Sleepless Wonder

I am still here…

2012-02-20T17:51:00.003-03:30

I am so sorry, my blog has been put on the back burner lately. I have had a lot of real life crap going on. Since it has gotten a lot colder here, and my craft room is downstairs, I haven’t spend much time down there. And I haven’t been feeling very up to doing much crafting.

First off… I am now on medication for my diabetes, still trying to get the hang of all that not so fun stuff.

Secondly… I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. So I look real attractive at bed time now, with a big mask on my face. I am tempted to take a pic of myself wearing it. No amount of anything would make it look decent.

But sense my health is being crappy lately, I want to make a change in my appearance… And the quickest thing I can think of to change is my hair. I will be going from my mousey brown (long over due for a color) hair, to bleached blonde, then (whenever the mail gets to me) Rock and Roll Manic Panic Red. I want a BIG hair change and I am crossing my fingers it is going to look nice.

Here is a before pic, sorry about the “dirty” hair, but it was recommended before dying to not wash it the day of dying. I am headed to my friends house later and she is going to dye/bleach my hair for me. I will post a pic later. And then again once my red color goes in. Wish me luck lol.

See ugly boring hair, .

Let’s hope the after pic will be better.

Hugs,

Melissa D

EDIT: Okay, I said I would post the blonde "in between" hair. OMG what a difference, But I don't think I will stay a blonde, now just cross my fingers that my red gets here soon!!!

yeah, not sure what to think lol.

The look below is the look I am going for.

Cross your fingers for me. haha

Experimenting…

2012-01-08T20:11:00.001-03:30

I did a little shopping today, and while I was there I decided to pick up a few pens to try for my claying.

That is what I have been up to as of late.

First I want to apologize for going AWOL. With Christmas and all I have been so busy, making clay ornaments for people and dealing with a lot of health issues, and also activities with my son.

So sorry for not posting/blogging.

But anyway, I picked up some pens today to test, the 2 packs on the right are from the dollar store, and the one to the left (BIC) is from Wal-Mart.

I am really hoping the dollar store ones work, because 1.50$ for 20 is such a good deal, but not such a good deal if they are not over safe.

So here we go.

Three different kinds of ball point pens. Bic, Papermate, and Studio.

Here they are ready for the oven. I folded up some tinfoil in an accordion fold so they are not resting flat on the baking sheet. I saw someone said to use cardstock, but to me paper + heat, not a good combination.

Well they all came out of the oven fairly good, the Studio one had a little bend in it, so I would not recommend that one. But the papermate and the BIC stood up pretty good.

At least they didn’t turn out like these pens below, I found these around the house, and I was itching to try covering a pen with clay, but this is what happened…

Needless to say this was a fail lol.

But here are my first 2 attempts with the pens that were oven safe…

What do you think?? I think they turned out pretty good for my first try.

Well I will leave you all for now, have to get my boy ready for bed.

Hope you all had a great weekend, and have a great week.

Hugs,

Melissa D

Samsung won for me.

2011-12-03T23:57:00.001-03:30

Well if you follow me on FB u saw I was trying ti decide between the iphone and the samsung galaxy s 2 well the samsung win. I may regret it later but right now I am in love.
Hugs everyone,
Melissa D

Sweet Leaves (quilling) blog hop.

2011-11-04T15:58:00.002-02:30

Hey guys,
Sorry I am late. But here is my project for the blog hop. I was up making it last night, because time just got away from me. Where is this year going?? November already? I guess the saying it true the older you get the faster time passes.
But here is my quilled leaves Thank you Card. When I think of leaves and Fall, I always think of Thanksgiving, which for us here in Canada is in the second weekend in Oct.

Below is the blog list,
if you are coming from
Shruti
http://eenzybeenzy.blogspot.com/, then you are on the right track, and if I was your first stop and you want to start from the beginning ( which I suggest you do, some very amazing quilliers here in this blog hop.) Click on Sandy’s link. Thank you Sandy for Such a great blog hop.
Your Next stop should be
Bronwyn
http://quillme.blogspot.com/

Hope you will all become a follower of mine if you like what you see.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Melissa D
Sandy
http://sweetspotcards.blogspot.com/

AFRICA
Jacquline
http://cutekipepeo.blogspot.com
ASIA
Syaz
http://syazcards.blogspot.com/
Suganthi
http://papercraftss.blogspot.com/
Anastasia
http://anastasiaw.blogspot.com/
Lin
http://azlina-lin.blogspot.com/
Thusitha
http://craftsimagery.blogspot.com/
Miez
http://miezam.blogspot.com/
Amna
http://alfardh.blogspot.com/
EUROPE
Cristina
http://cristina-funquilling.blogspot.com/
Suzana
http://quillingwithfun.blogspot.com/
Finnuala
http://quillingowo.blox.pl/html
Pritesh
http://quillingmesoftlee.blogspot.com/
Philippa
http://quilliance.blogspot.com/
NORTH AMERICA
Jennifer
http://www.creativequilledcreations.blogspot.com/
Paula
http://chillinwithquillin.blogspot.com/
Linda
http://www.myquillingnest.com/
Shruti
http://eenzybeenzy.blogspot.com/
Melissa
http://sleeplesswonder.blogspot.com/
AUSTRALIA
Bronwyn
http://quillme.blogspot.com/
SOUTH AMERICA
Regina
http://regina-ribeiro.blogspot.com/
Natilde
http://natiquill.blogspot.com

Look what I have been up to...

2011-10-19T11:20:00.000-02:30

I have been playing around with Polymer clay. And boy have I been having fun. :) I just got a toaster oven yesterday so I can bake them. I first bought a small kit in Walmart to try it, I am now waiting on an order of more clay. :) I can't wait to get it.

I posted some example pics on my facebook page late last night to see if anyone would be interested in purchasing some Christmas ornaments, before I spent too much time and money on making something no one wanted. I am still shocked at the response I have gotten and still recieve to get. So as soon as my order of clay comes in I have to get cracking. :)

I haven't had to much time for blogging lately, which I do appologize for. I am trying to keep up with the blogs I follow, I am trying to take part in blog hops, because I really do love reading them.

I have to start buckling down and getting ready for the first ever blog hop that I am a part of, but knowing me I will leave it to the last minute and scramble trying to make something late the night before. I work better under pressure. :)

Well it is "hump" day, so I hope the rest of the week goes quickly for everyone, and you all have a great weekend.

Hugs,

Melissa D

P.S. Would love some feedback on my 1st couple of attempts working with clay. :)

Sweet Leaves Blog Hop is coming...

2011-10-14T19:16:00.000-02:30

Well the quilling leaves Sweet Leaves Blog hop is coming up fast, and I have nothing started eck... :) But I am sure I will be ready. This will be my first ever blog hop. So I hope I do it correctly. But the badge is over on the right sidebar. Keep an eye on this spot. :)
Have a great weekend everyone.
Hugs,
Melissa D

I made it, and plan to do it again...

2011-10-08T16:50:00.000-02:30

Well I made it through Zumba, and I am planning on going back. It was very hard and I thought I was going to pass out at times, but I made it through the whole session. I have to see my doc again really soon, because my thyroid is still not under control, and it will wreck any chance I have to lose weight.
But on a crafty note... I will be taking part in my first ever blog hop. Yup you read it right I am going to be in a blog hop, it will be next month and it is going to be a quilling hop. So watch this blog for that. I am waiting to find out if there will be a button we can use, so if there is a button, it will be posted here. :)
Hope all my Canadian blogger friends have a Great Thanksgiving weekend. Turkey YUMMMY!!. :)
Have a great weekend everyone.
Hugs,
Melissa D

Prayer for me...

2011-10-06T19:43:00.000-02:30

Please keep me in your prayers tonight... :) I may need it.

Notice the pic^^^^^^^^ Yup this is what I will be trying tonight, in half hour actually. I am excited to try it, this is the first time it has been in my little town, it was in the town next to me on Tuesday night, and rumor has it they got about 60 people show up. For this area that is A LOT of ppl.

My friend is loaning the PS3 Zumba to me as well, so hopefully I can get the hang of it.

I no longer have coordination. When I was in my teens (15-19) I was in line dancing, gymnastics as well when I was younger and figure skating. I had a lot of coordination, maybe I used it all up back then lol.

I really need to get some of this weight off. Hopefully this will be my way. And hopefully I won`t kill myself, or make to much of a fool of myself. lol

Have a good night everyone, and tomorrow is Friday!!! So enjoy your weekend as well. Oh and Happy Thanksgiving.

Hugs,

Melissa D

I haven't been posting much, but I have been crafting...

2011-08-31T01:46:00.000-02:30

Well the summer here has been yucky to say the least. We are just now getting good weather. But that didn't stop me and my boy from being busy, busy, busy. I am not sure if I can blame my "non" blogging on it being summer, or that since my computer has moved downstairs to my new craft room I am not on as much. Before it was in our living room, and I could cook supper and be back and forth, but with all those stairs it is just to hard. When I am cooking now I stay upstairs.
But I have been crafting. If you follow me on Facebook, you already know what I have been up to. :)
But for the people who don't follow me here is what I have been up to lately:

Here are my quilled versions of Princess Peach, Mario, and Luigi. What do you think??

Here they are added to the Birthday cake, which I made the fondant characters for, first time working with fondant and I LOVED it. :)

My version of Barbie, someone ordered after they saw the Mario characters, I was going to add wings, but I didn't have time.

This is the card I made for the little girl, whose parents wanted the quilled barbie. This is the doll I used as reference.

And here is another quilled doll which will be for a Sweet 16 cake. I have since added a card stock and tinfoil base to her, and a face.

I am busy making more things for this girl's party, her mom always gets me to make cards, and invites and stuff for her. Good customer :)

I have a question I would love help with... How much do you think is a reasonable price to ask for these dolls, they stand mostly approx. 5-6" high. And take around 3 to 4 days to make.

The one of the barbie gave me 10.00$, when I only asked 5.00$.

And the pink star girl will be 8.00, because I still have to add a quilled "M" to it.

What do you all charge?? I hate trying to figure out a price, and most people are shocked when I say the price because they expect I am going to charge more then I do.

I hope you all have a great week, this is my little boys last week of Summer Vacay, Next Wednesday he will be entering Grade 1!! I am excited and dreading it all at the same time.

Hugs,

Melissa D

Been MIA lately

2011-08-12T01:27:00.000-02:30

I know I know, I have not been posting much lately. It seems like since I moved all my stuff to my craft room downstairs, everything else has been taking up my time, it's summer ( well according to the calender, not the weather here) and I have been busy with my son, also my Aunt and Uncle were home for a visit, after 11 years!! It was so good to see them. And now my cousin is home from out of province, so I have been spending time with her before it's time for her to fly back.
And I also got a chance to meet one of my blogging buddies, she grow up a few towns away, and we never realized it, but she was just home for a visit and we got the chance to meet up. It was so great.
I have been crafting though, mostly just quilled wedding cakes, and a bride and groom. They are a surprise for my cousin for her wedding (her daughter is the one visiting) She had already mentioned she would like to buy some of the cakes for her sweets table, I told her not to send any money, and that she would get her cakes. It's the least I could do, she bought most of my son's school supplies again this year.
And I have also been busy making some Mario coin treat boxes for my friends son's birthday party.
Here are the bride and groom, what do you think?? Her colors are Brown and orange.

And here is one of the 40 boxes I am busy with, this is the 1st trial one, the seams are alot nicer on the rest.

Hope everyone is well, and I hope to be back real soon.
Hugs,
Melissa D

I am beat, but it is going to be worth it.....

2011-07-30T22:06:00.000-02:30

Well here it is, My craft room, the second pic with the desk.. well that is where I am sitting right now. :) I have most of my craft stuff brought down now. :) And even have some put away. I need another table or two, and some shelves, but it will all get there in time. But this is going to be my oasis. :)

Hope your weekend is going good. Mine is, tiring, but good. :)

Hugs,

Melissa D

moving day....

2011-07-29T12:42:00.000-02:30

It's finished!!!!!! No I am not moving house, but I am moving into my craft room. :) I am so excited it is finally finished. I am not trying to box everything up to move it all down stairs to MY craft room, I have a room!! My very own room. Here is what it looks like, the walls look pinker then I would like, but it was suppose to be a purple lilac color. A few little details have been done since these pics, but you get the idea.

It is all cleaned up now, and no more dirty saws, or work tables. I have my new craft table in there already, just need to pack my supplies up and get it all down there. In the pics the walls look really pink, but they are not that pink in RL.

What do you think?? Any suggestions where I should place things?? I think a pantry/closet is going in the corner of the first pic, and my computer desk next to it, I was going to put it on the back wall in the second pic, but I hate the thought of having my back to the door, because if I am making something I won't notice anyone coming in. I can zone out completely sometimes. :)

Well back to the packing. Have a great weekend everyone.

Hugs,

Melissa D

It's getting closer

2011-07-13T18:11:00.000-02:30

Messy I know but it is progress, this was the 9th, and all the walls are boarded up now, and the ceiling is closed in, I have to go down and take a few more pictures. A lot has gotten done last week while the boyfriend was off. It's hard for him to do much in the evenings because of his back problems so must of it was done by my dad.

I am so excited I can't wait.

And my expression did come on Monday, I haven't had a chance to play with it yet, but it is out of the box. I just have no where to put it yet.

Well I am having a hard time keeping up with my blog reading lately, blogger is still acting up for me and it is so annoying. And being summer it is harder to find the time to read.

Have a great rest of the week.

Hugs,

Melissa D

Can't wait till Monday....

2011-07-08T15:52:00.000-02:30

I am sure you don't here those words very often. But I just tracked my expression and it is in the capital city, so I don't think mail comes on Saturdays so I am hoping it will be here on Monday!! Cross your fingers for me to get it by Monday at least if not sooner. :)
I hope this even post, blogger is having a lot of problems in the last few months it seems, I haven't done a blog hop in sooooo long because I can't comment on most blogs, it is very frustrating.
Well better go and check to see how much my son's pool is filled up. Hope everyone is having a great summer.
P.S. I will have an update on my craftroom soon, the BF has been off this week so he is helping my dad with it, and the wall is up at least now. Pics to come soon. :)
Hugs,
Melissa D

My 1st photo Tutorial

2011-07-02T14:17:00.000-02:30

I posted this pic of some quilled flowers awhile ago, and just recently posted it to a facebook quilling group. Well there were a lot of questions on how I made them. Well if you look at the date on the bottom of the pic, it is almost a year ago that I made those, I can't remember where I seen them. So I could not direct anyone to a certain site so I decided to try doing my own tutorial. Hope this helps ladies.

I started with a 2 inch piece of scrap cardstock, any length (depends on the size you want the flower)

Folded the strip of paper in half. I also used a bone folder to make the fold crisp.

Glue ONLY the edge. I then press the edges together.

The using my scissors ( or use a fringer if you have one, I don't have one) I start cutting fringes on an angle, and try to be as even as possible, make sure you leave an edge, and try to make it even the whole length of the paper.

At the end when the is no more room at the top to make a fringe I just cut out a little triangle.

Glue another strip of card stock any color (for the middle of the flower) onto the end where you started, not the little tail. Try and make the middle strip the same width as the flower bottom.

Just roll from the middle out and I add glue along the way. And you should end up with something like this^^^^^^^^^.

Spread out your fringes and your done.
I hope this helps and it is clear enough.
So did I do ok for my 1st tutorial???
Hope everyone have an awesome July 4th weekend, and to my Canadian friends, hope you had a great Canada Day yesterday.
Hugs,
Melissa D

2011-06-29T13:35:00.000-02:30

I am still waiting on my expression, I changed the shipping because of the Canada Post strike, so it would come ups. And I still have not gotten it, I ordered it the 15th of June, I am starting to get worried. I am also waiting on another order I have made. I am so mad with Canada Post, but I am happy they have finally all gone back to work.

Want to see my baby?? No I didn’t have a baby but I made one. LOL.

Here she is….

Here is a pic I used for inspiration…

NOTE* Can't get the picture to load, I will try again later.

I haven’t decided yet if I should add eyes or not. I think I should have made her hair a little darker though.

I have been asked if I am selling the “dolls”, I am just not sure how much to charge? Any ideas of how much I should ask.

Hugs,

Melissa D

I’m not lost, and a few things I have been working on.

2011-06-25T20:18:00.001-02:30

I am still alive, just been sick, and dealing with a sick boy, and busy with my boy. I haven’t had a whole lot of time to keep up with the blogs I read, and even less time for blog hops lately. I am going to try harder to make time though.

My craftroom is still in the works, coming along slowly, a little to slowly for me but what can I do??

So, I have been addicted to making quilled dolls lately, when I am not making cards and drawing. They are just so addictive, my hands don’t like it soo much though, they cramp up on me, but oh well lol.

Here are the 3 dolls I have made so far.

Quilled dolls

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

DOWNLOAD ALL

The 1st when is the 1st one I tried, and they are in order, I think I am getting better as I am making them. I really like the doll with the red shirt and white pants, I like how her hair turned out. What do you all think??

Hope everyone is well, and enjoying the summer.

Hugs,

Melissa D

Happy Dance time..... and an explaination

2011-06-14T15:39:00.000-02:30

See I knew I would convince him lol. My Expression is ordered!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I might be 3 -4 weeks ( and that is being hopeful, because it is fedex ground shipping, it was the cheapest way, and heck that was still 55.00$. Plus I insured the package, for en extra 5.00, but at least I know it Will eventually get to me. eeeeek I am so excited.
And if any of you have taken notice, I have not been commenting or taking part in any hops lately it is because of Blogger, it won't allow me to comment on anyone's blog. When a person writes/comments on my blog I always try to write them back, and now on most blogs I can't. So sorry guys, cause I have seen some great post/projects lately and couldn't comment on them. :(
I have signed up with wordpress, but I am not sure I am ready to make the switch.
Hope you all enjoy your day, mine is a little happier now, just now the long wait begins.
Hugs,
Melissa D

Happy Birthday to me…

2011-06-13T20:13:00.001-02:30

Well I spent most of my bday in the optometrists office, for an eye exam and picking out glasses. I really needed new ones and was way over due. Not really the way I would have wished to have spent my bday but ah well.

The BF informed me that if I wait till next month ( so we can save up to pay cash, take a little from the next 4 checks), I could get the Cricut expression. Right now it is at my only Walmart for 329.00 CDN. I told him that is too much, and I went in search of it cheaper. and I found it on Cricutmachine.com for 169.95, even with shipping it is still at least 100.00$ cheaper. But BF is wary about me ordering offline because the last time (that he knows about hehehe ) which was also my first time ordering anything. I really messed up and ended up getting charged 3 times for one item. Opps. But like I explained to him I fixed it, and everything turned out ok, so I have to do some convincing but I am sure I will get it from there. Here is the machine…

Yes and for that price it even comes with 4 carts. I have 2 of the carts but if I do get it, I am thinking of either selling them, or keeping them to do a giveaway.

My only worry is it is coming from the USA, and what if I get it and something is wrong with it, and the fooling around I would have to do to resolve it. But for the saving of 100.00 bucks I think I will take that chance.

I just wonder how much convincing I will have to do. hehehe.

And I am a little bit some how about getting another cricut, with everything that happened with PC and SCAL, etc. I would rather a silhouette machine, hmmmm maybe I should go and search the prices of them now. Yup that is what I am going to do. Never know I may find another machine for cheaper, if any of you know of a better machine for cheaper or around the same price please leave me a comment in the next couple of weeks.

Hugs,

Melissa D

My first scavenger hunt

2011-06-12T18:24:00.000-02:30

Over at Sassy Studio Designs They are celebrating their 2nd Birthday (Happy Birthday guys) and they are having a scavenger hunt. They had a list which I will post below, and you had to look for the items and take a picture, so that is what I did.
Here is the scavenger hunt list

CANDY (I have Areo Bubbles, so addictive)
RIBBON
MARKER (Artwin marker)
2 OF SOMETHING (I have 2 handmade flowers)
CANDLE (Yummy Vanilla cupcake)
GIFT BAG Big and RED with Party wrote on it (wasn't sure if that could count as having party on it too, so I made sure to find something else with party on it.)
SOMETHING THAT SAYS "PARTY" ON IT (Birthday PARTY invite I made awhile back, Party is the last word on the invite)
A SASSY STUDIO DESIGNS IMAGE/CARD WITH AN SSD IMAGE ( the colored digi, I haven't had the chance to add it to a card yet)
CUPCAKE( cupcake ribbon hanging from the invite)

This is my first time, I hope I did it right. :)

Hugs,

Melissa D

Still sick, but wanted to share this card…

2011-06-12T11:32:00.001-02:30

Yeah, I know I sound like a broken record. But yes I am still sick, and how can anyone not be sick around here. We seem to be getting one nice/dry day a week, which seems like it has been going on for a month. I am sick of the rain.

I managed to try a new card last night though, I found the tutorial here at Dawn's blog. I am sure there are other tutorials out there, because this is by no means new. But I enjoyed this one.

Here is my first card, my folds are not perfect, but I think it’s pretty good for my first try.

I think I will try more of these, they are cute, and fairly easy once you get the hang of it.

Hope you all have a beautiful Sunday, and a lovely week.

Hugs,

Melissa D

Sick of being sick

2011-06-04T10:42:00.000-02:30

I am so sick of feeling like I have been run over by a truck. My thyroid pills have been switched around, and before I could even get a chance to see if they would make a difference I got bitten by the flu bug. On Monday night I started coughing and could tell it was the flu coming on. Well Tuesday just disappeared, I was on the couch in a comatose like state almost the whole day, I am so glad my little boy is content to just play alone, and knows to ask me for anything he needs. His dad came home for his "coffee" break at just the right time to get some breakfast for him, I managed to get a little dinner for him, and bring him to school, my dad always picks him up after school anyway, so when I got back from dropping him off I got back on the couch and passed out. This is the worse I have felt in a long time. The next day was a bit better but still not much energy, and even now I still feel like cr@p. My besties littlest man is getting Christened tomorrow, and I doubt I am going to be able to make it, I am very disappointed but I don't want to chance going if I still feel this way. She has asked me to make a couple of cards for it, which I have been trying to get done. Along with a couple of graduation ones for Thursday that I need to get done.
Being sick and trying/needing to be crafty sucks.
Hope you all have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Melissa D

Decisions, I need some help….

2011-05-30T11:33:00.001-02:30

I need to start really thinking about what colors I want to paint my craft room walls.

My room is going to be (unfortunately) a room without a window. So I need some bright colors.

The room is going to be about 8’ by 17’. The exterior walls are all cemented and leaks fixed now, with installation put in place. So not much longer now before the inner walls are up, and I was asked what color do I want for the walls. The floors are going to be a mix of 2 colors of wooden laminate, both fairly light ( I think). This is flooring my dad has leftover, from my son’s playroom, and my uncle’s reno, Yes this is going to be a recycled floor. It is in good shape so why throw it out.

This is going to be my creative place so I want some fun and bright colors, but not too overwhelming.

So can anyone help me?? I have no idea what colors to go with, I love purples, blues, and tealish colors.

Also I have decided I am going to be doing a giveaway once the room is finished and I can find all the goodies I have bought especially for the giveaway. It is all packed away everywhere, so when I gather it all together I will be posting it.

Hope everyone is having a great day, we have yet another day of rain ( on day 5 of rain now). Hope everyone has a great week.

Hugs,

Melissa D

#c8189423115813049369

2011-05-29T18:04:00.000-02:30

#c8189423115813049369
Go and help Karesma Kreations reach 200 followers, she is having a giveaway when she does.
Hugs,
Melissa D

Blogger is being really naughty....

2011-05-28T11:10:00.001-02:30

I feel so out of the loop, after 3 days of not being able to comment or even log in to my blogger account, seems like I missed so much. Not sure if this is even going to post. My last post got eaten by blogger, will this one have the same fate? So I am not going to write much right now just in case.
Hope everyone has a great weekend, and a Happy Memorial weekend to all my American friends.
Hugs,
Melissa D