Cindy Adkins' Whimsical Musings

New Line of Jewelry

2012-10-08T07:59:00.001-05:00

I have a new line of handcrafted jewelry.

If you would like to see the entire collection, just go to: http://angelsatmydoor.blogspot.com

You may want something for yourself or as gifts for the holidays. XO Cindy

Angel Miracles

2012-10-08T07:52:00.000-05:00

I would like to announce the publishing of my brand-new ebook "Angel Miracles: Connecting with your Loved Ones in Heaven." It was just released last week and hit the bestseller list on Amazon under dreams within 24 hours! It is filled with stories of miracle encounters. XO Cindy http://tinyurl.com/98p9jbk

Scrap for Help--October Challenge

2012-10-08T07:44:00.001-05:00

The October challenge for Scrap for Help is underway! This month, all participants need to do is make something that incorporates the use of string. I have embellished a cigar box using images from http://www.shabbycottagestudio.com, plus cabinet cards that my mom just gave me.

You've got all month to make something, so if you'd like to join us, just go to: http://scrapforhelp.blogspot.com

Tag Tutorial

2012-08-04T09:55:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I design for Shabby Cottage Studio. Here is a tag tutorial that begins with their blue tags.

First, I stamped the tags with one of my favorite stamps.

Then, I added fabric images and embellishments.

Shabby Cottage Studio has fabulous images, flowers, seam binding, and everything to create tags for your home or as gifts. Hope you're having a great day! xo Cindy Linking this to Inspire Me Monday at:http://www.create-with-joy.com/2012/08/inspire-me-monday-week-31.html

Remembrance Necklaces

2012-07-28T12:37:00.001-05:00

As promised, I have just created some new necklaces. Each one was carefully handcrafted.

A Wing and a Prayer: Silver-toned necklace with toggle clasp that holds 3 beautiful charms, including a small burnished key, silver-toned dragonfly, and silver-toned Tibetan angel wing that I was recently able to procure.

I’ll Hold You in My Heart Forever: Silver-toned necklace with toggle clasp that holds 3 charms. SOLD

Wings of Love: Silver-toned necklace with a toggle clasp that holds 3 charms, including a small burnished key, silver-toned dragonfly, and a brass-toned angel. SOLD Each of these are available for 19.99 plus $3.50 shipping and handling. These each dangle from 30 inch chains. Limited quantities as these are handmade. If you are interested in purchasing one, just email me at: Cindylou_20@hotmail.com Linking this to: Inspire Me Monday

Creating a Journal

2012-07-25T16:52:00.000-05:00

A plain composition book is perfect to use for a journal. See how easily it is transformed into a memorable mixed media piece suitable for writing inside of. These books can usually be purchased at a dollar store or at a pharmacy in the stationery or school supplies section. Once you've got your hands on one, the "sky's the limit" as to how you can embellish it.

Journals are a special way to get creative and make something just for YOU.

I have just created a journal (here is a portion of the cover here) and if you would like to make one, it is simple:

Step 1: Purchase a composition book. Step 2: Choose background paper, trace the book, cut the paper, and adhere it to the book. (I used a glue runner to attach the paper.) Step 3: Choose any embellishments you like--Here I used burlap, as well as a Tim Holtz metal decorative piece, plus other items that struck my fancy. Step 4: A plain tag was decorated and adhered to the front. I used some Tim Holtz stickers and added some glitter. I attached a metal chain, as well as some string to the tag. Step 5: I stamped the background paper with Staz-on ink and also inked all around the edges of the journal to give it a vintage feel. (To do that, simply run the stamp pad around the entire front edge of the journal. Make sure it does not touch the pages. I used ink that was dark brown.) Step 6: Voila! All done!

Special Note: The background paper is from Shabby Cottage Studio. There are tons of designs that you can purchase from there and simply download right from your computer. Both thrifty AND cool. This one is only 65 cents! (It can be used over and over again.) You can find it HERE. You will also find awesome embellishments at the store, as well. You will want to run your cover design on thick paper (45 lb.) Regular paper is too thin. I purchased mine from Office Depot. You can also try to purchase these sheets of heavier paper from a local copy shop. (It's cheaper than buying a whole package. Because I use so much of it, I buy it in bulk, but you won't need to. If you simply walk up to the copy desk, you can ask if you can purchase a few sheets.) Also, you can use scrapbook paper and it is available by the sheet at many craft stores. The Eiffel Tower photo is from the Graphics Fairy--You can download that from HERE and print it in a jiffy, too!

If your journal is to memorialize someone special, you can also use your loved one’s picture on the front. I also like to tie string around my journals to keep them closed (although not shown here.) The string used on the tag was purchased at Home Depot. I will utilize the same kind for that purpose. I have altered some postcards especially for you in Photoshop from the Graphics Fairy, which I call "Postcards from Heaven." If you would like to use these for the front of your own journal, you are welcome to save them to your desktop and print them out. (They can also be used inside of a journal to write on.)

As you can see, these would be a perfect addition to personalize your own journal in memory of a loved one. If you would like to save the image to your desktop, simply click on the image. Then, when the larger version appears on your screen, right click on it and push "Save Image As." You can keep it on your desktop or file it away until you are ready to print it out. At that point, depending on your printing program, you can specify the size that you want it to be.

Here are some images that I altered from the Graphics Fairy especially for you. These could also be used for the cover of a journal.

This Victorian Angel image could be used as a tag, as well. Simply print it out, crop the corners on a slant, punch a hole at the top, and run some string through it. If you ink the edges, it will give it a vintage look--easy, peasy!

I altered this image, but left some of the French words on it for a special touch.

A vintage fairy could provide a wonderful theme to begin your project.

Here are two different cherub designs that have been altered.

Here are some butterflies from the Graphics Fairy that I altered.

Butterflies have special significance to many people.

So do dragonflies. So I altered these from the Graphics Fairy, as well. You are welcome to print any of these images out to use in your art.

Here is one that I have altered in different hues.

Here is a graphic from the Graphics Fairy that I have altered by adding a poem.

Here is a vintage book page from the Graphics Fairy that I have altered by adding "In Loving Memory." This can be printed, cut out, and a photo inserted.

I hope that you enjoy making a journal for yourself. If you do and would like to share a picture of it when it is completed, feel free to share it on my Facebook page, Angels at My Door, which is located HERE. Also, I would recommend bookmarking this blog page so that if you need to refer back to it, you will have it readily available. You may also want to use charms to embellish your journal. These can dangle on string and they look amazing. Thank you for visiting me. Blessings, Cindy Linking this to Brag Monday.

Angels at My Door

2012-07-22T17:20:00.000-05:00

This week, I am joining Ramona at Inspire Me Monday!

Angels at My Door is in the Top 10 on Amazon's Bestseller List in the dream category. It is filled with inspirational stories of real-life experiences. If you would like to see it, you can go here. Also, I have a new Facebook page called Angels at My Door, which you are welcome to join...It is also filled with inspiration. You can visit it by clicking the Facebook icon on my right side bar. XO Cindy You can visit Inspire Me Monday by clicking here.

"Snow In July" Party!

2012-07-19T21:50:00.000-05:00

My awesome friend, Marcia, is having a party called Snow in July on her blog. I picked some photos from Pinterest that were my favorites. I also design for Shabby Cottage Studio and I created a necklace for Marcia with one of their image sheets to surprise her for the event. I hope you all enjoy going over to take a look at her Second Annual Party!

White Roses

Sparklers

Precious White Puppy

Dreamy Ferris Wheel

Paris Dreams Necklace

Scrap for Help--July Challenge

2012-07-05T00:37:00.001-05:00

This month at Scrap for Help, the theme is “feathers,” so if you would like to join us, the challenge is open all month long--and it’s FUN! Here is a tin that I decorated for a friend and the piece is called “Paris Angel.” It was created using an image from Shabby Cottage Studio for whom I design. If you get a chance, go visit the shop--it is amazing! I hope you are all having a wonderful, creative summer! XO Cindy

This a blog hop celebrating the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of Scrap for Help! Here's a message from scrap for help on how you can join the blog hop! "We are so happy for all the support we’ve had from around the world. We are so grateful to everyone who sponsors our blog, to those who participate in our challenges and help us with our humble cause. What better way for us to show our appreciation than to have a Blog Hop and celebrate with you. We have some great prizes up for grabs so please follow along. To qualify and win the prizes you must complete the following: 1. You must VISIT every blog and leave a comment 2. You must become a FOLLOWER of Scrap For Help 3. You must become a FOLLOWER of every designer’s blog. Blog Hop Starts on July 5th at 10AM EST and ends on July 8th 11:59pm EST Our Challenge this month is to use FEATHERS in your project. The simple rules for this challenge are as follows : **This is an international blog, so anyone can enter - If you want to participate in this month Challenge with a layout or card, - * You need to use Feathers as your recycled material item YOU MAY ALSO COMBINE THIS WITH ANOTHER CHALLENGE. Our Blog Hop Features 15 Talented Designers form around the world so please visit each blog to see what each designer has created. Your next stop is ’s blog Solange Marques http://solangescrap.blogspot.com.br/ Should you lose your way, come back here for the Blog Hop sequence: Scrap for Help: http://scrapforhelp.blogspot.ca Aline Fonseca http://lilikafonseca.blogspot.com Babi Boas http://babiboas.blogspot.com Cindy Adkins http://cindyadkinswhimsicalmusings.blogspot.com Cynthia Renaud http://cyndiscrap.blogspot.com Felicity Wilson http://www.herhand.blogspot.com Heather Jacob http://heatherartandlife.blogspot.com Keren Tamir http://kerentamir.blogspot.com Marília Lopes http://mariliallopes.blogspot.com Melinda Thompson http://www.minseverydaymoments.blogspot.com Sabrina Sulaiman http://sabrinascrapbook. blogspot.ca Sandie Edwards http://delightfullycrazytoo.blogspot.com Sharon Ngoo http://glooshmoo.blogspot.com Solange Marques http://solangescrap.blogspot.com We have 5 Great Prizes up for grabs from our sponsors -Imaginarium Designs Chipboard - Arte Ponto 1 - Momento Divertido - Julia Cotrim - Arte facil - Studio Calico Happy Hopping!!

Stay While

2012-06-29T15:06:00.001-05:00

As most of you know, I have the honor of designing for Shabby Cottage Studio. Here is a tin that I just created for a friend of mine. It was made using background papers from Shabby Cottage Studio...and the chair is part of one of my favorite chipboard sets from their online store. Go take a look--you’ll love it!! And one more thing...I have a brand-new Facebook page called Angels at My Door...Would you mind clicking this link and "liking" it for me? Thanks for your support, my friends! http://www.facebook.com/AngelsAtMyDoor Linking this to Myric's Passion Parade! xo Cindy

A New Facebook Page

2012-06-19T20:35:00.003-05:00

I have a Facebook page that is called Angels at My Door...And since it is brand-new, I am wondering if you would mind "liking" it for me if you are on Facebook. I'd really appreciate it! Here's the link--As always, you are awesome! http://www.facebook.com/AngelsAtMyDoor

There's a New Website in Town!

2012-06-16T09:22:00.001-05:00

I have a new website called Cindy Adkins Books--I hope you'll come and take a look! These days, you can find me on Facebook quite a bit. So, if you click the button on the right sidebar, it will take you to my page. I'll follow you back! My new website is at: http://cindyadkinsbooks.com xo Cindy

Children's eBooks

2012-06-06T10:23:00.000-05:00

I have 3 brand-new children’s stories on Amazon. These are not picture e books, but rather, stories to be read by parents, grandparents, teachers, or anyone who wants to read to children for story time. For ages 4-8. Stella Finds a Home is about an endearing, homeless tuxedo cat who wants to find a place to live and someone to love her. Filled with feline antics! Gabriel the Goldfish is a story about a fish who lives at a carnival in a goldfish bowl at the fish booth. One day a boy named Tyler wins Gabriel and takes him home. Tyler is excited, but Gabriel is distraught as he misses the nice man, Mr. Jack, who works at the carnival. Soon, he devises a plan of escape and tries to get back to the carnival. Amanda Finds Her Manners is about a lively girl who attends a fancy tea party and tries desperately to remember her manners. But, the harder she tries, the more she makes mistakes! This book is already a Bestseller!!!

Sharing

2012-06-02T22:35:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone~ I hope that all is going awesome for you. I just found out that my entire Valley Meadows Series hit the bestseller list on Amazon!

and...I just got a picture of the magazine cover of Somerset Studio Gallery Magazine--My work is featured in this issue, much to my surprise! If you are busy in the sunshine, creating art, kickin' back, or just hangin' out, I hope you're having fun!! XO Cindy

Welcome to Valley Meadows

2012-05-29T10:31:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the community of Valley Meadows~In this latest series of books, readers are taken on a journey through the lives of Hailey, Nellie, and Savannah. If you are looking for an entertaining summer read, Hailey's Heart--a modern-day Romeo and Juliet story--will capture your heart.

Nellie's husband is a youth pastor. The newlyweds embark on a new life together only to deepen their faith, hope, and love in the process.

Savannah is a determined young woman who reaches out to touch the lives of those around her in a meaningful way. She is a person who believes that dreams really can come true and affects a positive change in those around her. But, when a young child goes missing, Savannah is pivoted into a drama that she does not expect. These books were written for the young and young at heart as there is no age limit on the ability to love! Available on Amazon~ If you would like to see videos about these books, just go to: http://cindyadkinsyoungadultsbooks.blogspot.com xo Cindy

Awesome News!!!

2012-05-20T02:04:00.002-05:00

I've got some awesome news~Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion is #1 on the Bestseller's List for Mixed Media on Amazon! And, more exciting stuff--I just received a brand-new copy of Somerset Studio Gallery Magazine--Summer 2012--and I am featured in it! Doing the happy dance here! XO Cindy

The Valley Meadows Series--Christian Fiction

2012-05-18T14:33:00.000-05:00

A love story you won't forget! Hailey is a beautiful, high-spirited cheerleader has just entered her senior year of high school in Valley Meadows, Texas. She is the daughter of a pastor. Hailey meets the young, good-looking Josh in class and he immediately steals her heart. This is their story--a modern-day Romeo and Juliet...There is a mother who is gone to soon....A father who wants to keep the young couple apart...A friend who enlists in the military and finds faith...A mission trip to Mexico that brings hope to many. Will life ever be the same? Experience it all first-hand. Take the journey....into Hailey’s heart.

James and Nellie are newlyweds who have it all...moving from California to Texas to begin their new life together until a tornado appears that will change things forever. In the meantime, young love blossoms for Shane and Savannah. A non-profit foundation for children signifies a dream coming true...A home with a porch swing begins a shared hope...A trip to Rome is unforgettable bringing a New Year’s Eve of memories that will last a lifetime...A sailboat ride will change a couple’s life...An essay contest makes someone reveal the truth...while yet another secret emerges...Read their stories. Be part of their memories. There is one more in the series, Savannah's Wish, which was just released! Visit my new blog at http://cindyadkinsyoungadultsbooks.blogspot.com to see the professional videos!!! Ebooks available on Amazon~ Hailey's Heart Nellie's Gift Linking this to: Pink Saturday Spiritual Sunday

Fire and Ice: A Paranormal Romance

2012-05-16T02:50:00.002-05:00

Billy Alfonso is a young shrimper from Louisiana. His girlfriend, Jessie, was swept away in the Gulf of Mexico during a squall four years ago, or so he believes. Her body was never found. No matter what he does, he cannot erase her from his memory. Is she still out there alive somewhere? The beautiful Sarah appears from Texas. She knows more about Jessie than Billy can imagine and claims that the insights about the young woman come through her dreams. Should he believe the long-legged beauty or not? Soon, Billy and Sarah are catapulted into a world of intrigue that has them toggling between bayou country and the French Quarter to find the answers. The entire time, it is as if Fate is directing their steps. This is my newest book on Amazon! XO Cindy Linking this to Myric's Passion Parade!

Angels on the Radio!

2012-04-02T18:01:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone~

I have some exciting news I want to share with you. I just found out that I am going to be a featured guest on Twin Cities News Talks' program Darkness on the Edge of Town with host Dave Schrader. The show will be on this coming Tuesday, April 4, 2012. I will be talking about my book, Angels at My Door.

So, if you are anywhere within earshot, I hope you'll listen to it!

Isn't this the perfect week to be talking about having protection from angels?

Cindy

Angels at My Door eBook Promo

2012-04-01T12:11:00.008-05:00

Hi Everyone~

How have you been? Good, I hope! Wishing you all a Happy Spring~

I have a video promo for the book Angels at My Door and couldn't wait to show it to you~Enjoy! Angels at My Door is on the Amazon Bestseller List in both the U.S. and the U.K.!

Also, I would like to thank Linda of Random Creativity for her beautiful card and to my secret blogging sister--thank you for the absolutely gorgeous surprises that I received for February and March!!!

Also, on my Whimsical Musings Magazine blog, I have a BRAND-NEW tutorial!

Cindy

Linking this to Inspire Me Monday!

Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion Giveaway Winner!!

2012-03-19T01:49:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone~

The winner of my eBook contest is Queenie of Queenie Believe--Congratulations! I will be purchasing the book on Amazon and emailing it to you~Thank you all for joining in the giveaway.

And also, a special thank you to Marcia of In Stillness and Simplicity for the gorgeous fleur de lis tags that you made and to Starr of Starr Timmons for the beautiful card that you sent to me...I appreciate them so much!!

Cindy

My Brand-New Book!!

2012-03-09T14:24:00.007-06:00

Hi Everyone~

Amazon just came out with my new eBook this week--and it is already a bestseller! It is called "Spirituality: Making God Personal--Finding Joy."

It is different than any other book I have ever written as it is about the direct connection that each of us has to Our Creator and how to reach out to Him in prayer and experience the joy that is promised in the Book of Psalms.

Here are some lines from the book:

"Faith is that invisible, intangible feeling that we can all hold onto no matter what is happening at any given moment in our lives."

"He promises us the fullness of joy and because we cannot see how He will make that manifest in us and through our lives, He supplies us with faith to know that He will do what He promised."

"There is no room for error as He promised fullness of joy to each and every person."

"God’s arms are open wide and He welcomes you to all the joy He has in store for you and your life."

"Remember that the Lord has assured you that He would give you fullness of joy and He keeps His promises."

"Do you have your spiritual bags packed ready to travel with Him?"

"Live each day with joyful intention."

If you know anyone who is going through a difficult time, please let them know about it as it can really make a difference. This book is for anyone who is looking to strengthen their connection to the Lord and make Him personal in his or her life. If you know any young people who are grappling with their faith, it can lift them up and let them realize that God is with them every step of the way--they just need to turn to Him no matter what is going on in their lives.

This is for anyone who wants to make God personal and experience the fullness of His JOY.

If you do not have a Kindle, you can read it on your computer. There is a free app. from Amazon for the software. It is listed at the top of my blog on the tab that says, "How to Read eBooks on Your Computer.

If you have Facebook or Twitter, please post this for me by clicking the buttons below--Thanks!

Cindy

P.S. To enter my giveaway that is still on, please go to the next post.

Linking this to Spiritual Sunday.

eBook Giveaway!

2012-03-04T23:14:00.006-06:00

Hi Everyone~ I have decided to host a rare giveaway of my eBook, Mixed Media Art: Living Your Passion. If you would like to enter to win, just leave me a comment here. For 2 additional chances to win this Amazon bestseller, just "like" my Facebook page (the button is in the upper right corner of this blog.) And please post this giveaway to your Facebook page. For each additional thing you do, just leave a comment so you get more chances to win.

The winner will be announced on Monday, March 19, 2012. At that point, I will order a copy for the winner through Amazon, so I need to have an email address in order to email the eGift. Entrants must be 13 years or older.

Also, you don't need a Kindle to read this--There is a free app. at the top of my blog that you can put right on your computer to read it.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED--THANKS SO MUCH FOR ENTERING!!

Cindy

P.S. Thank you for all your "get well" wishes. I am hoping to get better soon!

Under the Weather

2012-03-01T07:52:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone~

Well, I was going to have my once-a-month post ready today, but I am very sick with the flu...

So, I will have to postpone it until I am feeling better. Check back next week and it should be up!!

I hope you're all having a happy day.

Cindy

Photo credit: Google

Collage Tutorial

2012-02-25T20:31:00.010-06:00

Hi Everyone~

I am on the Design Teams of Scrap for Help and Shabby Cottage Studio. For the month of March, we are asked to create something made from corrugated board for Scrap for Help...so, I made this collage using materials from Shabby Cottage Studio.

First, I took a piece of corrugated board....

I painted it with gesso...

Then, I added burlap, as well as flowers and a chipboard design from Shabby Cottage Studio.

Next, I punched 2 holes at the top...

I tied black seam binding through it to use as a hanger....The seam binding is from Shabby Cottage Studio. I also added lace.

One pink feather--and all done!!!

If you need any art supplies or graphics, please visit Shabby Cottage Studio.

If you would like to create something from corrugated board in March, the challenge at Scrap for Help will be a month long event that you are invited to link up to in a few days.

I hope to see you on March 1 with a special giveaway!!!

Thank you for understanding my decision to become a "Once-a-Month" blogger, to blog less and embrace life more! I am so glad I got this post made in time as I will be offline Sunday so that I can spend the day with my family.

Cindy