MDN Creates

Things are wonderful, really. New blog for my ramblings.

2012-02-02T21:26:00.001-05:00

I apologize for not posting lately. I am changing a bit, and it takes time. I did start my new blog, and it is called My Blessed Life, and the address is http://patricialogan.blogspot.com. Blogger said my name is available , so I took it as a sign to use it. This blog is still available, but it is moving in a different direction. I am now going in sort of a business phase of it. It will still have the personal touches that it will always have but not as much as I like it to be. I started feeling like I was not showing you as much of my work as I should. After all, that was the real reason behind starting the MDN Creates blog in the first place. I want this blog to be a inspiration, not a ramble session. I think it was something I read in December.

I was thinking about why I only have 169 people following me. So, I saw on a couple of newsletters I follow that you have to have a focus niche. Scrapbooking, card making, and making journals is my niche for this blog. Then I was asking myself, "was am I giving the readers or the people who look forward to reading this stuff, My take on the subject at hand, not what is going on in my family, not what happened to me two years ago, or my views on the world?" I will have that, but only if it ties into what I am about to show you.

I also think I have too many affiliations on this blog. I knew it for some time, but some are not related to the subject of crafting, so I need to refine it to where it all relates to crafting. I also want to get involve with being part of a design team, and that means people looking at my blog for determination of my entrance application.

Two years ago, I pulled my Longaberger business stuff off of this blog to separate the two, and now I am doing it again. Its called "cleaning house", and I am doing it once again. I only have Two posts on the new one, but if you would like to hear what I have to say about life in general, from a short, black woman's point of view, come over to My Blessed Life. It will be fun, I promise you. I gave it that title, because I feel like I have been blessed. Despite my situations in life over the years, I feel like God has given me more that I can ever ask for. I will be honest, I have act like he has not, but you know what? he has given me what I need for the moment. I act like this spoiled, person, who just wants to be able to afford material things, but for Him, it does not matter. I am trying to make a new change for this year.

So this is a wrap up of things you will see from me: (just click the title of each blog)

MDN Creates (where you at now): Scrapbooking, card making, and journal making. also a link to my Etsy page.
Tricia's Baskets: Longaberger products, specials, and a link to my Longaberger My Shop page.
My Blessed Life: Ramblings about the world, content you can put on your own blogs, organizing, travel, and household stuff (cooking, car, and family)

Well that is it. Oh, and take a look at something I made last month:

It is a tree made out of old sheet music. a fun and simple little project I made at my stamp club. This Monday, I get to make something out of a soda can. I will take a picture when I get finished with it.

Until then, or the next time I post. take care of yourself.

I invite you to a golden anniversary

2012-02-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

Last July, my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary. Everything was wonderful, we celebrated it at our church after services. My dad's sister was not able to come, but her family was well represented. Mom had 1 brother and 2 sister's attended the celebration. My brother and sister helped with the planning, and dad decided to continue the celebration with mom and they are going on a cruise next month. I do not know what to do with those crazy kids.

It is my turn on the Card a Day blog to show you what I did to create the perfect invite of this nature. At first, I was going to show the original invite, which had a white and gold pattern paper, and mounted to it was a lavender paper, with the invite printed on it. I had already taken a picture of it from last year, but as I reviewed it, I had some personal information on it. So I went in MS Publisher and changed it around. In the spirit of Valentine's day, I recreated the invite to look like this:

I think it turn out better than the original. I double matted the invite. the first mat is a patterned paper of paper stack given to me by my Secret Sistah over the holiday season. It is 4 6/8" x 4 6/8" just about. The Red paper (the second mat) measures about 5" x 5 1/2". The kraft colored invite measures 4 1/2" x 4 3/8".
The only thing that is the same is I centered the text on both of them. You can add a fake bow to it, and that is what I had on the original invite.

I invite you to go the Card a day blog to enter in a new challenge started for the month of February, as well as check out the other cards on the blog. All of them are really nice.

Thank you for stopping by my little blog, and have a wonderful, blessed day.

%^&*%$^ my niece says

2012-01-26T21:16:00.000-05:00

I have not written anything this year for this blog. The last thing I wrote on this blog was Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. That was it. I sort of took time out to readjust and to unwind from all of the holiday affair. You know what I mean.

I am doing a last minute blog hop, but instead of my normal "see what I made for you to see" blog hop, this is a ramblings blog hop. I was given 4 topics to possibly write about, since I need the practice, and since I have not made anything yet, I thought why not. Besides that, I have a porker in the oven (I will be eating late tonight)

OK, the first topic I saw was one of those "get something off my chest" topics. OK, I rather not. I want to keep my readers, and add new ones. The third one, I did not like. It was about love, and when was the last time someone made me feel special. I am currently not in a relationship, and the last time was when my father gave me money. I cannot elaborate on that one. The 4th topic is on New Year, New You, what am I willing to change or want to change in my life this year. OK, do you have a year to read this post? Does Blogger allow posts of that length? I don't think so.

So we have come to the second topic, and that topic is the things kids say. As an aunt, I always get an earful of things that my niece and nephews say. I have a 16 yo nephew who is typical teen. My take on teens these days are they think that aunts, uncles, grandparents, and parents are the scum of the earth, and we just do not get it. What I want to know is, what is it that I am suppose to get? If you would kindly explain it to me, I may just get it, and hopefully I am your best friend for getting it (whatever IT is). Next is the 4 year old nephew. I like to call him the little professor, because he is always talking, and questioning. If I do not get it, he will explain it to me. Last in the nephew line is the 1 1/2 year old. He says ball, bat, his name, and other cute things. Repeat it once, and he has it. He thinks kissing the mirror is wonderful.

Now we come to the meat of this topic, my niece. she is 3 years old, and just like her 4 yo brother, can talk your ear off if you let her (must be a competition thing). This particular day, me, my sister (her mom), and the niece had a girl's day out. We grabbed something to eat, and did some running around. You know, girl stuff. We were sitting at the light when all of a sudden, something strange came out of this girl's mouth. It was...a curse word. OK, we have all had a slip of the tongue every now and then, but for this to come out of my niece was not a shocker to my sister. The niece said it once before, I just have not heard it. I whipped my head around, and yelled, "what?" I never yelled at her before, except to halt her from hurting herself one time. Foot firmly on the brake, I whipped back around to pay attention to light changing. The last time I heard cursing coming out of a family member's mouth that young was when the 16 yo told me at age 2 what he was going to do to my bottom. That was a shocker too.

This is the portion of the topic where I ask, "Is this cute?" I say no. Kids get these words from all sorts of sources. My sister did correct her, but I would have liked for my niece to not say it at all. The best thing to do is not make a big deal of it. We got to our parent's house, told mommy about it. she had some grandmotherly words of wisdom for her little granddaughter, and that was it. The subject has not been talked about since that time, which was before Christmas. The matter is closed.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:55:00.002-05:00

Just popping on here to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year from MDN Creates.

I have been very busy lately.Part 3

2011-12-22T03:53:00.000-05:00

This week, I work on two projects (no pictures yet, sorry) for my sister and Sister in law. They are mini brag books. I have been working on layouts of the children, and I thought why not share them. My brother and sister always tell me that I never share the pictures I take, and I must admit that I forget sometimes. So what I did was spent all evening on Tuesday at my former workplace, Archiver’s, and made copies of some of the layouts. When I worked there, I did not like the old copier. They have a new one that I simply adore (I want one in the home). this is a nice project to do for anyone in your family. The nice part about this project is they will finally get to take each original layout home with them when the child graduates from high school, lol. Yes I am making a copy for me, and when the child graduates from high school, they will have a memory of special moments in their life, from age 0 to 18 years old. Hum, the baby (Leon) will get his in 17 years, little girl (Nine’na) will get hers in 15 years, Dey-Dey (Deonte) will get his in 14 years, and Mike will get his in 4 years.

Well it has been a long day, but I am good for it. be well, and for those of you currently celebrating Hanukah, Happy 3^rd night of Hanukah. For those of you who celebrate Christmas with the birth of Christ along with me or who deal with the commercialized Christmas, Merry Christmas. For all of you, Happy New Year, 2012.

I have been very busy lately. part 2

2011-12-22T03:50:00.000-05:00

Next, I made some of my mother’s Christmas cards. They are as follows:

The first card is a snowflake of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in blue cardstock. The second layer is glitter paper by DCWV (Die Cuts with a View). The third layer of patterned paper actually came from the Cricut Imagine (for those of you not keeping track, yes I finally got one). The paper print comes from one of the newer carts, Enjoy the Season. BTW, the Snowflake was cut out with the E2 using last year’s cart, “When It’s Cold Outside”. “Jesus is the reason for the season” is stamped on the inside. (In fact all of them are like that)

The next card was actually scraplifted. I took the idea from the DCWV blog entry I saw on Facebook. I did it because I have the stack, which is called Christmas & Winter 180 Stack I got at Joanne’s. The Ornament on top is from another paper company called the Paper Adventures, and the paper name is (Giggle) Christmas balls. (You have no idea what I am thinking right now and I will not tell you in case children are reading this post-trying to keep it “G”). Anyway, the card blank is “8.5 x “11 cut in half, and folded. As noted before, the inside is the same as the first.

OK, who said that the die cut on the card has to be something Christmassy? I decided to preview the next holiday to come in Christmas papers. Again this is scraplifted (I forgot where. I think it was from an email I received that week.) Anyway, the card is a premade blank (meaning someone or some company made it besides me), I bought the pack for the envelopes anyway. Why not use them? Cut two sheets of 12 x 12 into 6 manageable pieces (the old “eat the elephant one bit at a time” trick works for scrapbooking too), and adhere the red on the card blank. Cut the green sheet down to layer on top of the red pattern paper. I cut out the heart with the E1 Cricut machine (original expression). Inside is the same as the other two sets.

The last set of cards is super simple. Take glitter paper cut into a circle. Take any 3-d sticker (I used ornaments from K and Co. Make an arrangement. I scraplifted this one too, but I scraplifted myself for this card. I made it better than the one I made two years ago (Picture in a moment). In that card, I cut out three circles, and hung them from three pieces of cord. I cannot remember much more than that. (continued part 3)...

I have been very busy lately. Part 1

2011-12-22T03:42:00.000-05:00

Starting with December 3^rd (yes, that long ago), I did a craft fair to which I was honored (as well as humbled) to participate in again this year. The craft fair was sponsored by the Eastmoor High School PTA. The first time was last year (2010). I say that because for one, no one has ever asked me in the first place before (I have always seen the ad for venders, then apply), and second, the humbling part is that the only ones who bought again this year were the PTA participates and anyone who was using the school for some activity (which was not much). Last year, it was just Longaberger and me (before I named it Tricia’s Baskets). This year, it was both companies.

For the Tricia’s Basket side (Longaberger), I had Travel Cups in one the school colors (Cornflower), Chocolate, Medallion, and Celebration. Along with the cups, I had coffee packs that can be sold with them. Sold none. I also picked up some items from Homestead to be sold. I had luggage tags, two Hershey cookbooks, two note pads, and a couple other things. Sold none.

For the MDN Creates side, I made Post a note pads, made from a chipboard coaster, covered it, and hot glued the post a note pad on top. Sold one. Next, I covered some composition notebooks with pretty patterned paper. Sold none. I also made some cards and sold a few. Finally for kicks I made a few bookmarkers and sold one. I am learning that maybe I better find another craft fair next year. Columbus has a huge Winterfair at the fairgrounds. It is not for crafters, it is for artisans, which to me, I do not know the difference if you have a business. This is what I was told. Well, Starting January, I am going to start making lots more cards that could be sold through my Etsy shop (which I have been neglecting lately) or prepare for a both somewhere. I am starving for my work (passion), so I think that makes me like them.

Changes for the new year...2012

2011-12-13T03:44:00.001-05:00

Why am I publishing it now? Because I want to make sure that there are no surprises in the new year. January is all about changes. You take a look at the year of old, see what was done wrong, and what you would like to see. More on that later. The highlights of the year 2012 are:

More traffic: I enjoy anyone who is anyone to see, read, and connect to me. A person does not have to like what I do, but I want that connection, because maybe a person may not agree with everything I say, and who needs to, but maybe I can find that one little spark that hits that person over the head, and they sit there and say, "I get where you are coming from, lady, I may not agree on that particular point, but I get it."

More blogging: 2011 has been a topsy-turvy year for me as I continue to get this business off the ground, while trying to maintain the Longaberger business. I also found out this year that I like to write, but I also found out that I am the most laziest person I can think of next to my nephew Michael, who is typical teen boy. One more thing I found out is I like the feeling of being organized. I may not always get there, but I like containers. See where I am going with this? OK, if you don't, just know this much: these two ideas of writing and organizing has sparked two more blogs. One of them has already been done on my Tricia's Baskets blog and a WordPress blog called Tricia's Organizing (I think I entered one or two posts on the latter, then quit). the other one has to do with being published on sites like Hubpages (the good stuff) and Helium (the bad stuff), and I have been freelancing for a couple of people. I want to continue with MDN Creates the blog (this one), and Tricia's Baskets (The Longaberger business one), and try to send things into the Stratosphere. I will be also continuing to contribute to the Card a day Blog (although I forfeited my turn for next month, because I want to concentrate on organize my little business empire and my house (hey I am no Martha Stewart, and I am not trying to be)

Social Media Savvy: It is no secret that blogging, typing on social networks like Facebook and Twitter, reading sites like Digg, and viewing videos on You tube and Hulu are here to stay (now where did that come from, LOL), but it is how business is conducted for the most part. Even traditional companies are starting to throw in the towel and saying "the heck with it, we are dealing with social media." I do not know if it because today's generation is saying to "with us, or get the heck out of the way." In either case, I plan on being part of this ride. For that reason, I have a smart phone (as of today), and I am doing both face to face, as well as online business. I do not want to be left out, nor do want to be totally depended on it either. I can understand the pressure, especially with my parents. My dad does email but has another "dumb phone". we gave mom an account, but dad's email account is her email account, and she wants me or dad to pull her email, and print it off to her. She only wants to use her cell phone in case of emergency. It seems that I already hate my new phone, though. I left my charge at my parent's house, LOL, and the battery is almost gone, but I am connected to my Google accounts, my Kindle account (I have Kindle for PC, and just added my account to Kindle for Android). I now have the Longaberger wishlist on my phone so that if a customer wants to look at a product, they can find it.

There are so many changes, until there is a part two, so stay tuned. I will also show some of my cards I am working on for my mom to send for Christmas.

Christmas and children

2011-11-30T22:25:00.001-05:00

Hello, Patricia here. I am post my card a day post. I am a little late getting started, but this will work out, as I only have less than two hours to post this. I have been super busy lately (my new term), and I have not forgotten, but I have a craft show that I am preparing for Saturday, December 3. I am selling cards, note pads, cover journals, and Longaberger products. I hope I do well. Anyway, on with today's card. I am doing this step by step. So let's get started:

First of all, I do not know what the plan is. Sometimes it happens. You have one idea, and end up with something totally different.

1. First of all, I am starting with this cute and simply paper pack from Echo Park called Dots and Stripes. This is a cute pack that is compatible. If you decide to get this, I got mine at Archiver's. it comes with tags

Sticker letters,

and 12 pieces of double-sided papers.

Well, things change. I was going to use the pattern paper as the base, but at this point, I decided to rely on good old fashion kraft cardstock as the base. I am still using the patterned paper, but could not think for the life of me on how to fold the paper after cutting it in half. Time for plan "B", LOL.

Take 8 1/2 x 11 piece of the kraft cardstock, and cut in half, making it 8 1/2" x 5.5". Fold in half. you can use a ready made card blank. This is an A2 card.

Next, I cut a mat, measuring less than the 4.5" x 5.5". Next I cut a strip of the same paper, and this time, I used the other side, attached a piece of ribbon to it, and glue it to the mat.

Now I am stuck. but not for long.

Next, I took a winter scene stamp with trees, and stamped it in distress ink tea dye ink, and cut to size. I put it on pop dots. Again here is the finished card. Enjoy.

Do not forget about the challenge on Card a Day Blog

New prompt:How do you balance your children, relationship, and work life?

2011-11-07T02:32:00.000-05:00

First of all, I have not been very diligent about these prompts, but when I went to BlogHer to get my next Journal prompt for Sunday (because I was behind already), I found out that Blogher does not post these prompts on Saturday and Sunday. I am so glad.

Today's prompt: How do you balance your children, relationships, and work life? the prompt is by Ricky Lake. Yes, that Ricky Lake who had a talk show, took time out for family, and then shows up on Entertainment Tonight, before signing up to do Dancing With the Stars this season. I hope she wins.

Anyway, I have been bad in this area for a long time. First of all, I do not have any kids, and I am not married. I still have a mother and a father, who is still married after 50 years. This rarely happens, and I thank God for it. they are raising my oldest nephew. I will tell you in another post the day I thought they were getting a divorce. It is hilarious now, and I was 12 at the time. My brother, who lives in another city, with his fiancee and their cute little bungle of joy. His is the youngest nephew, brother to the oldest one. My sister lives here with her two kids, middle nephew, and only niece. So I try to spend time with everyone. I am currently not in a relationship, so forget that. I do want a man who will except who I am, and please do not change me from me. I like me, and I like support, so if he can get to the support part, I will be fine. I will only change to include him in my life, and we should be comparable,and he will have to except that I also do things for my church.
Lastly, there is my work-life. You know, I am finding out that it is not easy to do the combo. It seems that everyone it not getting the whole self employment thing. It does not mean that I will never have another outside or corporate job again. I am taking a time-out from them, because well, my last paycheck was not good, and neither were my hours. I go back from time to time, and I see they have hired anymore people. In fact everyone I knew, except three people are gone. I guess they all found out what I knew all along, because I was the first in a string of people, who decided to quit.

I need to get better at this thing called a work life balance. How about you? Do you have a balance, or is it one-sided? God Bless, and Good night.

When you are writing, do you prefer to use a pen or a computer?

2011-11-05T02:43:00.001-04:00

For those of you who do not know, I added writing to my list of things to do while keeping busy. Writing, like my music (self-created or listening to someone else's music) relaxes me, and gives me a way to enhance other areas of my life (like promoting my businesses or other things). Anyway, I took on a challenge on BlogHer to post for 30 days something. Sometimes I will post a prompt they suggest (like today's prompt), and sometimes I will post what I normally post on this blog (such as an up and coming post on December 1st-a card with the theme of Christmas and Children).

Well today's prompt is all about how I write. The question is "When you are writing, do you prefer to use a pen or a computer?" When I started writing, it was personal, and something for my children to read long after I have passed away. I wanted them to know what type of person I was before they were adopted, little notes of wisdom, and for them to know that they were not born in my belly, but in my heart. Once I got bitten, I wanted to do something that allowed me to say something about the things I love to do, so I started this blog. A few months later I split this blog up to allow people to learn more about The Longaberger Company, my individual business of being a consultant, and how a person can decorate and have their own business as a consultant.

Back to the question. As you see here, I love writing by computer rather by pen. It is faster, and if I mess up, there is the delete button, and if I spell something wrong, there is the spell checker. I have become too dependent on this little gift. I do not shun the pen, because that is how I got started. I started like many people, in Kindergarten, learning how to print. by third grade, I learned the art of writing cursive, and all of a sudden, writing in my own handwriting became pretty.

One tip for you: As much as computer writing is all the rage, and I do love it, DO NOT STOP WRITING IN YOUR OWN HANDWRITING! Yes I said it. It shows you care, especially if you are send a personal note such as a thank you, or signing greeting cards. Another reason for improving on your own handwriting: What if you have to add your signature to an important document such as your new driver's license or a business document. I know that school systems are now saying that it is not necessary for a child to learn cursive writing, and two states have cut it out altogether. It is important for a parent to sit down to teach what school are now failing to do. A child needs to learn the basics that will help them excel in life. If not, then where does it leave a country that requires it in business, academics, and other aspects of life. I am going to stop there, because I will go into some of the other things that children need to learn and computers may not be always available.

Enjoy your day, and I will talk to you later. God Bless You.

Christmas at Home

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Although I was born in Ohio, and I call Ohio my home, I have not lived in Ohio all of my life. My parents are from Alabama, and when my father was 17, he joined the Air Force in the late 1950's. He was stationed in Plattsburg AFB, NY, when he came to visit my mom, who was attending University of Michigan at the time. They were married 50 years ago On July 27, 1961, and I was born 3 years later at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio about 5 miles south of Columbus. I cannot remember any snow during that time, but I saw my first snow when I was 4 years old at the Big Bear Mountains overlooking San Bernadino, Ca. In a picture, my mom and I were in sweaters looking at the snow. I encountered my first blizzard in 1976, when we were living at McGuire AFB, NJ, and I never saw so much snow before in my life. My brother and I played in that stuff. But the worst snow I ever experienced was 6 years ago in Columbus. An ice storm hit Columbus, and I had no lights. I had to feel my way downstairs to my living room, and waited until my mom came and got me. I could not get my car out of the garage. in my parents house was me, my oldest nephew, my sister, mom and dad with no lights, except for the light of the fireplace. It was warm, peaceful, and I got lots of sleep that night.

Over at the Card-a day blog, the theme is Christmas at home, and a designer on the blog, I want to show you a card that defines that memory. It is made almost entirely with the Cricut Imagine, and this is my first project made with this machine. I also have the Expression and the Expression 2, 5th Anniversary Edition, introduced back in April on HSN (Home Shopping Network). I am not sure if you can see it or not, but there is a dog and a cat looking out at the snow. It reminds me of all those days and nights where i would look out, and wonder when I could go out and play in New Jersey, when we could go to the mountains in California, or when can I dig my car out of the snow here in Ohio.

I used a newer cartridge. Enjoy the Season, and if you never seen what an Imagine cartridge has on it, it is different from a regular Cricut cartridge. Not only does these cartridges have things to cut out like a regular cricut cartridge, but it has pattern paper you can print out, and images you can print and cut as well. You do not have to do the whole image either.

I selected my images to print and cut, which if you already have this cartridge, it is on page 20 in the handbook, and I did not change any colors at all. The size of the image is 2.0", and I also printed a whole sheet of 12x12 snowflake paper, which is listed on page 40 in the handbook. The reason I printed out a whole sheet was because I did not know how much was needed, but you can determine your size in the settings, and I would print out about an A2 size, which is about 4x6 (or 6x6 on the Imagine). take a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11, and cut it in half width-wise to have 4 1/4 x 8 1/2. Fold it in half to get 4 1/2 x 5 1/2. Set the card blank aside. I then cut and printed out a Enjoy the season (at 1.5") on page 27 of the handbook, and changed the background to match the mat.
Take you 12x12 sheet, and cut it slightly smaller than the front of the card blank (4x5) and adhere it to the front. Take pop dots for that 3-d effect, and put them on the dog/cat image and the Enjoy the Season, and stuck them to the mat. This is a fun last minute card, when you have forgotten someone on your list. Don't have an Imagine? You can do this same effect from any die cut machine, electronic or not. don't have a die cut machine at all? You can purchase a bunch of Christmas-like 3-d stickers with brands like Jolee's, EK success, K& Co., and buy a holiday-like pattern paper and make some cards. The good thing about most of these pre-made stickers is most of them already has a pop dot foam on the back of them, so you will save money in the long run.

Well thanks for stopping by.

The winner to the "In the Celebration of Sistahhood "Blog hop, and other happenings

2011-10-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, and this is an update to the In the Celebration of Sistahhood Blog Hop. To be fair, I used Random.Org to do my picking (he is not bias at all, lol). the winner of my blog candy is Netta. So Netta, if you are reading this, please email me your address to me, so I can get it in the mail. my email is plogan@columbus.rr.com, and your information is safe with me.

This is what Netta said, "nice job on your album..love the flowers, ``Netta (craftynetta)~~

So thanks again, everyone. I am resting from blog hops for a month. November and December will be super busy for me. I am preparing for a craft fair which will take place at Eastmoor High School, December 3, 9am-2pm I believe (I will get back to you on that as soon as I look at my information again). I participated last year, and only had Longaberger products, and it did not go well. My table this year will be both Longaberger and MDN Creates products. I know, i know the rules of selling, but I have to have something for the kids to buy, as well as those with not enough money to buy. Starting next week, I will be cranking it out, and ordering cash and carry items from Longaberger so they can make it by December 3rd. If you are in the Columbus area and would like to stop by and take a look, again it is at Eastmoor High School, and it is their winter festival. Hope to see you there.

I am also into writing now, and have written several articles for a couple of companies from Freelancer.com. I feel blessed in sharing my work to people, and I do not care if it is through crafting, writing, music, or dance. Yes I am also a musician (piano, organ, keyboard), and a dancer (ballet, jazz, tap, and literal. ) All of this coming from a person who was very shy as a child.
I am now speaking to any children who are reading this: you can accomplish anything you want to. I used to ask God to take away this shyness I had, which to me was bigger than any other problem I had physical. the true is that you have to believe in yourself, just as God believes in you. Whatever you are good at, and everyone is good at something. I never knew that being shy means that I was a great listener. You do not have to say a word, and instantly that person feels better, because they had a chance to pour their heart out.

One of the things I never got to do when I was younger was to be a model. I used to get upset about that. I have some physical attributes that do not set right with the industry, but that is OK, because in a world where everyone is different, they are the most discriminatory industry in the world, and most clothing industries only want certain body types to wear their clothing, but that is OK too, because one day, they may find themselves on the other side where most of us are at now, and they are going to wish that they have never set those guidelines for women and modeling. Sorry I that I said it here, but I had to get it off my chest, as it is far worst than when I wanted to model.

Back to scrapbooking. I am now a proud owner of a Cricut Imagine. For those of you who are not familiar with this little piece of a gem. The Imagine or CI for short is a printing and cutting machine made by Provo Craft. This thing is not little, lol. I bought it from a friend of mine, who thought it was too complicated, and wanted to stick to her expression machine (she did not purchase the E2 like I did). Anyway, I took my sister alone, with my niece (3) and my nephew (4) in tow. I knew that it was big (weights about 40 pounds or is it more like 100!!!), so I was hoping that my sister would get out of the car with me. Are You Kidding !!!, this woman lower the seat, and went to sleep on me. My niece is sleep, and nephew wide awake (like he could help me get this "Heavy D" of a Cricut machine out of the door) It was a good thing her husband was there to put it in the trunk for me. I get home, and take everything out (purse and the like), and tried to get the imagine between the wall in my garage and my car, and I had to set it on its side and wiggle it around. I got it up on the table, calibrated it (you have to calibrate both the Imagine and the E2 every time you move them, even within the house), and now it is all ready to go.

Well this is pretty long, so I better stop and get something to eat before the Nate Berkus show comes on and my call in for Longaberger at 8pm. Again congrats to Netta for winning, and your blog candy will be in the mail as soon as you send me your address.

God bless you all.

In Celebration of Sistahood Blog Hop

2011-10-20T23:01:00.001-04:00

All my life, I have made sure that I align myself with the right people. These people do not have to be able to validate you as a person and the skills that you have. These are the people who have your back, and make you feel good about yourself. For a long time, it had to be my family, my church family, and I left it at that. when I started scrapbooking, I felt that I was the only african-american female on the planet who made scrapbooks or greeting cards. Did I stop? No, I did not. I was just the only one of my friends and family who did that sort of thing.

In 2010, I was wondering through Google, and I decided to look up African American Scrapbooking, or some term I can not remember, but I came upon "Scraps of Color", so I decided to take a look. I could not believe what I saw. Sistahs, like me, who did the same thing I did were staring back at me, and I felt like I found Mecca. I was so happy. Now do not get me wrong, I do enjoy being in the other groups, and I do have friendships in them, but there is nothing like seeing someone who is the same race as you crafting. These people at least know what you been through, and when I post on this group, I do not get the blank post I may get from other groups.

So now, I am in another blog hop, and this time it for Scraps of Color. The item I want to show you is in celebration of Sistahood, and it is an item I am presenting for a silent auction on Saturday, at the Longaberger Golf Club for my central branch's team. Every year we have this luncheon, celebrating life and in memory or a person who has survived breast cancer or has died of it. The money raised for this event will go towards the Horizon of Hope campaign Longaberger has each year, and it is my hope that we find a cure not only to breast cancer, but all cancers in my lifetime.

This is a paper bag album. It is my intent that the winner of this album will do whatever they wish to put inside. The album is super roomy. Not bad for a first time paper bag album maker. The covers are made out of chipboard, and the flaps (the part that makes the paper bag stand up) are glued together, as well as the back of the bags. I suggest that you Google search the term "paper bag albums" or if you have a You tube account, look up the term there as well. I used burlap for the spine, but I have seen some videos where people have used paper or canvas for the spine of the album. The papers used in the album come from Die Cuts With a View Old World Collection (6x6 paper pad)

The cover is really simple. I used prima flowers and flat pearls. Dream is at the bottom of the cover.

Food is the theme for the next two pages. As they say, good friends, good food. The backdrop is a French impressionist painting with wine a cheese to be the celebratory element. This is a photo mat.

The next page is a continuation of that celebration, and this page not only holds a photo mat, but two tags on the inside of the page.

This is a better view of the tags inside.

The next two pages are all about being girly. I thinking more of a french girly, but celebrating the fight against breast cancer at the same time. I have two large prima flowers that were originally ivory, and I colored them with three different copic makers: Pawn, light Prawn, and Sanguine. I have a bling pink ribbon in the corner. the photo mat is edged up with sepia ink, and washed with Glimmer Glam's Rocking on Sunshine. there is one tag on the inside.

This first half page is actually the flap of the bag, and I have a Coconut Swirl photo mat edged up with Stampin! Up's Chocolate Chip, and lace at the bottom, I purchased at a thrift store. Tip: Do not disregard your thrift stores, ladies, they do provide wonderful scrapbook and other supplies for you at a fraction of a cost.

This is another half page with tags I got a Michaels for $1.

I was in a swap over the summer with a woman in Canada. Her name is Tracy(Tracystreasures24), and she has a you tube channel called Tracy's Treasures. she made this envelope, with a birdcage on it. The saying she has on it says, "The greatest gift is a portion of Thyself-Ralph Waldo Emerson". I want to thank her again for inviting me to participate in the swap.

This page is one of my busiest pages, as it has a lot of stuff going on. Many of the elements here were from a mini album that I was going to make, and did not get a chance to. This is a pocket within a pocket page. You have a regular pocket (tag not showing--sorry!), and definition about Cherish (distressed for this page's purpose), a Maya Road pocket for something personal (just sitting empty for someone to place something inside), the pocket, which was meant for another album fits better here, and two little tags from Michael's.

This is a half page, with the word "Imagine" and a bling cupcake. Turn on the other side, and you will have...

Another half page for a photo.

This is another pocket page, with two tags on the inside. The stamps are from Stampin! Up's "Bliss" Collection. More lace, and a Martha Stewart item left over from a previous card project.

Busy pocket #2: Where to start... Prima flowers (note since this picture, I switched one of the flowers to the cover), a a friend made the second element for me, and the corner item is from Making Memories. There is a little surprise....

Another pocket Page! How this was made was I goofed when I was making the bare bones of this album. I was folding, and doing my measurements, and where the flap is at on the album, I glued it shut. OK, I chucked it aside, thinking that I was not going to do anything with it. As I was doing the last minute touches to this album, a thought came to mind, of making it a secret page. So I cut it a lot shorter than the rest of the pages so it can fit inside, used my 1 1/2" circle punch so the tags can come out easier. I also cut the flat (well carefully pulled the flap from the rest of the bag), and with the glue already on, I added paper, cut a slit on the side, and added two more tags. One side says "Peace and Tranquility", and the other says " Laugh, Love, and Live.

The last page I want to show you is a page similar to another page with the Maya Road pocket, a corner by making Memories, and a quote, which says"The stars are God's dreams, thoughts remembered in the silent of the night--Henry David Thoreau.

Celebrate Sistahood Blog Hop In honor of Scraps of Color's 7th Anniversary, myself along with some talented papercrafters, have teamed up to honor and celebrate sistahood and the wonderful women in our lives who make us laugh, cry, shout, scream, play, live. We honor through our creativity and sharing our stories during this blog hop. Each sistah blogger will inspire you with her creativity and will also be offering up some blog candy! What is blog candy you ask? It's a giveaway! So sit back and get ready to be inspired with the Celebrate Sistahood Blog Hop. Just start here, check out what I've created, and follow the rules for entry and then move on to the next blog hop participant for your chance to win again and again. Be sure to visit each blog between Friday, October 21 and Sunday, October 23 for more inspiration and chances to win. This hop closes on October 23, 2011 11:59 pm EST. Winners will be posted on each blog on or before October 28, 2011. So be sure to check back!

Tiare: http://www.iclassygirl.com

Treva: www.scrappint.blogspot.com

Patricia: www.triciatreasure.blogspot.com

Da Shawnna: http://creativedaze.dashawnna.com

LaShawnda: http://lashawndawrice.wordpress.com

Margaret: http://margaret-ilovecrafting.blogspot.com

Tina: http://www.parablesproductions.blogspot.com/

Cyndi: http://nashvillesscrappinsisters.blogspot.com/

Teniera: www.giftsgalorebyteniera.wordpress.com

Karen: http://www.in-the-spirit.blogspot.com/

Kate: http://www.kateblue.blogspot.com/

Yvonne: http://www.grantinfavors.blogspot.com/

Again, thank you for stopping by, and if you are following this blog hop, this next one on the list is Da Shawna at http://creativedaze.dashawnna.com. There is Blog Candy, and it will be coming out of my stash. God Bless

Christmas Snow

2011-10-14T00:13:00.000-04:00

Hello and welcome to fall. I am a designer for the Card-a-Day blog as well as this blog.

This time, I am not focusing on fall or autumn as some people call it. I am jumping ahead a few weeks to winter. I live in the Northeast state of Ohio. Some people call it a Midwest state. There is nothing mid-west about it. Winters are not hard around here, at least by a Michigan, New England, or the Dakotas point a view, but they are to a point where you just want to curl up with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a good book instead going to work.

The card I have to show you is all about snow. It is super simply enough for a child to make one.

I took an 8 ½ x 11 piece of Coconut swirl from the Bazzill Basics line, cut in half, horizontally, and folded that piece in half. I took the bone folder and used it like a brayer to get a crisp edge. Next, I took the snowflake stamp, loaded it with ink, and stamped it to make my own background paper. I did both sides. An alternative is either stamp it before folding the cardstock or stamp one side of the card base. Set it aside.

I was going through my stash, and I found a foam snowflake. You can get snowflakes from many different sources: Foam, Wood (paint it white or leave natural), or from a die cutting machine. Adhere the pearls to the snowflake with the glue dots. I did that by rolling each glue dot in a ball to keep it from showing behind the pearls. If you do this with a child, it may be necessary to skip this step and leave the pearls off. You can even take this same concept, and make ornaments out of the snowflake. Next adhere the snowflake to the card base. I put a little Glimmer Glam in the snowflake, but this is optional, especially if you are working with little children. The glam just adds a little sparkle to the snowflake.

Full Recipe:

Paper: Bazzill Basics coconut swirl
Stamps: Hero Arts-Star Snowflake

Inks and Paints: Stampin! Up-Chocolate Chip, Glimmer Glam-Rocking on sunshine

Also used: Foam Snowflake, ¼ flat pearl white (unknown brand, got it at Joanne Fabrics), bone folder, and glue dots.

I hope you enjoyed my card.

Review of the Cricut Expression 2

2011-10-11T00:57:00.000-04:00

Well last week I did it. I finally published a article on Hubpages about the Cricut Expression 2 or E2 for short (see the right side panel for explanation of terms I use on this blog.) I hope you enjoy the hub as they call them. Go to http://plogan721.hubpages.com/hub/Product-Review-Cricut-Expression-2 or click here to read it. Look for a a new Christmas card to be posted at the end of the week. Until then, I will see you and God Bless you.

blog Hop part 2

2011-10-04T04:22:00.000-04:00

Well, it is almost 24 hours, and I finally picked a winner for the blog hop this past weekend. Her name is Shelly, and she goes by shrsl84bed@aol.com, so congratulations. I have emailed her, and as soon as she send me an address to send the package to, I will mail it.

Well that is it. I am looking at some youtube videos before going off to sleepyland. Good night/morning and God bless you.

Blog Hop Giveaway...

2011-10-03T07:07:00.000-04:00

Well good morning. I am not usually up this early, but I just want to thank everyone who visited and commented on my last post. I just want to let you know that I am going to lay down for a bit, and then I am going to draw out name for my give away.

One of the nice things about having a blog hop is you can receive visitors while you are off doing things. Saturday, I had a luncheon, and then I went to go visit my brother and his family. Yesterday, I went to church, then to my parent's home. Ate dinner there, and my sister came over there with her two, and a new family member. She adopted a kitten, and the kids named her Princess. cute little grey and white kitten, could not have been no more than a few weeks old. So my sister needs to take Princess to the vet. After that, it was going with my mom to take my oldest nephew's friend home.

Well. like I said this is short and sweet, and now I am sleepy. Talk to you soon. God Bless you and your day.

Christmas Blog Hop

2011-10-01T01:05:00.000-04:00

Hello, and welcome to my Blog. If this is your first time on my blog, I am Patricia, and I am the owner of both MDN Creates the blog, as well as the papery business. I have been creating scrapbooks, greeting cards, journals, and other paper crafts for over 10 years. This is my third year having this blog, and my second year having this business. Enough about me.

I am a participate of a Christmas Blog Hop, sponsored by the Card-a-day Blog. In case you are not familiar with the blog, Card a day vows to give you cards of inspiration, meaning if you are stuck on what to make, you can turn to this blog, and find a card that can help give you ideas of what kind to make. There are so many cards out there in cyberland, until it can be confusing, and The Card-a-Day blog can help bring confusion into clarification. Other people participating are:

Adele Robbetze from nogardscreativecave
Christine Patton from Creative Genie-ous
Cindy Foster from Cindy's Creations
Cindy Pointe from The Creative Pointe
Janet White from Stamping At The White House
Kelly George from Sassy Scrapper Studio
Michelle Hessler from Paperthreads
Patricia Logan from MDN Creates-You are Here!
Shelley Bordeleau from Gardens Crafts 'n' More
Tina Campbell from Tina's Scrap Corner
Vicki Schram from Paper Squirrel
Back to the Card a Day Blog to see who won the challenge

For the blog hop, I have made a sort of quick card. This card is simple to make, and it is worthy of any theme,not just Christmas. The recipe for this card is:

Drk. green cardstock
Light green cardstock
Christmas patterned paper (I used on with Christmas lights and ferns, from a old Christmas stack I have not used.)
Tan cardstock to make the snowflake
Tattered Angels Glam (I used Organic Garden (green), and Rocking on Sunshine (Yellow)
Cricut cartridge (I used "When It's Cold Outside a 2009-2010 seasonal Cartridge). Note: If you do not have a Cricut, you can use any die cutting or electronic die cutting machine.

I do not measure, so the best way for me to tell you how big to make this card, is to cut in half on the long side of the 8 1/2 x11 sheet of cardstock. fold in half, and with the glam colored closest to the shade of you card blank, paint it on. To dry quickly, use a heating gun, or if you do not have one, a hair dryer. Set aside. Next, cut a piece of cardstock a shade or two lighter than the first. I would have to say that for this card, I cut about 2" on all sides, but I usually cut about an inch or so for the mat. Take the same color glam to paint this piece as well. note: sometimes the paper will start to curl up. That is to be expected and once the heat is off the paper, it should straighten out itself. If not, set it in between pages in a book to help flatten it out.

Next, cut out your die cut. The snowflake was cut at 4". Paint the die cut with the second Glam.

Once you get everything dried, start assembling the card, with the solid piece on top of the card blank, the pattern piece on top of the first mat. Sentiment is optional.

I do have Blog Candy to send out, but it is a surprise, but it will be good. You do need to be a follower in order to win the blog candy, but you can comment at anytime. I will draw after the blog hop, so please use your first name, email address. Website address is optional, unless you want to follow you. I love following people.

Well the next person to stop on the Christmas hop is Shelley from Gardens Crafts 'n' More. Have Fun and God Bless.

Misty waters....or spray to your heart's content

2011-09-29T18:16:00.000-04:00

A few months ago, I joined my favorite online scrapbook supply store's buying clubs. In case you are not familiar with what a buying club is, a buying club is a club where you are committed to buy a particular product for x number of months. For instance, say you join a Copic Marker Club with your LSS (Local Scrapbook Store). In that club, you are committed to buy 4 Copic Markers for $36.00 (before tax and shipping), and it is for 6 months. The LSS decides that they will pick and choose the colors you get. That means you are locked into that price for the next 6 months, probably will have first pick before the rest of the customers, and you get something free at the end of the club like an extra marker.

That is not bad for the price, and I have enjoyed every single club I belong to. You can build on your collection (say you have 4 Glimmer Mists, and you need more). You are locked into special pricing that would otherwise be ignored.

Technique Thursday…

I am inserting something in this blog, that from time to time, I do not have full knowledge of, because I am just now learning about it myself, or I know very little about. Like I said earlier, I was in a buying club, and I am in another one this time around. The club I just got finished with is for Glimmer Mist. Misting your projects is the new trend these days, and I have had fun re-coloring flowers, adding spritz of color on a layout or a card. I was going through my emails, and I found an article on the different misting sprays out in the marketplace. I would to share it with you. This article is from Simply Scrapper, and I get their daily email, although I never have the time to read it. The title caught my eye, while I was waiting for meatballs to thaw out for me to cook. This post was written by a guest writer, Jennifer Smith-Sloane of Live.Teach.Create:

”Have you ever walked into a scrapbook store and seen all the great new products on the shelf and just been overwhelmed at where to start with them? I was that way when I first saw TatteredAngels Glimmer Mist on the shelf of my local store. Then the next thing I was seeing was MayaRoad Maya Mists, StudioCalico Mr. Huey, and even more.
I came home and went online to do some research and found out that there were even more different types of misting products and I was just floored. I had to know more about these products because I definitely saw them in my crafting projects but didn’t know where to start.
Most of the mists on the market are a water-based spray infused with color. Some of them (like Glimmer Mist) have glitter within the spray while others (like Mr. Huey) are a more opaque color mist. Each of the different types of mists have great purposes in scrapbooking and crafting.

Using a mist to cover a background is a great way to get a custom color for your cardstock, tags, or even alter the paper that you are using.

Using a mist to alter a white flower or other embellishment is a great way to make your supplies last longer.

Layering mist colors can help you create some unique color combinations that no one else out there will have because every time you do it you will create something new.

Taking the sprayer off the mist bottle and using a paint brush to paint the mist on is another way to use your mists. It acts like a water color and will accent your project beautifully and in most cases give a more concentrated color.”

I would like to add some tips help you along the way, if you decide to add some misting colors:

1. When applying color, remember not to over saturate the item. When you do that, particular with paper, it will cause the paper to either curl up, tear up at the slightest touch, and it will take several hours to dry.

2. This also goes for layering colors. Too much of a good thing can leave a project looking muddled, so be careful when applying.

I hope you do learn from these tips that both me and Jennifer have to offer. As always, if you have any questions, be sure to ask them either in the comments section or email me at plogan@columbus.rr.com. God bless you, for he is worthy to be praised.

Card a Day post

2011-09-26T18:48:00.000-04:00

Today, I want to share with you something special. I am a new team member of a blog called Card a day. The purpose of this blog is to give you inspiration on card ideas. When I get stuck, or if I want to know how to make a card, I often turn to other blogs for help. I find it most helpful, when I can find inspiration in them.

The reason why I mentioned this is this Friday, I will be participating in a Christmas blog hop. Yes, it is that time of year again, and I like to start early, sometimes in July. No I do not decorate that early. For me, it is a mindset. I start thinking about the reason for the season.

For those of you who will agree with me for a moment, it is not about the presents under the tree, taking pictures with Santa and giving him you wishlist. It is not about decorating the house, the office parties, and seeing who can hang the most lights (go to You Tube, and search under Christmas lights, and you will see what I mean, LOL.) It is not about getting away for a winter vacation. All of those are nice, but for me, the first thing is the day that Jesus was born, in a manger. His mother did not take Lamaze classes for proper breathing techniques, rushed off to the hospital when the labor pains started, given meds to ease the pain, pushed on queue when the doctor told her to push, and finally got to see her precious baby laying in a bassinet with all the other babies. Where Jesus was born, it was very unsanitary, animals all around, no meds to ease the pain. It was as natural as they came. In fact, the inn keeper did not bump people so Mary would have a place to lay her head. Jesus’ bassinet was a watering trough for animals.

When I was little, I loved dolls, and often played mommy. I had to have one every Christmas, and it had to be the latest and greatest. Today, I still love them, and I had been known to buy one or two in the past. Now, they are for display. I have 6 cabbage patch dolls and a Christmas 1997 Barbie, still in the box. I remember my tea sets when I was little and my two easy bake ovens. I was one of those little girls who just a touch of tomboy in her, which is why I had mud tea parties. I would make mud pies and cakes but on the other hand, I would be just as girly, wanting everything pink and frilly. I also climbed trees in a dress. Go figure. Today, I am still girly, and still love pink. I love getting dressed up, but I have my down moments in jeans and a t-shirt. My mom started the girly obsession, and I did not stop here, LOL. My mom did the same with my sister, but she is the opposite of me. Now to get my sister back, my niece is so girly at 3, until is it so funny. It has to be pink or purple colored stuff.

The point I am making is Christmas is what you make of it. Some people can be very religious about it, or too commercialized about it.

Back to the start of this post. As I was saying, I am part of a design team, and we are having a Blog Hop, October 1-2, 2011. I was in one a few months ago, with a different person, and I had a blast. I will be working on my Christmas card, and a giveaway, known in the blog world as blog candy. I will probably make something, and have something from my stash. Please stay tuned as I will try to start doing a post a day for everything I write for. God Bless.

A non-scrapbook Idea

2011-09-16T04:12:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while, I come across a blog where the craft is real easy to do that children can make it too (with or without supervision.)
I can across this post on a hair blog, and sometimes you have to look for your inspiration elsewhere. Anyway, her blog normally talks about styling hair for herself and her children, especially one she calls, "the Diva". (I do not know any children like that, maybe some adults, LOL), any you may find out why on her blog. You can get to it through this link here. I like the simplistic of the bulletin board, and she does give instructions on how to make it, and where she got everything at. Here is the link again (in case you were not able to click on it: http://www.divalocks10.com/2011/07/non-hair-related-bulletin-board.html

I will be making on for sure.

Good night, and God Bless.

Where was I on September 11, 2001...

2011-09-10T20:14:00.000-04:00

This is the 10th anniversary of that dreadful day, and at the time I was...in bed. I had started learning how to be a night owl, and the night before, I went to bed at 1am. Well, I was living in an apartment, nice apartment, and I was asleep. The phone rang, and it was my dad, who clearly said to me, "You're sleeping, and the world is going to hell in a hand-basket?" I was still a little dazed from coming out from sleep, and I was trying to understand what he meant by that. Dad instructed me to turn on the television, I will find out. So I got out of bed, went into the living room to turn it on. I had it on the local CBS station in the area, and I stood there in stunned belief. "What the heck is going on", I thought to myself, as I saw people running from a cloud of dust in New York. Shortly, after that, I saw the second tower being hit, and I said, "what the F***! Is this the end of the world?" I tried all day to understand who would do this, and why?

We are such a helpful nation, and maybe sometimes too helpful to other countries. We are too giving, and maybe that was our downfall. At the time, my parents, who lives less than 2 minutes from my house was caring for my oldest nephew and two foster kids had to get them from school, so mom was trying to retrieve them from school (the nephew was in Kindergarten, and the other two was in 1st and 2nd grade.) As soon as I got dressed, I immediately went to their house, and watched the news from there, as that was only thing on.

Today, as we remember those who perished on that day in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC, it is not about where you were on that day, or what you were doing at that time, it is about what has changed in the 10 years since that day. For me, it was graduating with a bachelor's degree in marketing, becoming an independent home consultant with a company I love (Longaberger), starting a business from scratch (MDN Creates), and trying to be the best aunt to two more boys and a little girl. My oldest nephew, who was 5 at the time, is now a 15-year old high school student, and wants to do something with computers when he graduates. The other two boys have moved on back to their mother. There are some things I still hope for, being out of debt, a new home, and to become a wife and a mother. But, I am grateful for what I have so far, because that day could have been the end of this country, and there could have been a war on our own shores for the first time with a foreign country (the last war in the US, I believe was the Civil War.)
Hug your loved ones, for they are precious to you, and in the sight of God. Tell them that you love them, and you thank God for them.

My swap items

2011-09-10T20:12:00.001-04:00

I have not posted something in about a week or more. I have not made something in about a week. Correction- I have not completed anything in about a week
My swap Items...

I did a swap towards the end of the month of August.

This first one is a Thank You card. the ingredients are:

1 sheet of Graphic 45 paper (I believe it is Curtain Call-do not quote me on that one). It is cut to I believe 41/4 x 5 1/4-sorry, I do not measure in the same way that Rachael Ray does not with food ingredients.
1 blank card-I used the Kraft cardstock from Close To My Heart 12x12 cut in half to 6 x 12.

Flower: Black and cream cardstock from Bazzill (Archiver's), cut from the Pagoda Cartridge using any Cricut machine (I used the E2 machine), pearl center is from Martha Stewart Crafts. it is cut at 3". I used shadow and Layer 1.

Sentiment: Using my computer, I went into MS Word to type out "Thank You". Note: I usual use MS Publisher for this sort of thing. Use whatever your computer will allow you to do, You can use a publishing program, word processing program, card creation program. If you do not have a computer, or do not know how to use the computer for that purpose, either email me at plogan@columbus.rr.com, comment and I will get back to you with instructions, or just purchase a stamp with the words thank you on it. (it needs to be a small stamp.)

Lastly the ribbon. I used lacy ribbon, and a ribbon that is about 1/4 of an inch wide. I layered the small one on top of the lace, and fell in love with the results. The 1/4 ribbon I got at Michaels, and the lace i got at a thrift store. YES, you can get scrapbooking stuff at a thrift store. Just give the item an inspection before buying, because once you leave with item in hand, you cannot take it back. I antiqued it a little by putting brown ink on the lace.

Card #2

My second card is a fan card (no sentiment)

For this one, I went simply. I had to, because I wanted a pocket tag card, but humidity and lack of strong double sided tape proved to be almost disastrous.

Ingredients:

3 sheets of 12 x 12 Kraft cardstock (one for the blank card, one for the die cut, and one patterned for the matting)

Pearl by Martha Stewart.

Take the first piece of cardstock, cut in half to make it into two 6x12 sheets, fold in half. Set aside. Take the patterned cardstock, and if you have a DreamKutz machine, cut the sheet in half (back slot), then turn it one of halves to cut it in thirds (front slot). From there, you should have 6 pieces to work with. If you do not have a DreamKutz machine, with your paper trimmer, cut the 12x12 sheet in half, follow by cutting each half into thirds, making it about 4x6. Set them aside.
Next take out your die cutting machine (electronic or not, and make a die cut that is about 3" or 4". I used my Cricut Expression 2, 5th Anniversary Cutting machine (E2), the cartridge, Pagoda. the fan is cutting using the shadow feature. I put a pearl in the center to look like it can open and close.

What happened to the pocket. To make a pocket out of a mat, you need some really strong double sided tape. I had a tag that I cut out using the Tags, Bags, Boxes and More cartridge (my go to cart for all things tags-retired), and I put the same lace I put on the first card. the tags turned out nice, but I had to ditch them, and will be using them in another project. To make a pocket, put tape on three of the side (preferably, leaving one of the shorter ends without tape.) because of the bulkiness of tag, the mat kept coming up. So the lesson learned is use strong double-sided tape and have a thin tag.

Well I know this is a long post, and a well deserved one. I wish you well, and God bless you.

Are these the cutest things: re-post from Tricia's basket's blog

2011-08-22T16:16:00.000-04:00

For the last few days in August, I am featuring items, that would make perfect gifts. (OK so I am getting a big jump on this)

BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH AND HALLOWEEN:

It is a little early, but today’s feature is the Halloween Travel Cups (2 for $36; 1 for $18). Last month, Longaberger debuted a Horizon of Hope Travel Cup. I have one, and love it. FINALLY, something I can place in my car’s cup holder, without it spilling when I turn the corner, or make a sudden stop. Well this month, it is the Halloween version of this cute little cup that holds a lot. I am not big on the holiday, but I love my cup (yes I have this one too). It does keep hot drinks hot, and cold drinks cold. This cup makes great first day back at school teacher’s gifts. I do not have kids, but what fun it would be, if for a teacher’s gift, he or she opens up the lid to find hot cocoa mix or one of the instead coffees in there. I can think of all kinds of goodies for the teacher to put inside the cup. If you do not have a teacher, how about a boss, co-worker, or mailman, As a added bonus, When you purchase two of the cups, you will receive free coffee. This is Longaberger’s Private Reserve Arabica coffee blend, and it is delicious.
Let me explain some features about the cup itself…it measures 3 1/2” d (top) x 2/1/2”d (base) x 5 1/4 h, and it holds 10oz, so that is 2 more ounces then your average 8 oz. cup. It is a Woven Traditions pottery piece, but it is double-walled, to allow the outer wall of the cup to stay cooler the inner wall. The cup base is Vitrified-safe to be use in the microwave, oven, dishwasher, and freezer. The top is made of silicone, which is included. Please remove the top before placing item in the microwave. Also note: Take caution when using around children, make sure the lid id on tightly before drinking
I also want to advise, that if Halloween is not your holiday for decorating and using all things Halloween, These travel cups are also available in the Woven Tradition colors (Sage, Cornflower,Butternut, Paprika, Ebony, Ivory, and Chocolate; as well as in the Sisters line of Celebration, Golden Fields, and Medallion.), and as always, just as durable.
So I ask you once again, are these cute? Visit www.longaberger.com/patricialogan to see these and other August specials.