I don't want to jinx it...

...but we are thisclose to buying our house!

***Warning, this post is long and has lots of pictures.***

I posted back in November that my husband and I are shopping for a house. In this update to that post, I am posting pictures of the house we are in the process of buying

I think we looked at one hundred houses. We saw four that we would consider buying, but as we looked at them and considered them, they were snatched up and off the market. At the time, it was frustrating and perplexing. We started feeling like we were going to have to wait and be patient. Those are not things that are comfortable for me.

Every night we would peruse the internet looking for perspective houses to visit with our agent. Often during the day I would take a look to make a list of properties to show my husband in the evening. (A side note - I love the fact that my Apple TV allows me to project my Macbook onto our TV! It made the sharing process so easy.)

One day, I was looking at brand new listings and chatting with a friend at work and I found the listing for a house that caught my eye, which had just posted that morning, Thursday. I told her, "I think I just found our house." I showed my husband that night and we decided to do a drive by (no agent) of the house the next afternoon, Friday, so we could decide if it was worth taking our agent on Saturday.

We drove out to the house on Friday afternoon; we were previewing about 7 properties before our meeting with our agent the next morning. We liked the neighborhood as we approached the house. We also liked the house from the front, so far so good. The house was vacant so we walked around and peered in the windows. We LOVED it. As we drove home we talked about the entertaining we could do in the home, about walking the dogs in the neighborhood, and about how much we should offer.

When we got home, I pulled up the listing to send it to our agent. Much to my dismay, the home was listed as "Pending." Oh no, someone had put in an offer that was accepted that afternoon. Drat! I called our agent and told her what we saw and how we felt. She called and talked to the listing agent. She told our agent that she didn't have a strong feeling that the buyers would follow through. She promised to call of if the sale fell through and give us first shot at making an offer before relisitng it. We got the call on January 3rd that the other buyers pulled out. We made our offer, which was accepted without counter, which I hear rarely happens, and the rest is history.

So far, we've had our inspection negotiation and are in the appraisal/mortgage funding process. I will say, this is a new level of stress and excitement and I cannot wait for it to be done! We are scheduled to close and take possession on March 8th. That seems really far away, but then I think about packing and purging our current home and I think there isn't enough time.

Well that is my story... and of course, no post would be complete without pictures. Here they are:

This is the front entry of the home. I love that it is well lit and has a very clean line appearance.

Here is the back yard. It has a covered deck and a nice shop space.

The living room is an open space attached to the eat in kitchen on one side and (as you see in this view) leads down the hall to the sleeping areas and main bathroom.
I love how open the space is.

Here is that main bathroom seen in at the end of the hall in the previous picture.

Here is a look from the living room in the other direction, looking at the kitchen/eating area and through to my favorite room.

This is my favorite room, my craft studio (sounds so much better than craft room, I think.) I have so many ideas and plans for this space... more to come!

You see a hint of the studio in this picture as well as the kitchen, which is not large but well laid-out.

This picture looks through the kitchen into the attached eating area and out the back door.

The light wood cabinets have great character and the space is cheery.

Through the door in the kitchen, you enter the family room. The open door here leads to the laundry.

It's nice that these are on the opposite end of the house from the bedrooms.

There is one other exit to the backyard and the deck. It is through these french doors in the master bedroom.

The interior/exterior spaces are so well laid out for having friends over. We are excited!

Ok. I think that I have posted way too much, and I have barely scratched the surface. I will post more in the future when we have moved and are living in the space, but before it is messy :) Thanks for indulging me. More crafts soon, I promise.

happy crafting,

mel xoxo

I just met you...

...and I love you.

Do you remember that line from the Pixar movie Up? It came from Dug the dog. So sweet!

He is the portrayal of unconditional love. "I don't even know you but I love you."

You gotta love dogs.

It's weird though, because people don't act that way. Although, I suspect we think that way at times.

I have that experience with some bloggers. I guess have a true confessions about my blog-crushes and in the spirit of Authentic, I am going to share.

There are two wonderful ladies that inspire me with their spirit. I have never met them, but I read their blogs and love them, for very different reasons.

The first is Amber Kemp-Gerstel, who's blog is Damask Love. I started following her at least a year ago and I loved her clean and simple card designs and her humor. When she expanded her blog and increased her blogging, I was thrilled. Then the Sandy Hook shooting occurred and her response took my breath away. 

Amber is a child psychologist (IRL) and was very moved by the shooting and the images. I felt the same way but she had a better understanding of how the surviving children's lives had been forever changed. She quickly moved to do something and in her amazing way she created Drawn Together, which I would describe as an art outreach to help children heal.

She pulled together crafters, companies, children's book publishers and more to create kits of art supplies to give to the children living in Newtown, Ct. She even visited and created a number of moving blog posts about her visit. I really respect the fact that she doesn't show the children's faces but still captures the moments. She's a class act!

I am in awe of Amber's spirit and intimidated by her talent. I have never met her and I love her. Thank you Amber, for inspiring me to think about spreading kindness as a way to combat violence and chaos.

My second blog crush is just as strong but inspired in an entirely different way. She is Lori Anderson and her blog is Pretty Things. Lori has a wonderful way of expressing herself. I love her humor. But my real love for Lori comes from the connection I feel with her vulnerability. I am inspired by her courage in writing about things that are difficult to say.

She shares in a way that makes me feel I know her or at least I recognize her from something I see inside of me. Sometimes she is sad. Sometimes she is creative and makes beautiful things. Sometimes she is a proud momma. And sometimes I am all of those things too.

I don't know Lori, but I love her for putting herself out there without hiding behind a nom de plume or other anonymous blog identity. She inspires me to be authentic. Thank you, Lori!

There are dozens of crafty ladies that inspire me, but I wanted to share my feelings about these two. 

Thanks for reading my long winded post. It is a piece of authentic work for my January intention.

happy crafting,

mel xoxo

OLW - January

As I posted yesterday, my word for 2013 is Authentic. As a part of my journey to explore the word and it's application and meaning in my life, I decided to take the One Little Word class presented by Ali Edwards through Big Picture Classes.

As a part of the class, there is an assignment each month designed to help focus thoughts and creativity towards my One Little Word. Here is the January project, which is the start of a book focused on my word, Authentic:

Front of intention cards

These are intention cards, one for each month of the year. There are also decorative cards included. I haven't added a picture to one of these squares, that is the one thing I forgot.

On the back side of the cards I included a quote that inspired the intention and supports the words.

I highlighted words on the quote cards that resonate with what I am trying to accomplish. On my January card I highlighted work, words, benefit, and shared. I think the connection is evident even without the context of the quote.

Here January's intention and quote:

Authentic Work

Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to yourself and others. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

~Buddha~

I'm starting with a good one and very relevant to my recent job change and new working relationships. I like it and I am trying to keep it in my mind daily.

Speaking of my new job, I am excited and overwhelmed. Adding to that the house hunting my husband and I are involved in and impending move, I have had little to no time for crafting and less time for blogging. I am sorry in advance for my silence, but I can tell you there will be good things to come, including the creation of my new crafting space.

I will keep up on my OLW project and other updates as I can. Thanks for sticking with me :) Have you selected a word for 2013? Please share it because I would love to know more.

happy crafting,
mel xoxo

my one little word, update!

Authentic --- Real --- Genuine --- True

I ended the year thinking I would use "Kind" as my one little word, inspiration for 2013. But as the holidays passed and I thought about the coming year with all the changes ahead, I realized that another word was stuck in my brain. Authentic.

I am not sure how it started. But it feels to me like the right word for the challenges that 2013 brings. I have a new job that brings opportunity and unease. I want to keep my essential self and my integrity without bending and changing to please people or try to meet unrealistic expectations.

That is how I landed on Authentic as my word for 2013. To be me, true and genuine.

This is a picture of the authentic me, natural light and no makeup.

Here is how you can help me. If you feel that I am not being authentic (real and true) I ask that you tell me. Call me on it. Tomorrow I will share the start of my journey about authentic, but for now, I am leaving you with the quote above from the extraordinary Dr. Seuss.

happy crafting,
mel xoxo

sister gift...

I am part of a group called Bead Swap USA (read more about it here) which is a group of beaders that swap beads in many ways.

There are traveling bead boxes that are mailed according to a volunteer list. Each box has a theme and when a box is received, the receiver can remove and add beads before sending it on to the next person on the list. Getting a box in the mail is fun and like Christmas!

Person to person swaps are another avenue of the group. In these swaps you sign up to be matched with a person and you send beads according to the swap theme directly to your partner. The themes can be finished type items, certain types of beads, or color themes. I have loved the person to person swaps in which I have been involved. I have gotten some great stuff and it's a lot of fun to put together a package for another beader.

The Secret Sister program is not really a swap, but it is a part of the group. In this program you are assigned a sister to whom you send 3 gifts during the 3 month period. Your sister does not know who you are, if you are careful and sneaky. The fun is to delight your sister and be delighted. By signing up to be a sister you also have someone that is your sister. It's a lovely thing.

My Secret Sister has been very sweet. She's sent me some handmade copper clasps, paper crafting tools and so many emails and cards with positive inspiring messages. She's made me smile so many times in the last 3 months.

For my Secret Sister, I have sent her a professionally made gift, from a vendor and I have made her a gift, which I am going to show in this post.

My sister listed on her "wish list" that she would love to have personalized note cards with her name. Cards are in my wheelhouse! Here is what I created for her:

I started with a simple card with just her name. She's a fan of purple, as am I, so I knew her name had to be purple.

I love the simpleness of these cards. These can be used for any occasion. And I guarantee that no one else has cards like this :)

I cut the name on my Cricut with the Songbird cartridge. I welded the letters using the Cricut Craft Room software. If you haven't used this and you have a Cricut you need to, contact me if you want to know more.

Next I wanted to do something a little more fancy. These patterned cards have the names in glitter. I used the same cut name, but I put adhesive on both sides and added glitter to the front.

I applied the adhesive using my Xyron sticker maker. I ran it through front and back; on the first card I ran the name through for just adhesive on the back.

The nice thing about the Xyron, it is no muss and no fuss.

This set it just labels with the name. I designed these so that my sister can apply them to any cards she has or buys. That way if she finds some blank, patterned cards she likes, she can put one of these on to personalize it.

I am very proud of this set and I know she enjoyed receiving it, which is the most important thing.

I'd love to share more information about the products I used and how I made these. leave a comment with your questions or email me.

happy crafting,
mel xoxo

One little word...2013

Happy (almost) New Year!

I know that 2012 isn't over yet, but I am starting to look ahead into the new year. This is the time, that post-Christmas week when I contemplate the things I want to accomplish in the coming year. (I also look back on what I've accomplished during the year that has passed, but that is tomorrow's post.)

One of my favorite new year activities is the selection of my "one little word." This concept comes from Ali Edwards, a wonderful artist and blogger; she's a legend in the paper crafting world. I follow her blog regularly even though I am not a scrapbooker. Last year was the first year I read about her one word for the year and what it means. Essentially it is a theme for the coming year. Read more about her process and 2013 word here.

My word came very easily to me this year; it is something that I have been thinking about a lot with all the trouble and strife in the world. My word is kind (as in kindness.)

Here is the dictionary definition of my one little word (taken from merriam-webster.com):

Definition of KIND

1

chiefly dialect : affectionate, loving

2

a : of a sympathetic or helpful nature

b : of a forbearing nature : gentle

c : arising from or characterized by sympathy or forbearance kind

 act>

3

: of a kind to give pleasure or relief

I think about all the bad news in the world and I wonder how being kind to one another would effect that. If we taught daily kindness and modeled it for our kids, would we see less bullying in schools? This is a pretty simplistic view on the world and I know that one little change won't solve all the problems, but it is a first step.

If you are wondering what my word was last year, it was Fresh. You can read that post here.

So it is your turn. What is your one little word for the new year? What do you want to be your theme? Please leave a comment and let me know! 

happy crafting,
mel xoxo

Snowglobe card how-to

I was recently asked by a friend to design a card she could use to showcase a product she was sending to a number of people. I love a good challenge and the more we exchanged information, I realized a snowglobe was a good way to show her product in a fun and cute way.
I created instructions for her to recreate the card and I am including them here as a holiday treat :)


First the picture of the finished product:

Supplies:

1 pc - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" white card stock (for main card)

1 pc - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" kraft (or tan) card stock (for card base)

1 pc - 3" x 1 1/2" kraft (or tan) card stock (for snow globe base)

1 pc - 2 1/2" x 1/2" white card stock (for snow globe collar piece)

Adhesive - Tombow Mono Multi glue (I linked to an example but you can find this almost anywhere)

Snow - Marvy Liquid Applique (this is a product that gets puffy when you heat it with a heat tool)

Glitter - Ranger Rock Candy dry glitter (any glitter or Stickles glitter glue can be used, however it should be white or clear in color)

24 - 1/16" Foam Squares 

Tools:

Circle scissors or Circle punch (to cut 2.75" circle from the main card)

Heat tool

Ruler

Pencil

Eraser

Scissors

Corner rounder (1/8”) *optional for main card

Instructions:

1. Cut a 2 3/4" circle from the 4 1/4" x 5 1/2" white card stock (main card) inset 1/4 - 1/2” from the top of the card stock and 1 3/8" from the left side. (This is centered horizontally but not vertically.) Set aside.

2. Using the circle (cut from step 1 above) free hand cut a snow shape to lay on the top of the circle. You can see in the photo that this shape is thicker on top and thinner on the sides.

3. Apply glitter to the freehand snow shape (from step 2 above) by either applying glue and sprinkling the glitter on the shape or coating with Stickles. Set aside to let dry.

4. Using the 3" x 1 1/2" kraft piece, create a trapezoid shape by measuring in 1/4" from the top left corner, lining up the ruler to the bottom left corner and making a line. Trim with the scissors along the line and erase any residual pencil marks. Repeat for the right side.

Adhere this trapezoid to the bottom edge of the circle window on the main card. The shape should slightly overlap the bottom of the circle. (Refer to the picture and you will see that we will be also placing the white strip across the bottom of the circle and at the top of the trapezoid to make the snow globe base.)

5. Apply Liquid Appliqué to the 2 1/2" x 1/2" white card stock strip. Follow the directions on the pen, generally you apply a good layer of the ink and let dry slightly before heating with a heat tool. The more dry the ink, the more puff you will get when heated. I like less puff for snow, so I only let it sit for a minute before heating. Be careful not to heat too long or the puff will turn brownish (like a marshmallow.) As soon as the area puffs move the heat away.

6. Apply dots of glue and glitter or dots of stickles to the puffed snow on the white strip (from step 5 above.) This is just to add a little bling, not to coat the entire strip.

7. Adhere the white strip (from step 5 above) to the main card between the circle window and the trapezoid. (Refer to the picture to see how this should look.)

8. Apply Liquid Appliqué to the lower edge of the snow shape (from step 2 above.) Be careful handling the piece as the glitter may not be fully dry. 

9. Adhere the snow shape to the upper edge of the circle window of the main card. this should be glued just above the window and hang down over the top of the window a bit. You want to leave plenty of area to see through the window and also keep the round shape of the globe. I recommend placing and moving the shape a few times before applying any glue to get an idea of where you'll want it. (Refer to the picture to see how the final placement should look.)

10. Create 8 stacks of foam squares,  for a 1/4” box I used 4 in each stack. I recommend leaving the paper on the top square and bottom square of the stack until you are ready to adhere the main card to the card base.

11. Prepare the card base. Starting on the back of the card, stamp or write any greeting and sign your name. Next, on the front of the card base, affix your product or image that is in the snow globe. (I left the base (in the photo) blank, but you can stamp additional images or a greeting that will be seen through the circle window of the main card.)

12. Apply the foam square stacks (from step 10 above) to the back of the main card in this pattern; 1 in each corner, 1 at the top center, 1 at the bottom center, and 1 at each center edge (left and right.)

There you go, you have a completed snow globe shadow box with your product or image inside. I chose the basic white and kraft card stock for the main card and base. If you want, you can switch that out with colored card stock or patterned card stock. I wanted  to keep the card simple.

I made a couple of these as christmas cards this year and I admit they came out very cute. This may be something that is a staple year to year. I can also think of other themes and ideas for this design; I think a gumball machine for a birthday card or filled with heart for Valentine's day would be adorable.

Merry Christmas and happy crafting,

mel xoxo

HBBH #2 (Holiday Bling Blog Hop)

Woo Hoo! This is my very first blog hop. I am very excited! Here's the story. I reached out to my blog hop partner to talk about what we wanted to swap. Neither of us had any bright ideas, so we chose the theme "Surprise Me." I found out that she likes big, shiny bling... oh don't tempt me :) Here is what I sent to her:

First the pretty packaging. I wanted her to have a little "Oooh, ahhhh" moment when she opened the box.











Here is what was inside that lovely wrapping:

I sent a pair of silver and aquamarine Swarovski crystal chandelier earrings with a matching bracelet.

I also included a handmade card, because that is the "other" craft I like to do. If you look closely, there is a little bling on the card. (Remember the name of this blog hop.)





Here is a little closer look at the jewelry bling:

I am really proud of how these turned out. There is enough glitter and swing to the earrings to catch the eye. The bracelet has a nice graduation and sparkle.

I received an email from my Blog Hop partner thanking me for the set. I am glad that I made her smile and I hope she wears them to something fun.

But enough about me. Hop on by to the next blog on the list and enjoy the Merry fun. Happy holidays! mel xoxo

Shirley Moore http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com  
Lori Bowring Michaud http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com  
Catherine King http://catherines-musings.blogspot.com  
Dyanne Cantrell  http://deelitefuljewelrycreations.blogspot.com  
Sonya Stille http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com  
Elaine Ray http://elaineray.blogspot.com  
Gina Hockett http://freestyleelements.blogspot.com  
Jo-Ann Woolverton http://itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca  
Debbie Rasmussen http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.com  
Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com  
Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com  
Miranda Ackerley http://mirandack.com/category/thoughts  
Sandra McGriff http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.ca  
Tammie Everly http://ttedesigns.blogspot.com  
Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca  
You are here ---> Melinda Abrahamson http://www.firstreetcrafts.com
Rita/ Toltec Jewels http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com  
Chandra Merod http://www.junipergoods.blogspot.com  
Mary Govaars http://www.mlhjewelrydesigns.com  
Kelley Fogel http://www.mylifeonebeadatatime.blogspot.com  
Tiffany Goff Smith http://www.southerngalsdesign.blogspot.com  
Heather Rats Otto http://www.thecrafthopper.com  
Anitra Gordy Boyers www.leelucreations.blogspot.com   
Wonderful hostess #1 - Marlene Cupo http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com
Wonderful hostess #2 - Shelley Graham Turner www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com 

c-c-cold c-c-crafting...

I don't give my furnace enough credit. It is very good about providing my home with heat with very little instruction. I turn the dial to the number and the house gets warm, I take this for granted. Until you wake up one morning and your house is 50 degrees. Brrrrrr!

Our furnace went on strike on Sunday afternoon. Apparently we aren't the only ones because even though I called the repairman at 7:00 am he couldn't get back to me until after 3:00 pm to tell me that it'll be Wednesday before he can get here. What's a girl to do? Two things... turn on spacer heaters and make cards!

Card #1 - Mad for Plaid

I am mad for plaid and so I had to have this embossing folder the first time I saw it. One thing I have learned is that it makes a very deep impression and can cause the card stock to rip, so I always use this folder with thicker card stock.

The ornament was cut using my Cricut and then I applied silver paint to it. I love the effect because once it dries it really looks like metal.

The last touch is the polka dot "ribbons" which are just strips of scrap card stock. (I love using up scraps in this way!)





Card #2 - Abundant Joy

The dove cut out inspired this card. I found it in my christmas stash set aside from last year. I am not sure when or why I made it, but when I pulled it out I knew I had to use it.

I took a piece of lattice patterned paper and stamped the Joys. I then adhered strips of kraft card stock to the left sand right.  My final touch was adding the Dove.




It's hard to tell in the photo, but I coated the Dove in clear embossing powder to give it some shine.

Card #3 - Simply Christmas

Here is another "leftovers" card. I used the scraps laying on my craft table to throw this one together.

You can recognize the lattice paper I used in the Dove card. You may also recognize the striped paper from yesterday's Joy card, this time running vertically.

Add two snowflakes and Bob's you uncle, you're done.

I love it when cards are quick, easy, and cute!

Ok, it's time to get under the down blankets with some hot cocoa.


To end this post on a happy note, I called a different heating repair shop and they will have someone out to fix my furnace at 8:00 am tomorrow. A happy ending... I hope :)

happy crafting,
mel xoxo

making up for lost time...

After yesterday's window shopping (read that post here), I needed to make up for a lost day of crafting. I think I accomplished that goal!

Today I made 3 cards, woo hoo! Here are the photos and descriptions:

Card #1 - Joy

Maybe this is cheating, because I made the Joy panel a number of days ago. The word Joy is a Memory Box die cut which I filled with different colors of Stickles to give a gem look.

The idea for this came from a card that Kristina Werner made in the Online Card Class - Holiday Card Workshop (day 8).  I matted it on a piece of patterned paper left over from last year. Sorry, I don't know who or where it's from.

Card #2 - Happy Holidays

This card has a kraft card stock panel stamped with the Close to My Heart Snowflakes stamp set in white and red. I mounted this to a red card stock card base.

I added a 1/2 inch green satin ribbon and a banner from Basic Gray's Aspen Frost collection.






Card #3 - Merry

This is a super simple card. The green card base was dry embossed with the Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder. I added an ornament cut from red card stock with the Cricut CTMH Art Philosophy cartridge.

I added a small ornament topper in silver foil and a silver cord bow. The last piece is a Basic Gray Aspen Frost Merry banner, to which I added a little glitter.

I'm back in the groove :) I will have even more cards tomorrow. Until then...

happy crafting,

mel xoxo