from the Land of the Stupid Drivers!!!

~hugs, mel

Random Stuff

I guess after living here for the last 5 years, we are going to finally light out fireplace.  Of course they guys had to choose a day when it is way too cold to be running in and out of the doors and leaving them open.  I was happy in my little tropical-feeling house.  Then they had to go and open the doors and bring me back down to reality with how cold it actually is outside!!

 

I have a few new pictures of the twins.  They were part of a wedding on the 1st.  Ashley was the flower girl and Justin was the ring bearer.  They were so very beautiful!!  I was scared that I didn't get the dress of Ashley's fitted before the wedding.  We finally tried it on the night before and it couldn't have fit any better.  Whew!!  This momma is definitely last minute!!!  Anyway, here they are.  I was one proud momma this day!!  Also, congrats to Mr. Chris and Ms. Robbie.  It was a beautiful wedding!

I was also able to get the following pictures of them before the wedding.  they make such a cute little pair of twins.  Did I mention that they are just 7 years old???  They look so grown up here!!

 

 

Now, on to some things I have been working on.  As I mentioned in my last post, I found Swap-Bot.  It is a wonderful site for people all over the world to get together and swap or exchange things.  I have already received some really cute cards.  I am signed up for several swaps through the end of the year.  I am even hosting a paper sack book swap.  One that I recently sent off was for a friendship book.  I had never heard of this idea before now.  It is really a neat idea and you can "meet" many new people when you do!!  Here are the two books that I made.  It was a little odd because I made the book for one person, but I sent it to the other.  I managed to send them to the right person!!!

 

 

I used patterned paper on all of the pages, but I used some that would be easy to write on and could actually be seen.  I used a heavy cardstock paper for the front.  I used patterned Duck tape to "bind" the book.  I used it on all the pages inside, too in order to hold the pages in.  Then, on the front, I put each person's name and decorated it up a little.  Each one is about 4inches by 6 inches.

 

So, for now.  I will post a few other things when I get them or make them.  Like I mentioned, I have a paper sack book coming up and I will share pictures of that when I finish them.  I have two in the works but just not quite finished at this time.  Thank you for stopping by to visit.

 

~hugs, mel

 

Word(less) Wednesday

A couple of days off work and I decided to get a little crafty!  I finally took a look at swap bot.  I have read about it on many other blogs.  All I can say is that it may just be as addicting as Pinterest and Facebook!  There are many different swaps.  It is a wonderful way to meet many new and different people from around the world. 

I am also sharing my postcards I made for iHanna's postcard swap.  She did one earlier this year, which was my first one.  So, I decided to join this one.  I only had to make five postcards.  It was so much fun!!!!  I would just like to apologize for the orientation of the pictures.  Mobile Blogger is not friendly at times and I am too danger lazy to fire up the old computer.  I am listing these and where they will be going.

1.  "I am beautiful on the inside" is going to Doreen in Germany.

2.  "How old you would be if you didn't know how old you are" is going to Tammy in Irving, TX.

3.  "If you're going to make a statement" is going to Tina in Rockford, IL.

4.  "I will let go........" is going to Rachel in Tallahassee, FL.

5.  "Stay up past your bedtime" is going to Laurie in Lehigh Acres, FL.

Thank you ladies for playing.  I will also be sending out some Swap-Bot items over the next few days, too.  Thank you for stopping by!!!

~hugs, mel

Black Friday and a Trip to the Old Mill

I hope everyone is preparing for a wonderful Thanksgiving.  No "Black Friday" for me.  I am not against the day after Thanksgiving shopping frenzy that takes place, but I really see no logic in it at all.  People get up (or never go to sleep) and go to their local store for some cheap items that the store may have only one or two of.  What happens from there looks very similar to a bad nursery school scene where someone tossed a couple of toys to twenty or so children waiting to play with them. 

As a society, we have become so materialistic that the real reason we are buying Christmas gifts has escaped our minds.  I absolutely refuse to participate in the madness.  Adults should always be setting an example for the younger generations.  The stores have become so greedy (for lack of better words) that they will not allow their employees to spend the whole day with their families.  I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing that I need bad enough to stand in a line waiting to possibly get trampled by some crazy and senseless person trying to run and grab the one or two large electronic items that a store has to lure them in to shop.  I value being with my family and teaching them the true meaning of the season.

OK, enough of the crazy Black Friday rant!  I was spending time with my children while they were out of school today for the Thanksgiving holiday.  If any of you have ever watched "Gone With the Wind" and have noticed the old mill in the opening scenes of the movie, then you may recognize some of the following pictures.  Although it shows a year of 1832 on the sign on the mill, it was actually built prior to the movie being filmed.  There are parts of it that date before the building of the mill, but it really isn't as old as one would think.  If you want to read more on it, you can click here.  My children really love going there, especially to take pictures.  I love taking pictures there in the spring when everything is blooming.  They really keep the grounds beautiful and the flowers planted there are wonderful!!  We took a lot of pictures today and the fall colors are actually very pretty against the mill.  So, enough of the talk, here are the pictures we took today.

 

 

 

This is one of the lakes known as the Lakewood Lakes.  The part here is actually private.  I thought the way the trees lined the lake was really pretty, especially with the full range of fall colors!!

 

Side view of the old mill.  You can go inside the house.  During the spring and summer, there are all kinds of beautiful and colorful flowers in bloom.

 

Some berries on a bush at the old mill.

 

A beautiful Japanese Maple tree.  The red color of the leaves is really pretty.  Behind the tree is the wheel of the mill.  It is in working condition.

 

Front view of the mill.  The sound of the water and the wheel turning is so relaxing! 

 

 

One of the pools around the house. The reflection of the mill on the water along with the leaves on top of the water make for a great fall picture.

 

And, a picture of my twins.  The bridge they are on goes from one side of the park to the other across the lake.  All of it is made from stone and a mixture that is made to look like wood.  None of the "wood" you see in the pictures is actually wood, except for the living plants and trees.

 

Thank you for stopping by and listening to my soapbox speech about why I do not like Black Friday.  Also, thank you for looking at the pictures I have shared with you.  Hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving (or had if you are visiting after Thanksgiving).

 

~hugs, mel