Sassy & Sweet Notes

Cheep CHEEP!

It's a baby! Yup, one last egg hatched tonight...

I had a bunch of eggs under a couple of sitting hens (they were in the same nest box), but their nest was getting all kinds of activity from the other hens wanting to lay their eggs in their nest box. All that activity caused the sitting girls to get up off of their nest quite often, and the eggs got shuffled around a lot as the two birds rolled the eggs back and forth so they could "take turns" sitting on them. So, I put the eggs in the incubator for the last week to see if they would even hatch. That's how we got the two chicks that hatched earlier this month, and tonight, the last egg from the bunch hatched. Most of the eggs didn't fully develop into chicks, and I'm attributing that to too much activity in the nest box the hens were sitting on them. Too much temperature change, too much rolling back and forth...something. But three hatched, and we gave three adorable little babies to enjoy!

I THINK this baby is a cross between a bearded Golden Laced Polish hen (Not Weezie) and a Red Frizzled rooster (Little Buddy or Tiny Tim, but my money's on Little Buddy). The egg the baby hatched from was a large white shelled egg, which is what the two Golden Laced Polish girls lay. The coloring of the chick is more similar to the Golden Laced Polish chicks than it is to the Buff Laced Polish. At this point, that's all I have to go on. Oh, AND, it's wing feathers show characteristics of being a little pullet (girl) -- cross your fingers she's a she! She's almost dry -- her baby fuzz is still a bit matted down in this photo from her being inside her egg. I'll take more pics when she's all fluffy and cute!

 
Remember this chick from last week? I was WRONG WRONG WRONG on the parents! Turns out, that baby is a FRIZZLE/Silkie mix, and it's feathers are curling and showing the frizzle gene! So, it's Mama is not Pearl, Doily, OR Tina! I'll try and get pics later this week. SO CUTE! More on this later.

Houdini: 2 months

I was out yesterday evening trying to get better photos of our "for sale" calves, and thought I'd take a few photos of Houdini at the same time (he's not for sale). He's such a CUTE little guy! And thankfully, he grew out of his "snout" nose phase! *grin*

He was born on January 29th, so that makes him just a couple days over 2 months old. I can't believe it's been so long already since Alan and I were dealing with his escape artist routine!

More Houdini posts:
First 2009 Baby
Meet Houdini
Houdini Update

See his little horn buds?

What a pest.

Sunday Evening Photos

It's been a busy past few days. Spring always brings more chores -- our muscles are sore!

We're planning on selling some of our calves so Alan and I were out in the pastures this evening trying to get photos of the ones we want to sell. They were not very cooperative. I'll have to try again.

I did manage to get a few photos I like -- not of any calves we want to sell, but at least the time wasn't a complete waste of time! Here are a few of my favorite shots from this evening...

This is Edward Scissorbeak. He's one of the free chicks we received last year from Ideal Poultry. We ordered a handful of chicks from them, and they included 7 "free warmer chicks" along with the ordered chicks to keep the box of babies warm during shipment. He's a beautiful red brown Ameraucana rooster -- with a bit of a beak problem. His top beak is correct (though a bit too curved due to the lower beak's issue), but his bottom beak jets off to the right of his face. He gets along just fine, though he does need a deep dish of food to eat from or he has trouble getting a bite to eat. But other than his wacky smile, he's your typical rooster, and rather humorous to have around.

He's rather food obsessed, so he follows me around like a puppy if I have anything in my hand (like a bucket, bowl, or camera) thinking I'm going to give him a snack. He's the proud father of two of the chicks that hatched out here last week -- Edwina who hatched here a couple weeks ago, and the white chick you all ooooh'd and ahhhhh'd over last week. He's quite a character...

This is Queenie, one of our Dexter cows, enjoying some fresh green grass and sunshine. We've had a couple days of rain recently, and thankfully the pastures are starting to green up. Alan said we might even get a bit more rain tomorrow evening! That's good news!! We NEED the rain!!

Our back pasture is full of bluebonnets right now -- so pretty!

Our neighbor raises Texas Longhorns. Their pasture is full of bluebonnets too!

One of the longhorn babies came to visit the fence to see what I was up to. More than likely, it wanted to know if I had any cow cookies. Sorry baby, no cookies in my pockets today!

This is one of our barn cats, Chief. He was born last summer and is still very playful, and VERY "helpful" around the farm (he follows Alan everywhere...) He's hunting for grasshoppers in the pasture.

More of the neighbor's longhorns, snacking in the evening sun.

Hope you had a wonderful weekend!!

PS: If you or anyone you know is interested in buying any Dexter calves, let me know! *grin*

One from the Archives

I don't have anything new to share today, so I thought I'd pull a card from the archives! I made this card in 2005. Funny how years later, I'm still using the same Distress Ink pads (re-inked though) to dirty up my layers... And how years ago, I still had a thing for chickens!

The chicken, speckles, and feet stamps are from an old retired Stampin' Up set called Best of Cluck. The sentiment is by Hero Arts. The checkered background stamp is another OLD retired Stampin' Up stamp. One of my favorites!

Hope you have a great day! It's CHILLY here ... got down to 34 last night, and boy is it WINDY!!

Sweet Babies...

More fun chicken happenings on the farm this week! Yesterday we had this little chocolate colored chick hatch, and isn't she a CUTIE!

It's Papa is one of the red Silkie boys (which was a surprise to me - I thought it would have been Little Buddy!) The chick has the extra toes characteristic of Silkies, dark skin, and you can see the red coming through in the coloring. Although, it doesn't have a comb like a Silkie.

It's Mama ... well, that's when things get tricky because it could be one of three hens. Either Pearl, Doily, or Tina. I thought it was Tina's egg, because Tina lays white eggs and the egg this baby hatched from was very pale in color -- white even!? But perhaps the shell wasn't as WHITE as I thought! The chick hatched, and that's when the guessing started. Here's why.

Possible Mama's:
Pearl: Pearl is a dark grey Ameracauna mix with a dark bearded chin and dark legs. The baby looks like it will be bearded, and it's certainly dark with dark legs. However, it does not have Pearl's comb. Pearl has a little bumpy Ameracauna comb, and the baby has a single comb. Pearl lays very lightly tinted brown eggs.

Doily: Her feathers are black, and her legs are dark grey. And she has a single comb. But, she's not bearded. Doily lays very lightly tinted brown eggs.

Tina: Tina is a Crevecoeur (a black hen with a fancy headress and black legs), and a V shaped comb. Tina lays white eggs. I *thought* it was her egg. Seems not?

So... Did the baby get the single comb from it's mother? If so, then it must be Doily's baby. Or does the comb revert to being a single comb on occasion regardless of the mother and father's comb? I don't know! So. To make it easier on myself, I'm going to say it's Doily's chick. Single comb Mama, single comb baby. Extra toe Papa, Extra to baby. Works for me!

Then, as if that wasn't fun enough, this little gal hatched yesterday evening! She hatched from one of Olive Oyle's green eggs! Her Papa is Edward Scissorbeak, without a doubt! What's so nice about this little gal is that she has a GREAT chance of laying green eggs! Her Mama lays olive green colored eggs, and one of the traits of Edward's breed is green colored eggs. Let's hope this little gal was lucky enough to get the gene! Oddly enough, Olive Oyle (the Mama) is a Turken (naked neck). Her chick didn't get that gene! She's all fluff! And just as cute as can BE!

Earlier this evening, some of the chicks were napping next to the food dish. That's what I call a CHICK PILE!

Earth Hour 2009

Join me by taking part in Earth Hour 2009, a global effort to voice your vote against global warming.

Saturday March 28th, turn off your lights for one hour local time, 8:30-9:30pm.

Vote Earth.

More details about the event may be found at Earth Hour.

Button, button, who's got the button

This week the challenge on the High Hopes blog is to use buttons, as requested by Niki. Well now. I can do that! I stamped the High Hopes image on Stampin' Up's vanilla cardstock in black Memento ink and colored it with Copic markers. I layered some groovy polka dot paper from Bo Bunny on more vanilla cardstock and used my sew mini to add some stitching detail. One single button for embellishment - works for me!

If you want to participate in this week's challenge, grab some buttons and get to stampin'! Details on the High Hopes blog.

Blooming for Easter

Sorry I've been MIA for the past few days. Sometimes I just need a little down time, and this was one of those times. I didn't even feel like making anything crafty. Ugh.

But that phase has passed, and I'm BACK! I have a Crafty Secrets project to share with you. I meant to get this posted earlier today, but time (and lack of crafty mojo) got the best of me.

I made this card with one of the new Crafty Secrets Easter Creative Scraps images. This image reminds me of me, and stories my Mom has told of me as a young girl in her garden with my ducks. I bet she'd agree, too!

The papers are by My Mind's Eye, from last year's (or was it the year before?) Tres Jolie series. It's one of my favorite paper series, EVER! And the colors are so fresh for spring and summer.

Once I had the entire card assembled, I misted it with Pearl Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels. The entire card has a very delicate sparkle that I love!

Today is the last day of the Crafty Secrets and Tattered Angels designer mix. It's been a fun month combining the products and it's been great getting to know the designers of the Tattered Angels team. I hope we do the designer mix again!

Here are a few blogs for you to check out for designer projects combining Crafty Secrets and Tattered Angels products. I know you're in for a treat when you visit their sites!

Lisa Zappa
Lauren Ferguson
Linda Duke
Trisha Ladouceur

Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage Website
Heartwarming Vintag Blog
Tattered Angels Website
Tattered Angels Blog

Baby Chicken Update!

Soooooo..... Thursday night with the new babies went great! The babies got warm, and went to town on their food and water. Happy babies!

But... I told Alan I felt really bad leaving the other little bantam chicks at the store. There were only five of them, and remember - they didn't have very good heat until Alan fixed their light. We didn't recall seeing any food in their area either. Granted, chicks can live on the nutrients they get from the egg yolk, but if they've hatched and are ready to eat, they should be fed. We decided that in the morning Alan would go back to the store to get the rest of the bantam chicks. We just had to hope they survived the night.

They DID! When Alan got to the store, the light was where he'd adjusted it to, and they'd been given food. They all looked like they were doing well. He brought the five of them home, along with one more of the standard red chicks. (They require you to buy at least 6.)

They're all getting along well, eating great, and must be part duck as they LOVED to wade in their water dish. They graduated to a chick waterer today, to keep them from just standing in their water dish.

Here's a quick video of the bantam chicks...

If you're not able to see the video embedded here on my blog, you can view the video on YouTube.

Ahhh, love the peep peep peep of happy baby chickens!

I tried to resist...

This evening, Alan and I zipped down to the farm supply store to pick up a few things. We walked in the door, and what did I hear?! PEEP PEEP PEEP PEEEP!!! That can ONLY mean one thing...BABY CHICKENS!! I tried to resist. HONEST! But I'm HORRIBLE at resisting baby chickens! And besides... we don't have any RED hens! ...so I got three. I'm pretty sure they're "Production Reds", but I'm not certain. And I TRIED to pick out little pullets (hens), but I'm not sure I was very successful. It's a guessing game for me until they're a bit older and are showing more personality.

The reds are a full-size chicken (unlike the little bantams and silkies we have) and already, though they're only a day old, are nearly the same size as the two bantams we hatched here on the farm last week. You can see in the photo, it still has it's egg beak that it uses to break out of it's egg when it hatches. That will fall off in a day or so.

And, because they needed to be rescued, I also got three "assorted" bantam chicks. They only had a few. Bantam babies are quite delicate, and take a bit of extra care. They're very small (think ping pong ball size). They weren't ready to be plopped in a trough at the feed store. The light was too far above them, and it wasn't keeping them warm enough. So, we picked the few to bring home and give a little extra love to. Alan adjusted the light so the ones we left at the store would at least be warm. I'm pretty sure this one is a Belgium Quail d'Anver Bantam.

I believe this one is a Blue Dutch Bantam...and it's FAST! So, I got a photo of it's fuzzy butt.

I'm not sure about the little yellow one. I haven't come to any decisions on it's breed yet.

Our little Frizzle/Silkie that hatched last week has been busy growing feathers. They haven't started to "frizzle" yet -- hopefully they will!

Tagged... and Memory Lane...

I've been tagged by Gabi to post the 6th photo in the 6th folder in My Photos.
Here you go, Gabi... *grin*
 
I took this photo in 2004 on a day trip over to the Oregon Coast when I lived in Eugene, Oregon.

Here are a few other photos taken the same day that were also in the same folder...

 
Gotta love that sweet Oregon air...

Here are the rules:
•Open your photo folder on your computer
•Open the 6th folder of photos
•Select the 6th picture
•Post the picture on your blog with a description
•Invite six friends to join the challenge
•Link your six friends to your blog post

I'll play along and tag the following:
Vivian, Karrie, Mo, Silver Belle, Claire, and Val (since she gave me a rooster quiz yesterday!)

Extreme Sheep LED Art

My friend Megan brought this little video to my attention... what a riot!

To view the video on YouTube, click here!

Thanks for the laughs, Megan! Alan wanted to know if I was going to require him to put LED lights on the goats. Haaa! No...but maybe the chickens! *grin*

Bunny Friends

 
Here's a quick Crafty Secrets project for ya! I made this card using an image from the new Easter Creative Scraps vintage image sheet from Crafty Secrets. The images on the sheet are perfect for card makers! They're a good size, and printed in beautiful colors!

I enhanced the image with a Quickie Glue pen and some ultra fine glitter. The layers are all sewn together using my Janome Sew Mini machine. Just a quick straight stitch -- nothing perfect. But I like it that way! The green gingham paper is from K&Company. I wish I had 100 sheets of it. I love the country look of this particular sheet. Ah well...

I also wish it was Friday already... jeez, what a week.

Crafty Secrets and Tattered Angels March Mix!

I'm pleased to be participating in the Crafty Secrets/Tattered Angels designer March Mix challenge this month. What is the March Mix you ask? The designers for Crafty Secrets and the designers for Tattered Angels decided to do a month long challenge. Each Monday various designers from each team post projects made combining products from each company. Today is my day to share a project with you!

I chose a couple of sweet images from the recently released Crafty Secrets Garden Girls set to create this scene for my painted image. I stamped the images in Timber Brown StazOn ink. The image is painted with a water brush and dye ink pad refills. I used a marker to add pink blossoms to the tree.

I chose some vintage shell buttons (ebay score!) and some cute cotton lace I picked up on a recent trip to town (JoAnn's maybe?) I stitched all of my layers with my Janome Sew Mini, inked the edges with Distress Ink and a foam ink applicator.The patterned paper I used on the background is also from Crafty Secrets' Classic paper pad. The vanilla taffeta ribbon is from Stampin' Up.

Before I fully assembled the card, I spritzed all of the layers with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Pearl and Vintage Pink. The shimmer is difficult to photograph, but it's fabulous! Click on any of the photos to see them larger.

Here's a list of the other designers sharing projects today:
Marisa Grosson
Elizabeth Hicks
Cheryl McAdam
Michelle Jackson

And here is a list with links to the blogs of all the designers on both teams if you would like to stop by and check out their beautiful blogs:

Pam Hooten

Heidi Blankenship

Sally Lynn MacDonald

Michelle Van Etten

Vivian Peters

Marisa Grosson

Anna Wight

Elizabeth Hicks

Cheryl McAdam

Michelle Jackson

Lisa Zappa

Lauren Ferguson

Linda Duke

Trisha Ladouceur
Michele Kovack
Nic Howard
Melissa Phillips
Vicki Chrisman

Big thanks to Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage and Tattered Angels for giving us beautiful products to work with!

Crafty Secrets Heartwarming Vintage Website
Heartwarming Vintage Blog
Tattered Angels Website
Tattered Angels Blog

Introducing Sending Happy Thoughts & Little Critters

Today is a GREAT DAY! Today is the day I get to introduce two of my new unmounted sets from Whipper Snapper Designs!

I created this VERY simple card using images in the new set called Sending Happy Thoughts. I stamped the pear in black StazOn ink and colored it with colored pencils. The sentiment, from the same set, is also stamped in black StazOn ink. I added a zig zag edge with decorative scissors, and stitched a couple of quick lines of thread with my sewing machine. Easy Peasy!

Here's a reminder of sneak peek cards made with the new sets:

A Little Note

Glub.

Two fun new sets are releasing this month. They are Sending Happy Thoughts and Little Critters. Click images for a larger view.
 

What's even more exciting is that I get to introduce five new Whipper Snapper Featured Designers! Be sure to check out the galleries and blogs of the March/April Featured Designers as they showcase these sets! You're sure to be impressed!

Bev Rousch
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/BevMom
Blog: http://bevithia.blogspot.com

Danielle Kennedy
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/dpkennedy
Blog: http://wilddragonflydesigns.blogspot.com

Lori Craig
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/stamp_momma
Blog: http://loricraig.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com

Natasha Trupp
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/tashers
Blog: http://palmtreesandpogosticks.blogspot.com

Shannan Teubner
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/steubner
Blog: http://withfeathersandsequins.blogspot.com

and Me! Anna Wight
SCS Gallery: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/go/sweetmissdaisy
Blog: http://sweetmissdaisy.typepad.com

Just a reminder, you can see all of the projects current and past Featured Designers have uploaded to their SplitCoast galleries by viewing the Whipper Snapper Featured Designer Gallery. Have a look -- it's a great place to find all KINDS of great inspiration!

Have fun!

PS: Whipper Snapper is offering a special on my cling sets until March 20th! Pick up any of my cling mounted sets for $14.99 each (regularly $19.99).

Love the Smell of Baking Banana Bread!

Two loaves of Anna Banana Bread are baking in the oven... can't WAIT! I used my recipe, posted here...
See what other goodies you'll find in the "Tasty Treats" category here on my blog!

YeeHaw!

This week's High Hopes blog challenge requires us to create something without using patterned paper. I use patterned paper on just about EVERYTHING, but I managed to pull something together for the challenge.

With the last High Hopes Stamps image release, Crissy (the illustrator) created a couple of images of sitting kids -- I chose to use the girl (there's also a boy). Crissy also created images of things for the kids to sit on, like a bale of hay and a fence. But I thought I'd create a scene that could easily have been me as a kid. I loved my horse and pony when I was growing up -- so yup, this could easily have been me!

I chose to keep my card pretty simple... because simple is where it's at for me this weekend! I did, however, pay close attention to my watercoloring for just the right shading. I was recently asked which paints I use when I watercolor. Most of the time on cards I use Stampin' Up or Ranger ink refills and a water brush. On this card, I used a combination of the two brands of ink refills. Also, there was some Shimmerz paint in my brush from the last time I used it, and it added some sparkle to the painted image. Fun!

For more info on my watercoloring technique, there's a post in the Tips & Tricks category in the Category list on the right side of my blog. During an upgrade, Typepad "moved" the image files so they won't display on the post, but if you click the link for each image the photos will display for you. *Thanks Typepad...groan*

If you want to participate in this week's High Hopes blog challenge, you will find all the details on the High Hopes blog sometime early Sunday morning.

Two Baby Chickens!

Here you go! Two baby chickens!

If you're not able to view the embedded video here on my blog, view the video on YouTube.

Let me hear it ... Awwwww!

Yesterday I checked on the egg in the incubator. It was pipping (that's what it's called when a chick breaks a small area through the shell near it's beak). I made a quick trip to the post office (less than 10 minutes), and shortly after, Alan came home. He went to check on the egg, and she'd hatched! So I missed the whole thing! I had planned to create a hatching video... I guess we'll make plans for that next time!

I thought this chick might be a Peanut/Zippidydoodah baby, but turns out it's a Peanut/Edward Scissorbeak baby! So, she's a Mille Fleur (Peanut) and Ameraucana (Edward Scissorbeak) cross.

Shame on you, Peanut!! What will the neighbors think!?

But still, cute as can be!! Here's a video for you of the chick still in the incubator drying off. This video was taken last night. After she dried off, I moved her in with the other chick. Finally, a friend!

If you aren't able to see the embedded video here on my blog, you may view the video posted on YouTube.

Poultry in Motion...

Finally! YouTube success!! Here's a short video I put together last night. Miss Daisy even makes an appearance!

The video: Sizzle!

To watch the video on the YouTube site, click here.

We have a Sizzle!

Have you seen the full moon? Yeah!? Well, so have my emotions. My GOODNESS does that moon ever take me for a spin! You'd think I'd get used to it, but I don't. Hopefully, Alan will. *grin*

Good news, we have a new baby! This little chick hatched yesterday. We're keeping it in the house until it's big enough to be outside in a safe little baby chicken place. Right now it's about the size of a golf ball with a head. Super tiny!

This baby is a Sizzle, which is a cross between a Silkie (like Toe Picker), and a Frizzle (maybe Tiny Tim, more than likely Little Buddy - he's a bit more successful with the ladies than Tiny Tim).  For the first couple of days baby chicks sleep a LOT, though only for short periods of time. They're easily awaken, and quick to return to snoozing. She (I'm being optimistic) had just finished a light snack, and apparently needed to catch some Zzzz's. It will be fun to watch her grow - I hope she has crazy feathers, like the frizzles! I'm TRYING to post a video on YouTube, but per it's usual style, YouTube is NOT cooperating with me.

In sad news, the first chick that hatched yesterday didn't make it. *Make note of the full moon comment above.* That will never be an easy thing to deal with here on the farm.

We have another egg in the incubator that is supposed to hatch on Friday. I'm grateful -- this little blonde cutie needs a friend (besides me & Alan & Daisy).

Pippy's New Polka Dot Vest

Meet Pippy. Pippy is a Buff Laced Polish hen with lovely cream and white colored feathers. She's very timid, not the "brightest" gal, and has never been the most coordinated gal in the chicken yard. She really has a lot going for her ... sweet as can be!

She's lost a number of feathers on her back over the past few weeks or so. Spring is in the air and I guess Tiny Tim and Little Buddy like her (they're not the most coordinated with the hens that are larger then they are). I've also seen some of the other hens pick on her, which leads to broken feathers.

I have been applying a healing no-pick lotion to her back feathers to discourage the other hens from picking on her, but the lotion discolored her skin and feathers -- unsightly! In the above photo, you can still see the purplish tint she has from the lotion. Fortunately, she's got a lot of new feathers coming in! I want to protect the new feathers so that they have a chance to grow nicely, without continuing to put the staining no-pick lotion on her. Time for some poultry fashioning!

I wanted to create something that was a bit more open and airy than Tiny Tim's coat, but couldn't decide on how to fasten the garment to Pippy. She doesn't need her wings covered like Tiny Tim does, and she doesn't need it to wrap around her breast, like Tiny Tim does. She's no where near as naked as Tiny Tim! Amazing enough, as I was browsing some blogs this morning, the answer became evident! Rooster Hill Farm recently ordered an apron for one of their turkey hens and she blogged about it this weekend. Perfect timing -- I thought I'd give the fastening method a try!

I brought Pippy in, gave her a bath (every chicken needs a bath now and then, I think!), and measured her up for the right size of the vest. I decided to make it long enough to cover a good portion of her tail feathers, to keep her incoming feathers really hidden. The vest I made is made of cotton and lined with a sturdier linen/woven fabric that's chocolate brown. I chose to use the lighter cream/white polka dot fabric to act as sort of a camouflage for Pippy's feathers.

Here she is all fitted in her new polka dot vest. Of course, it's 10pm as I'm taking this photo, and all she wants to do is snooze. Photographing chickens at night is a task that's near impossible, regardless of how many lights you have on in the room. They have sun-downers, BIG TIME!

Maybe it's time for a pedicure, as well... Doesn't she have funny gray legs and feet!!

Zigs & Zags!

This week's High Hopes blog challenge is hosted by ME! The theme for this week's challenge is Zigs & Zags! You can interpret that any way you'd like. I chose to keep my card pretty simple, to not take away from the cute bunny image Crissy illustrated. Originally, I'd planned to use some pinking shears and some zaggy ribbon, but after I had the image colored I decided to use some cream colored satin ribbon and a cute little cherry blossom silk flower.

I painted the image with reinkers and added a bit of intensity and shimmer with Twinkling H2O's. To add some sparkle to the flower I added some Shimmerz Angel Wings paint to the petals. And after the card was assembled, I spritzed it with silver spray glitter. I do love the sparkles...

I used some of my favorite Daisy D's paper from my stash. I'm really bummed Daisy D's is out of business. I really love some of their older paper lines. They did a lot of fabric prints as paper, in conjunction with Moda (who is currently making fabric out of Basic Grey paper patterns). Fabric designs are so perfect as printed paper -- I hope that we continue to see a blend of fabric and paper crafts.

If you want to participate in this week's High Hopes blog challenge, you will find all the details on the High Hopes blog sometime early Sunday morning.

Glub.

I'm so glad it's the weekend. I've needed to make a trip to the grocery store all week, and tomorrow I might just be able to get that done!

Another reason I'm glad it's the weekend is that means I'll find some time for bein' crafty! Tonight I put the finishing touches on this card I started earlier in the week.

Raise your hand if you think this might be a sneak peek of some sorts... *grin*

Hmm. Well. You might be right!

Happy WEEKEND!!

89 degrees.

For those of you longing for warm weather...... let me remind you what 89 degrees feels like.

Cause that's what it was here today.

a little note

I did the happy dance of joy when the UPS man pulled into the driveway this evening! He was delivering my NEW Whipper Snapper sets, being released later this month! HOW EXCITING!!

I couldn't wait to play! It's a good thing the UPS man doesn't deliver to our house until after 5pm, because if he showed up any earlier in the day I'd never get anything done on delivery days!

So, here you go... a sneak peek of a new set called Little Critters, releasing March 16th. I know, I know... that's FOREVER from now. Tell me about it!! *grin*

Have a Rootin' Tootin' Square Root Day

Here's a quick card I made last week...or maybe it was the week before...anyway, it wasn't this week, I do know that!

The chicken and hut images are from A Muse, and the cloud is from my Hello Neighbor set. The clouds are all sparkly with glitter, too!

The printed paper is from Memory Box...I added some quick lines using my tracing wheel to add a bit of texture. Inside is stamped with "Home Sweet Home" a sentiment from Love at Home.

Random News: Today is a square root day! Alan sent me this article link. Check it out! And my crazy-smart math-lovin' friend Julie says soon we'll have Pi Day too (3/14). Two math holidays in one month -- now THAT's something worth celebrating!

Edit to Add: If you read the first comment left by Beth, she suggests that the printing on the paper resembles grass fire, and OH MY GOSH might just become a fried chicken! Perhaps that little chicken's house might not be "home" for long! I thought that same thing when I saw this card posted online!! Isn't it funny how things can look so different to us in photos, than in real life!

Happy Hello Snail

Here I go again, with more spring colors! This time, I made a card and coordinating gift pail. I used paper from the Berry Sweet paper line by K&Company. What's not to love about the fresh colors, cute images, and dots! Everywhere DOTS!

For the card, I used images from my Fish Friends and Hello Neighbor sets. The snail was stamped on shimmery white paper and colored with markers. The mushroom was water colored. The sentiment is from Hello Neighbor.

The top of the clear pail is embellished with a large glittery daisy, yellow button and orange gingham bow. I used a Hello Kitty Bigz die to cut the chipboard flowers, and then adhered glitter with Glossy Accents. The larger circle and scalloped circle were cut using Spellbinder dies.

I'm not too hip on the idea of tying lots of random ribbons to the handles of altered objects, so instead I wrapped the handle of the pail with lime colored wire and added some clear/silver beads for occasional sparkle. Because the paper was so cute, I didn't add any stamped images to the pail. And as you can see, it's plumb FULL of goodies for someone special!

Where'd the weekend go, anyway?

Fun Fuzzy Flocked Lamb

Happy March! It's a sunny CHILLY and WINDY 30 degrees here right now, but I'm not complaining! It sure beats the 86 degree day we had last Thursday. That was WAAAAY too hot for this time of year!

The challenge on the High Hopes blog today is hosted by the amazing Jeanne. The theme is "That Fuzzy Feeling", and what a perfect time to use some Fun Flock! And, by the looks of the other designer cards, I'm not the only one who thought of using Fun Flock on their card for the week.

I stamped the image on a really light cream colored cardstock and colored the image with various markers. Then, with a Quickie Glue Pen, I added a thin layer of adhesive to the sheep's wool and added a layer of Fun Flock. Even though the Fun Flock I used is brown, I colored the wool first so that the color was more pronounced -- you can see the color peeks through nicely through the flock.

And how about that orange paper and ribbon! I'm really liking the color orange right now, and when I saw this cute orange paper at the scrap shop yesterday I had to pick up a sheet. The paper is by Pink Paisley. Cute stuff! The orange ribbon is seam binding from the Martha Stewart line at Michael's. I found this particular roll in the clearance area, before Christmas. I knew it would come in handy this spring! If you haven't tried any of the Martha seam binding ribbons before, you should! They come in beautiful colors, and they're so silky and smooth. And, since they're a bit thinner than typical ribbons, they tie nicely and don't add a lot of extra bulk to your projects. *Love them!*

I also used a vintage (real vintage, not new "vintage") shell button. In January I made a couple of fun button purchases on ebay. This is one of the buttons I received in a lot...and I got a good deal, too! Gotta love that!