Simply Sandy

A Magical Mystery Tour to Spain and Portugal

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 19:24:00 +0000

What a perfect theme for me this month at Art Journal Journey. Thank you Hazel. What a surprise I had in March! My son called me and said "Mom, do you want to go to Spain and Portugal with Daphene and me?" YES!!!! The magical part is the part where I tell you that Scott and Daphene treated my husband and me to the whole two week whirlwind including airfare! Wow! I haven't been with my son this long since he left home for college some 34(?) years ago. The whole journey was indeed shear magic. The mystery part? Daphene planned everything. All we knew was that we would land in Barcelona and drive through Spain to Portugal. We never knew where we would stay or for how long. Basically it was a business trip for Scott and Daphene. They own a company which is growing by leaps and bounds. So we went to two manufacturing companies, one in Madrid and one in Porto, Portugal. I can't begin to tell you how much fun we had together. I really want to go back to Spain and Portugal to stay longer in a couple of the places we visited.

This is my son Scott on the right and Jose who lives in Madrid. Jose was our host in Madrid and Portugal and I mean to tell you we had such a wonderful time with him. Thanks Jose for happy memories! Jose is younger than my son and took to calling me Mama. He also teased me every bit as much as Scott does. One night we had dinner with Jose and his beautiful wife Maria. What a pleasure and the restaurant was so elegant. I am indeed a lucky Mama!

This is my handsome son Scott and his beautiful wife Daphene. Thank you kids, you make me so proud and happy!!

This was one fantastic meal in Madrid and I enjoyed every mouth full!

I want to start handwriting in my journal but had a hard time -- maybe y'all can give me some pointers as to the best pens to use. My quote says "We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us .." unknown.

I hope everyone is well and happy. I so appreciate your comments and it does encourage me. I know I have a long way to go!

My best to you and yours - Sandy

I am posting this to Art Journal Journey

10TH TEA CUP EXCHANGE

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 17:43:00 +0000

I do have a special post. This is my second time to participate in Stephanie's Tea Cup exchange. You can find Stephanie here.

This is so much fun so this time I decided to participate in the tea cup exchange and the mug exchange. It was really a hustle bustle for me as we had been out of the country to Spain and Portugal and my names came while we were gone. I had no time to personalize each box and barely got my gifts in the mail on time! Plus the fact I forgot to take pictures of the boxes I sent! I will do better next time Stephanie I promise!!

This was in the box I received from Ronnie -- such a delight! It seems we have the same sense of humor. The Mug is hysterical - and I love it!!!!

Now would you look at this -- Ronnie tells me that she looks for pretty spoons and then her husband cuts them to make necklaces - it is really gorgeous!!!!!

Thank you so much Ronnie - it really was a pleasure with your letter telling me about you and your family!!!!

This is surprise number two coming from - you guessed it! SUE!!!! I thought it was so neat that she included post cards of where she is from. I will do that in my next boxes for sure! She also saw that I make cards and like to art journal so she included a special package full of goodies for my craft making.

Her yummy was Easter Chocolate and some homemade maple syrup. You heard me right - her husband makes their very own maple syrup!!!!!! Plus a diary, crochet flowers and beautiful napkins. I think she knows I like to use napkins in my art journal!

The tea cup she sent me is absolutely gorgeous - yellow roses. I love the color yellow especially when paired with red. And what is that next to the gorgeous tea cup? A really beautiful antique sugar spoon. It is really quite nice and perfect to use for tea parties!!

Thank you Ronnie and Sue -- I appreciate your kindness and generosity so much!

Although it is fun to receive surprises, for me it is more fun to make a box. I am collecting little bits and pieces throughout the year to try and make my boxes special. So much fun!!!!!

I will be posting again soon - I have to catch up with my art journal!!!

Thanks for stopping in for a cup of tea - your visits and love are always appreciated!!
Sandy xx

Napkins, Napkins I do love Napkins!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 16:18:00 +0000

I never thought I would have so much fun playing with napkins. This is my version of 50 shades of Red in my art journal.

Why is it that the pictures never seem to show the REAL picture!!! But I did have fun making this page - cutting up pieces of the flowers on a napkin and sometimes tearing them up - finger painting and stenciling and using a black out line pencil. Then I let black ink run down the edges of the paper and then smooched the ink with a baby wipe. The butterfly is a TH die cut and the seed bead body is a trick I learned from my friend Anne.

I do have another memory about my Nanny. She and Paw did not have very much money. But she sure did like to fussy up her home. Dime store dishes of stale hard candy left over from Christmas were in her wee living room. A found bird's nest full of marbles set by her front door. She would find these marbles when seeping the city side walk in front of her house. The side walks were made with brick and oh so beautiful.
Now this is going to sound horrid but periodically she would catch a butterfly - somehow put it to sleep without harming a spot on it's wings. Then she would tenderly pin the butterflies to her drapes. She didn't have many but what she had looked beautiful flying across her curtains.

I am posting this page To Art Journal Journey - 50 shades of Red.
And also to Creative Carte Blanche - Love is in the air

I want to thank all of y'all who have so sweetly taking the time to comment on my blog and to read about my Nanny and Paw. I hope all is well.
Sandy xx

A Sweet Life

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 16:49:00 +0000

At the very last minute I am posting my newest journal spread for Art Journal Journey. I did have more fun doing this than I thought I would have - maybe I am starting to relax and just learn to have fun. My inspiration for this came from my sweet British friend Sarn at Stamping for Pleasure
She makes the best art journal pages.

Last time I told the story of being brought up by my grandparents and having the most delicious Southern Food. I all but lived with my grandparents and they always had a garden in their back yard. They also had a detached garage and it seems that there was always a litter of wild kittens living with their Mama under the garage. I would lay on my tummy and stick my skinny little arm way under the garage and occasionally I would get lucky and catch a little kitten. But more times than not my arm came out with a bunch of little scratches. YES! It was a sweet life and I loved being with my grandparents!

I really want to do more work in my journal as I do learn a lot - I just hate messing up!!!! I would also like for you to visit my friend Valerie who is one heck of a good artist - I love her posts and all of her pictures. She is so much fun to visit.

Thanks for visiting - I do appreciate all of your encouragement. You all are the best!

Sandy

I am going to link this post to Art Journal Journey

Southern Lady

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 15:45:00 +0000

I was born and raised in the South (yes I know, you raise corn and rear children) but in the South you are raised! I lived mostly with my grandparents and miss them terribly, They taught me about unconditional love, about being content with what you have and a love for Southern Cooking. I mean to tell you my "Nanny" could cook. The best cornbread and collard greens in the world. You would slather your cornbread with real fresh country butter and it was like eating gold. Nanny never kept her butter in the refrigerator - no it stayed in a special dish on the kitchen table. And my grandfather "Paw" would cook the best T bone steak fried in a cast iron frying pan on the gas stove. They did not have a grill. Most of the pans they cooked in were cast iron. I sure wish I had my grandmother's cast iron pans! I do cook in cast iron pans now - couldn't make biscuits without a good cast iron fry pan.
Please enjoy some home made biscuits with chicken gravy and fried chicken. Or how bout some fried catfish with cornbread and collard greens? Of course to wash it down you had a big glass of ice cold sweet tea! Enjoy!!!!

I am posting this to Art Journal Journey.
The theme for this month is story telling and I would love to share some of the Southern United States with you!

Thanks for visiting!!! Y'all come back now ya hear?
Sandy

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 23:53:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Now this is a tea party!!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:01:00 +0000

If you don't know Stephanie by now perhaps it is time you should! Check out her blog
The Enchanting Rose and take a leisurely tour. She also has the most delightful Etsy Shop. I should know, I am one of her customers.

Stephanie is the hostess of The Tea Cup Exchange held twice a year. This is my very first year and I am already looking forward to the next party! There were 192 participants this year from all over the world. My partner was a very sweet lady in California. Her name is Nora and you can find her at Tales of the Teacup. This is the gift I sent her.

A homemade card is always fun to make and receive.

Lynn in Indiana had my name and boy is she some kind of artist!! I can't believe she wrapped all of the gifts!!!

I could not get all of Lynn's gifts in one picture!! A lovely tea cup with matching tea pot. Also a water color journal which I can try my best to fill!
Next tea and a delightful letter from Lynn. She sent me a set of Our Gang coasters - what fun. On my last post for Art Journal Journey my theme was Our Gang.
Now for Lynn's art work and it indeed is a work of art. Hand painted and designed by Lynn on fabric with a lace trim. A tapestry extraordinaire! It took my breath away!!! You can find Lynne at Quaker Home Cottage.

I know this is a long post but believe me it is well worth the journey. The fun for me - searching for goodies that will go perfectly in my next gift box. And then the mad search to find something special just for that person!!

Happy Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 30 Oct 2016 20:47:00 +0000

It has been a while since I have posted but I think I have a good one for you today.
Some time ago, my friend Lisa Minckler and I agreed to swap Halloween pocket letters. I really had fun doing this but it did take some time. Lisa has this in her hot little hands now and from her thank you letter I think she really likes it!!!!

It is really quite bejeweled - every where I could I stuck some blitz. I got my inspiration from the Mexican Day of the Dead and jeweled ornamentation crafts that they do so well.

If you haven't seen any of Anne's Halloween Makes or Sara Emily's haunted house you really should take a peek - I promise you that you will not be disappointed!

Our Gang

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 21:42:00 +0000

When I was very young, I watched television every afternoon after school. It was the funniest and cutest show - Little Rascals. Or maybe you may know it as Our Gang.

I am posting this to AJJ where the theme is going back to school and was chosen by Elizabeth. I am also linking this to Try it on Tuesday where it was suggested we use coffee and cream colors and if not that then two other colors of your choice. I chose coffee and cream. It just sounds good doesn't it.

Tomorrow is Monday and my computer goes to the computer hospital for a while. Don't you just hate it when you have to call in a specialist! So I will be out of the loop for a few days. Thank you so much for your visit and all comments are like frosting on a cake to me! Thanks again!!

It's Back to School!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 18:41:00 +0000

I made a little journal spread for Art Journal Journey and the theme this month is "Back to School".
Thank you Elizabeth, this ought to be a fun month.

Well some of us have better memories than others!!

I must say I am very disappointed - something happened to my Adobe Photoshop and I cannot get it to work. I was hoping to be able to show both sides so you could read the print. Oh well - another day.

Goodness gracious, have you seen Valerie's post? Her husband was soooo handsome. Valerie you must have been a real cutie pie not to mention a live wire! Well you still are a live wire and I think cute as a button. I love your smile.

I hope you all are well and I do so appreciate you stopping in to visit. Feel free to have a little chat - I do love hearing from you!!

It's Been A Long Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 15:11:00 +0000

Now don't you go and faint on me Valerie - I am indeed posting a journal spread.

I have been following Valerie at Bastelmania for some time where she has the most delightful art journal spreads full of color and creativity plus wonderful pictures of Germany. Anther friend, Patty at Magpie's Nest, has fantastic spreads (so romantic) and her images of France send my heart swooning. I want to recommend one other friend, Jane at Jane's Journal . Such a fun blog to visit (you should see her grand dog - he is beautiful!) and I an really enjoyed watching her grand daughter growing up. What a cutie! I think Daisy is three years old.

I am entering my journal spread into Art Journal Journey. I think it is high time I tried to fly with the big birds!!!! The theme for this month is 'Nature's Wonders'. So please visit Art Journal Journey and join in the fun or enjoy the talented people who post there.

Okay kids, it's time for me to close and try to get this house cleaned up!!

I do appreciate your visits and comments of encouragement. Please feel free to leave suggestions. I need all the help I can get. This is a real learning adventure for me.
Sandy xx

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 30 May 2016 19:01:00 +0000

Oh dear I did let time get away from me again. You would think that since this Christmas Card Club let me join that at least I could be on time.

The theme is Christmas Carols and was chosen by Rita. I don't think my card is what Rita had in mind but I had to continue my mouse theme. I am bound and determined to use all of my sweet babies!

Such wonderful Christmas music! That is ky my cat Tink and the other cutie? Well I think he might be Maxwell the Great. He has to be great to have the courage to teach a cat how to sing!! But then again, Tink is so very loving. At 20 pounds, he is my baby boy.

Of all my little mice, this is the smallest in the collection. Oh I wish you could see her for real! Amazing and so beautiful! She measures 2 and 3/4 inches (7cm) wide and exactly one inch (2.5 cm) high.

I want to thank everyone who stops in for a visit and your comments are always appreciated. I do hope that everyone is well and that life is treating you kindly.
Sandy

By the way - I have also linked my card to Try It on Tuesday! Do go and check it all out!

Brrr - Snowy Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 15 May 2016 00:37:00 +0000

It is once again time to post a card for my Christmas Card Club. Christine has challenged us to make a card with the theme 'Snowy Trees'. I have challenged my self to make as many mice cards I can that fit into the challenge. So far so good. I also like showing off my wee mice collection. I do love my little"mices" ever so much.

"Brrrr Mama - it is cold out here but I sure appreciate my blanket!"

After spending the night out in the cold night up a tree, little Artie made it home safe and sound. And guess what? Mama Mouse had a nice plateful of hot pancakes for him with homemade syrup.
I wish I could make little mice like this. Annette Peterson who started all this wonderful fantasy world by making her little critters out of baker's dough. Now I think she makes them out of clay and then makes a mold for them. The detail is incredible. This one is 2 and 1/4 inches wide (6 cm) and 2 inches high (5cm). I love miniatures but I imagine most people do.

I am also sure that most of you follow the very talented Alison. Her mother has her own doll house museum that is wonderful. I think if you go to Alison's blog you can find a way to her Mum's doll houses full of wonderful miniatures. Alison makes a lot of the goodies inside the houses herself. It is a real treat to see!

I really want those of you who follow me to know how much I appreciate your kind words. I must admit, one of my most favorite things to do is seeing what y'all are creating out there in 'Blogland' - Dang you are so good!!!!!

Sandy xx

Pretty Poinsettias

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 01 May 2016 14:17:00 +0000

It is time to post my card for my Christmas Card Club challenge #9. Our theme, Poinsettias, was chosen by Mary.

More computer problems coming my way. My wonderful husband wants to try to fix it himself so he does have a program working where I can get my mail and post but I have to go around the yard and through the kitchen door to post! I do hope he gets my original program to work! There was a day when I would have become quite upset but I have learned to say "whatever" - it's called going with the flow. Now the keeper of the flame, The Duchess, kindly helped me out once again. Thank you Margaret!

This is an image from a House Mouse CD. I saw several people who had previously used colored images and then colored over the image . As I did not have this stamp I told myself "Sandy just do it!" To be honest with you, it is the hardest one to color I have done yet. I used a combination of Derwent Inktense , Faber Castell and Prismacolor colored pencils. So far, my choice of product to use for coloring is colored pencils. I have a lot to learn using them but for once I can honestly say I really enjoy coloring.

Isn't she sweet - she is only one and a half (4cm) high and one and a half inch (4cm) wide!

Are you getting ready for Christmas -- I am!!!!! If you want to see some great ideas using Poinsettias then look on the right side of my blog for the members of my Christmas Club and click on their name!

Thanks for your visit and all the love and encouragement you give me!
Sandy

The Holly and The Ivy

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 11:49:00 +0000

It is the 25th of April and that means Rudolph Day. Anything goes as long as it is a Christmas Card.

At the Dehon home it is the year of the Mouse. Let us not forget our little friends out in the wood. They do collect little pieces of this and that to make their little homes more comfortable.

These little babies are always so grateful!

Another one of my Wee Forest Folk. This one measures two and one half inches wide (6.5 cm) by
one and a quarter inches high (three cm).

You can find my card and many others at April Rudolph Challenge. Please join us and make a Christmas Card. It could be your first card for 2016!

Once again I do thank you for all of your comments - there are so many sweet and thoughtful people out there in Blogland and so many sites to visit. Thank you again.
Sandy xx

One for you and one for me!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 00:03:00 +0000

It is time for my Christmas Card Challenge #8. Our talented hostess wants us to make a card using red berries. Okay Valery this card is for you!! Valery has a thing for red berries and I have a thing for little mice. They go together right - especially when you throw in a little bird. Ta Da ....

I do love Chickadees!

I have another little Wee Forest Folk from my collection to show you -- I have had her for well over twenty five years.

I know it is hard to tell from the picture but this little sculpture is an inch and a half high around 4 centimeters high. And it is one and three quarters inch or about four and half centimeters wide.

I do hope everyone is well. Sending out good wishes to Maureen
who has been taking care of her Mother and now taking care of her daughter who had to have ankle surgery.

I hope you have enjoyed my post. I think I like this card!!!
Thanks for visiting!!
Sandy

Over The River And Through The Woods

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 19:50:00 +0000

My Christmas Card Club Challenge number 7 is to use a stencil and/or an embossing folder. I am so glad Carol picked this for us because I am weak in both techniques. This was my first time to use a stencil.

I used an embossing folder on the card then embossed the sleigh.

This is the inside of the card ..

My first journey into using a stencil .. oh my - I have a lot to learn.

The lamp post has been embossed.

My apologies to the ladies in my CCC - I am three days late in posting. My daughter and her four kids were here for a week and we even went to Disney in Orlando for two days. At least it wasn't hot - a lot of walking - a lot of people - a lot of junk food. But it was a lot of fun being with my daughter and watching her kids. I think I am still recuperating!!

This looks like a mighty dark card but is much lighter in real life. I think I learned a lot from this - I do like to experiment and I have to remember to really check before I put something down with my double sided tape. I tend to go down on the right hand side and do not notice it until it is done. I am learning and I am having fun!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog and look at my pictures! (leaving a comment is very much appreciated)
Sandy xx

You lite up my life!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 15:32:00 +0000

Here we are again - It's Rudolph time and I have decided to add more of my little mice to the Frey. I really do appreciate Maureen taking charge of this challenge previously run by Sarn. Special people do special things don't you think?

I have one more picture for you -- I told you bout my wee mouse collection. This is one of those wee babies that I love!

The sentiment on the front of my card says "Remember this December, that love weighs more than gold".

I am entering my card into March Rudolph Days challenge

Thanks for all of your encouraging words. This year, I WILL have some homemade cards to send to friends!!
Sandy xx

Christmas Quilt

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 01:12:00 +0000

Where did these last two weeks go -- I think I lost them. Once again it is time to post to my Christmas Card Club where our hostess is Margret. She sets the rules this go around and she has asked us to make a Christmas Card using two or more patterned papers. I thought I came up with a pretty good idea and then I saw Christine's card and flipped out. Her card is really wonderful - my idea but better. Okay Christine - that is all the plugs you get from me!!!!!

I made a Christmas Quilt - not nearly as grand as what Annie can make. She even quilts postcards - can you imagine that!!!

I'm getting ready for Christmas - ding dong the bells are going to ring!!

Thank you for taking the time to visit and leave a little love.
Sandy

You Are So Special

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 15:09:00 +0000

You are really special to me -- Our Christmas Card Club asked that we make a card for someone special. I love this club - now I know that I will have some Christmas cards for 2016!

You know I do appreciate your kind comments (notice I said kind)!
sandy xx

In The Meadow

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 00:29:00 +0000

It is time for me to high tail it over to Mo's for the Rudolph Challenge. I started not to post this card as I am not pleased with it but what the heck.

In the meadow we can build a snowman - la te da ......

I collect these tiny little mice called Wee Forest Folk which you can find here.

This little sculpture is a little over an inch high and the mice are around 1/2 of an inch tall! One of my very favorites.

So it is not surprising to know that I really do like the House Mouse stamps and have several. Some of them are so big I really don't know what to do for cards using them.
But I do love little mice - always have and always will.

I am entering my card into the Rudolph Challenge here.

I hope I am leaving you with a smile on your face and love in your heart!
sandy xx

Paloma - Dove of Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 02:05:00 +0000

"After the shock, the anger, the nausea .... what to say ... what to do? I have only weapons of paper and words .... Freedom and Peace are the ones I wish to give today.
So this is Paloma, my simple paper dove. For her I make a wish: could she take flight and give all around the world her Freedom and Peace message." ....... Lys

Written after the horrid attacks in Paris last November, Lys of Impression Scrap has made a pretty paper dove that she has sent out into the world with a wish for Freedom and Peace. Lys asked that each recipient post some pictures of Paloma at your home and then send her out into the world. Paloma arrives with her own travel itinerary so you will know where to send her. She also arrives with an introduction letter from Lys and a note from Alison of Words and Pictures.

Do you see her? She is cuddled up to the rear of my sweet Tom and he is looking down at
at her. He just cannot believe I put a paper bird on his tail. And I really did too!!

While visiting us, Paloma went with us to a local nursery and helped us pick out flowers for our garden.

Paloma was sent to me from Sara Emily of Sarascloset . My word, everyone must know how much I love Halloween so Sara Emily sent me this fantastic tag along with some neat Halloween gifts. Thanks Sugar!

This is the card I made for Paloma's new hostess in the United Kingdom. In the package I also placed a few housewarming gifts.

We would all love to see more Peace in the world today --
Sandy

From the Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 13:55:00 +0000

It is with sadness I say goodbye to a great man. Justice Antonin Scalia. May you rest in peace Sir and I know you will be remember and loved for years and years to come.

It is time for another card for the Christmas Card Club. The theme was chosen by Kate. It seems as if she has a thing for icicles - they are pretty aren't they!?!

I love this Santa -- he is definitely sweet and charming. A right jolly old elf if I say so myself.

Thank you for visiting and as always your comments are appreciated. Sandy

Glass-Fastic Christmas Flower

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 15:09:00 +0000

Good Morning or afternoon depending on where you live - I am late in posting this. I did not get a picture of my card last night as planned so waited until this morning. I am happy to report the picture looks great thanks to my picture taking and computer whiz husband.

This card is for a Christmas Card Club I belong to -- Thanks Kate for asking me and all of your help Margret and Mary!!! I don't know many techniques but the ones I do know I really like. Here I made a Poinsettia out of plastic packaging and alcohol ink. Our challenge was to use texture.

I hope this note finds you all well and having a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday. Go North Carolina Panthers! I know that those of you in the UK do not know American football. Let's just say it's a couple of hours with 22 men in really tight pants running around on a big field making each other fall while trying to get a ball over the goal line. Gosh those pants are tight! This is one of the best days of the year - Super Bowl Sunday.

Thanks for taking time to visit me and as always I appreciate you leaving some love.
Sandy

Hey Little Fella

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 15:29:00 +0000

I cannot believe it -- I have made two Christmas cards - only 455 to go!

I made this card for the Rudolph Challenge that sweet Maureen took over from super busy Sarn!

Lets go boys - right over to the Rudolph Challenge. - Anything goes as long as it is Christmas!

Thanks for you visit. I do smile real big when I read your comments!!!
Sandy xx