CINDY'S PAPER CREATION

Interactive Chipboard Mini Album

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:00:00 +0000

Happy March to all!
And since it came in like a lion, here's to hoping March goes out like a lamb!

Today I would like to share my 2nd mini album...yes you heard that right, I have created ONLY 2 mini albums since my adventures in paper started 14 or so years ago!

I created this mini for my young niece, who recently bought her first home.

Front Cover:

Page One:

Page Two:

Page Three:

Page Four:

Page Five:

Page Six:

Page Seven:

Page Eight:

Page Nine:

Each 6x6 tabbed page of this album is made with heavy weight chipboard that I painted black before adhering paper, embellishments and such.
Making this album interactive was a bit of a challenge for me but I think the end result is fantabulous.
So here's to another paper creation that was really tons of fun creating!

TTFN!

Don't forget to create YOUR life!!

aka The Rebel Blogger

OOPS,
I almost forgot I want to share my 'created by' name stamp with you:

Shopping Organizer Mini Book

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 01:37:00 +0000

Hi folks!

We girls all know how purses can be.
Some of us have the habit of filling them to the brim and eventually all smaller items end up at the bottom.

Then to look for what we need, we push and shove, move stuff this way and move stuff that way! Pretty soon stuff is thrown all around, inside and outside of our purses!
I guess I shouldn't call it STUFF, because we all know it is NOT just stuff!
EVERYTHING in our purse is vital and essential for day to day living! Right girls?

The YouTube tutorial for this fun project came from amazing
Laura Denison's ~ Follow The Paper Trail
I added the decorative elastic pen holder.

It has a magnetic closure so coupons, et cetera stay put!
This organizers convenient size makes an easy fit for almost any purse.

Hope you enjoyed my little project and thanks for stopping by! :)

TTFN!
aka The Rebel Blogger

Sunday Sentiments ~ Shelter & Comfort For The Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 06:24:00 +0000

Greetings!
And just for the record, I am loving all the snow!!
Those soft white, delicate crystals glistening in the suns rays is nature's beauty to the eyes.

But for those of you that prefer the warmer weather, I created this sunny project just for you!
I want to also link up with my talented artist friend from the UK, Zsuzsa, for her very last Sunday Sentiments linky party.
With her awesome talent and way with words, I am predicting big things happening for her in the future!

I have tons and I do mean tons of paper scraps!
I can not bring myself to throw away paper.
If it is bigger than 2 inches, without hesitation, it goes into my stash.
I have all my paper scraps neatly organized and I can find what I need in a jiffy with my system!
You name it, I have it... pick a color and pattern and your wish is my command!! LOL

Supplies Used:

View blog post for supplies

And of course, for this project I used some paper scraps from my organized stash!!

The sentiment is perfectly fitting, my husband and I have made our house a home that is most definitely comforting to our souls!

Well, that is your inspiration for today.
Hope you enjoyed my little creation.

Don't forget to take some time to create your life!

TTFN!
x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

The Altered Glass Carafe

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 01:32:00 +0000

Hello folks and Happy New Year!
Hope your first few days of 2015 is going just as you wish and you are finding time to create.

Well I have actually been making time lately to take photos of my creations.
I procrastinate in that area.
I am way too critical on how the photos turn out, even with photo editing!
Get over it Cindy!!
I am going to yell this out loud to myself till I get it!

Okay, moving forward for now...

Tom said this is the best creation I have ever made and his favorite!
I have to disagree with him, not my most favorite but I do like the end result and creating paper flowers is something new for me.

The Carafe...

The Flowers...

Before altering...

Supplies used on this project.
Click on the products/tags below for more info.

View blog post for supplies

The New Year is like a blank book,
The pen is in your hands,
It is your chance to write your story and have fun creating it!

TTFN!
x's &o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Christmas Coffee Filter Tree and More

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 13:30:00 +0000

Seasons Greetings to All!

If you are one of my regular followers, you know how I procrastinate when it comes to taking photos of my projects...
but I do try to keep busy and so enjoy the creating mode!
Sadly though, I have found that far too often lately my energy soon wanes.
So getting photos and blogging have taken a back seat.

And just for the record my crafting space is a total disaster.
It literally looks like a tornado hit here and it showed no mercy on my desk either!!
I guess it's about that time anyways to do another reorganization and possibly, if I can bring myself to do it...a destash.
Any offers of help?! LOL!

I did force myself to take the time to snap photos of a couple of this years Christmas projects and the two cards I managed to create.

With all that being said, I am once again being 'The Rebel Blogger' and officially calling this 'My Holiday Season All In One Post'!

The Coffee Filter Tree

The W R Memory Keepers North Pole Designer Paper Wreath

The Impression Obsession Candle Cards

May the Magic & Wonder, the Joys & Happiness of the Season fill your Heart & Home now and throughout the Coming Year!!

TTFN!
x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Happy Mail From The UK ~ A Handmade Journal!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 23:41:00 +0000

Greetings folks and welcome back!
Have you all been creating art to your heart's content?

I am so overjoyed and so excited at the happy mail I received on Friday from +Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith who lives in the UK!

She created a handmade journal book for me!
It is so amazing, and beautiful!

I hope these photos of her creation do it justice...the colors, textures and patterns of her Gelli prints and papers are something to behold!

I am still in awe at the beautiful work and time Zsuzsa put into her creation!

Check out Zsuzsa's tutorial on her Gelli print paper beads!

Packed full of awesomeness and goodies!!

I decided to make a video of the unwrapping.
And so you can see the inside of her creation too!

This will be my first video, so please be kind!
As you will hear, I was so overwhelmed that I did a lot of gasping, oohhs, and aahhs and repeating myself! LOL

Sorry for the unfocused part, don't know why that happened.

So absolutely no staging here...

I know Zsuzsa wrote that she hopes I can make use of her creation, but....

I am not so sure I can bring myself to write in the journal, to cut up or partially cover up her Gelli prints and the transfer creations, and remove all the other goodies from their place.

I want to remember, what and where she placed every little detail.
Am I wrong for thinking I want to keep this just the way she sent it?

Oh boy...such a dilemma I put on myself!

Thank you so much Zsuzsa!

I will treasure your gift always!

TTFN and keep on creating your life!

aka The Rebel Blogger

Hold It All Desk Organizer with Drawer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 21:06:00 +0000

Happy chilly November from western Pennsylvania!

The colorful autumn leaves have almost all fallen.

Only a few golden oak leaves remain...they like to hang on till the dead of the winter.

The autumn breezes are getting bone chilling!

Winter will be here in the blink of an eye.

Brrrr :(

It's that time again for some delicious, homemade hot cocoa and those cozy, soft flannel sheets are a must have!

Finally...I got off my derriere and took some photos of the organizer I created that I have been talking about in past posts.

The organizer measures 12 inches high x 9 3/4 inches wide x 7 inches deep.

The free tutorial is from Deb's Creative Choas.

It was so fun and easy to create!

I used Tim Holtz French Industrial Paper Stash and inked the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

The drawer knob is also a Tim Holtz product!

The sides are adorned with vintage ephemera from the paper stash and glued to medium weight chipboard.

The small added detail of the brads holding the ribbon is from my stash.

Below is a photo of the organizer being put to good use on my desk.

I think it is a down right disgrace that the vintage map on the back of it has to be hidden!

Hope you enjoyed my creation.

Don't forget to take some time to create your life!

TTFN!
x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

PS...
I would like to send a warm shout out to my crafting friend +Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith.
Sending positive thoughts/energy your way!!

Supplies used to create my organizer.
Click on products/tags below for more info.

View blog post for supplies

Reading Books / Sunday Sentiments / #WOIW

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 18:25:00 +0000

Good day to all!
Hope your weekend starts on a good note!

Well, over at Kraafters Kommunity I saw the picture Heather posted of the new #WOIW, and it really inspired me to create!
The new #WOIW she choose for this week is book.

I am also linking my creation to the amazing artist Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith and her Inky Dinky Doodle Sunday Sentiments linky party!

I love to read and the quote by Mason Cooley is so true...right now I am in the deep south of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the year 1969 with 'The Oleander Sisters' by Elaine Hussey!

I have traveled with Bilbo Baggins & Gandalf to The Misty Mountains in 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien.

As WWII erupts, I lived in the eyes of Sayuri as she transforms to a geisha in 'Memoirs of a Geisha' by Arthur Golden.

I have seen the beautiful and mysterious chair inside the church of a Benedictine monastery in Sue Monk Kidd's 'The Mermaid Chair'.

And how could I forget the famous, high-profile, fabulously successful, magazine editor Miranda Priestly and her newly hired assistant, small town girl, Andrea Sachs in 'The Devil Wears Prada' by LaurenWeisberger!

I am curious, where have you been in your readings?!

I must be honest and admit, my creation is not my idea.
The concept was taken from the very talented Vicky Papaioannou's art journal page.

I do not have an actual art journal book, so I just used pieces of Tim Holtz French Industrial Paper Stash as the background and glued those pieces onto a plain 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper.

I also stamped a little on the background using Bo Bunny Geometric Patterns stamp and a Tim Holtz Bitty Grunge stamp.

The books...

I hope you can see the dimension of the books!
The words are from Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Cling Stamp 3

The globe....

The vintage globe is just a graphic from the internet and fussy cut.

I printed two to make the globe look dimensional.

The quote....

The quote is printed onto a die cut by Spellbinders ~ Postage Stamp

I had so much fun created this!
It really helped me get some of that 'crafting mojo' back.

Hopefully I will get some pics taken of the organizer I created a while back.
I also need to try to figure out/remember where/who I got the tutorial from so I can share it with you all!

TTFN!
Don't forget to take some time to create your life!

x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Lost Mojo & Autumn Days 1989

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 03:08:00 +0000

Something had to give!!

I have lost my creative 'mojo'.

I sit at my crafting table and nothing happens!
As my husband jokingly says "it's all dead space up there!"

I don't even have the 'mojo' to pick up my camera and take photos of some of my creations that I created while my camera was gone.

Here is my excuses for now....
#1 ~ Tom and I have been getting up really early two days a week and driving one and half hours to go fishing by Lake Erie.
It is not the sit and relax, watch the bobber kind of fishing.
It is the cast and reel, cast and reel repeatedly kind of fishing!

Why?
Let me try to explain.
The big steelhead trout are coming in from the lake {literally by the hundreds} and running upstream in the nearby rivers.
This event happens every year in the fall for only about 4 weeks.
Fishermen and fisherwomen come from all over the United States for these mild tasting delicacies!

These big fish are loads of fun to catch and are a true mouth watering yumminess.
Just fry them in some butter with a little black pepper and you think you have died and went to heaven!
Some even say better than sex!!

#2 ~ I have been helping my daughter {who is moving}, clean and paint, which is making me more fatigued than I already am!

#3 ~ And then there is the trying to 'catch up' on the every day household things in between that need attention.
You know the boring stuff....like paying bills, washing clothes, et cetera.
And oh my, the gazillion and one leaves that just keep on falling!

So now you know why something had to give and sorta took a back seat, I guess.

I am sure hoping the lost creative 'mojo' is only a temporary thing.

Here is a scrapbook page I created about a month and half ago.
I did manage to take photos of it then but I was and I am still not pleased with the outcome of how the photos of the layout came out, even with some editing.
But what the heck, I say share it anyways!

My daughter was in 5th grade when this pic was taken, such a long, long time ago!!

I have loads of photos from years past that are not scrapbooked yet.
Which is no surprise for me!
Tom and I took an awesome vacation 4 yrs ago and most of those photos are also STILL waiting to be scrapbooked!

And remember that organizer I mentioned that I was going to take photos of when my camera decided to quit on me?

Well it is back on my craft table, and I have still not taken any photos of it since I got my camera back.
And I am so dang proud of it, it even has a drawer in it!

So, I have now managed to make myself feel kinda guilty with this post, but...do you think it will be enough to get that creative 'mojo' back?
Then this thought also came to mind, a little trip to Michaels or Hobby Lobby or my local scrapbooking store just might be all the medicine I need!!

We shall see.....

TTFN!
x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Hope Grows In The Corners Of My Heart

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:45:00 +0000

Autumn greetings to all and welcome back!

Well, the camera saga is finally over.
But it's a good thing...they gave me a brand new camera.
The old one was not fixable.
The whole time it was gone I was so wishing that my budget would of allowed the option of a back up camera.

I am a big time procrastinator when it comes to taking photos of my creations.
I have various cards, scrapbook pages and even an organizer that I could be sharing but have not taken photos of them yet!
Shame, shame on me...bad rebel blogger!

I guess I should take some time, and take photos....so if the same thing {camera less!} does happen again, I will be prepared for such emergencies!!

Well, enough of my problems.

I am sharing my canvas at Kraafters Kommunity, Heather has a weekly art project ~ Word Of Inspiration Wednesday, in which she gives us a word, just one word to inspire and spark our creativity.
This weeks word is HOPE.

I am also linking my canvas to Zsuzsa's weekly link party at Inky Dinky Doodle

It is fun to read the crafty participants posts and admire their lovely creations!

I have been wanting to create a canvas for myself to hang on the wall right by my computer, where I could reflect on the sentiment that I choose, incorporating the word hope.

The definition of hope:
A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

The words are so fitting... hopeful yet anxious anticipation with regards to the semiannual TgAb test {to check the status of my cancer}.

Ingredients:

7x14 stretched canvas

Chipboard die cuts

Lightweight Spackling from husband's stash!

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint ~ Sunny Day

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint ~ Key West

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint ~ Palm Leaf

Recollections Craft It Surfaces Doily Stencil

Cheesecloth

Hampton Art Chalk Marker

Assorted ribbon

Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe Cling Stamps

Prima ~ 12 x 12 Art Journal Pad

Pinkpaislee ~ (Mistables) Muslin Scallop Ribbon

Heidi Swapp ~ Acrylic Hearts

Pinkpaislee ~ Artisan Border Elements

Tim Holtz Distress Powder ~ Worn Lipstick

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist ~ Aged Brick

Here's to HOPING you got a little inspiration from my creation
and
don't forget to take time to create your life!

TTFN!

x's &o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Friday Findings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:30:00 +0000

Happy Friday to youns!
Hope this day finds you well!

To those that do not know why I say youns instead of you all...
It is part of the Pittsburgh English also known as Pittsburghese.
Just thought youns would like a little bit of something about where I live!!

Well, I really need to take some time to clean my craft space.
I am so ashamed of myself, if you could see my craft table you would be appalled.
There is absolutely not one inch of space to create, and that's no lie, I am dead serious!!

Let me tell a little story behind why it is in such array...
I have an desk organizer I created that was sitting on my craft table, chock full of goodies.
Well, I emptied the whole organizer out onto my craft table to take photos of it.
And then, that's when my camera decided to quit on me.
So now my table is a total disaster and I have no camera! :(

But my camera is on its way to be fixed or replaced.
Fujifilm customer service was awesome!
They asked no questions and gave me no hassles!
Which is how it should be when something is still in warranty.

I am feeling like a lost puppy without my camera {me > whine, whine, whine}!!

I am 'The Rebel Blogger', and here is another reason why...
I have no photos, or shall I say no photos of my past creations that I am not willing to share.
Whether it be the creation itself or my photo taking skills of that creation.
I guess I give up to easily when my photos do not turn out like I want.

My next thought was posting other crafters' photos of their creations but I am not familiar with the sharing protocol of photos from the Internet and other bloggers, even after giving credit where credit is due and linking.
Would anyone like to give me their knowledge of this, it would be so appreciated!!

I do have a lot of photos that my thirteen-year-old granddaughter captured.
I would like to share just four of them with you in the meantime!

I call this carving "The Man in the Tree"
We found him on one of our nature walks.

My 4 year old grandson acting goofy for the camera!

"Frog Rock"

This rock is in the middle of Tionesta Creek in the Allegheny Mountains of northern Pennsylvania.
Someone many, many, many years ago had painted it to look like a monster!
And all through the years people have kept up with painting it.
This is a beautiful, quiet spot to just sit and enjoy nature, which happens to
be close to our camp.

Just a photo of our neighbor's fresh chicken eggs.
Love, love, love them!

Till next time, a little quote for the day...

"A day without laughter is a day wasted"
~ Charlie Chaplin

Have a crafty weekend!
TTFN

x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Love You A Latte Tag

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 17:49:00 +0000

Hello crafty friends, and the not so crafty ones too!!

I have a 'not so good for me' story to tell.

If you remember, back in April I had bought a new camera because my not so old Nikon was junk.

Well, guess what....now this camera is giving me problems!
The lens is stuck partially out, and giving me an error message saying that the lens cap is still on the camera.

The sad part is....
The creative and talented Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith had invited me to play along in The Creative Blog Hop this Monday and I was going to share another desk organizer I had created about a month ago.

But of course, I kept forgetting to take photos of it, which is nothing new for me.

I am so not a happy camper!

One good thing, I just finished taking these photos of my tag when it decided to quit on me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While I was crafter/blogger stalking a couple of days ago, I realized I had not created a tag or used my Cricut in quite a long while.
Shame on me!

So here is my latest creation, you guessed it, a tag.

The patterned paper pack is called Retro Kitchen by Nicole has been in my stash since Moby was a minnow!
The coffee/tea pot and the sentiment are from the Cricut "Just Because" Cards cartridge.
I fussy cut one of the cups from the paper pack and adhered it and the coffee/tea pot with dimensional foam squares.
I added a bit of shine to the pot with a Martha Stewart Glitter Marker.
I used a Signo White Uni-ball pen to create the funny little marks coming from the cup, does it look like steam??!!
I finished by tying a white Tim Holtz Paper String to my tag.

I would like to enter this into the
Fantabulous Cricut Challenge #228 Tag Your It

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, since I do not have my blog posts planned and/or scheduled in advance and I don't know when my camera issue will be taken care of....I won't be posting any of my creations for now. sigh :-(

Maybe it was meant to be for a little while, I do feel the need to 'sit back' and take some time to do some 'positive pondering' on some things in my life.

As always...
remember to take time to create your life!

TTFN!
x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Hi! This Is Me

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 20:27:00 +0000

Hello everyone and welcome!

First thing first before I get to my creation...

I am so excited to have some brand new and talented crafty followers!

There is a kind, thoughtful and amazingly artistic lady that made it possible and her name is
Zsuzsa Karoly-Smith @ Inky Dinky Doodle!

It all started by her commenting on Google+ on one of my creations that I shared.
We started conversing and a day later the next thing I see is her mentioning me to a Google+ community called Kraafters Kommunity!
Well, that started the ball rolling and those gals at Kraafter's Kommunity welcomed me with open arms!

This 'comfort zone' I am in is prohibiting my blog and especially my creations from getting any recognition and Zsuzsa saw that right away.
I have said this in the past, I over critique everything, my blog, my creations.... everything!
My 'comfort zone' is actually inhibiting me in more ways than one. Which I am working on changing.

Needless to say, I am so thankful to Zsuzsa's intuition {or what ever it was}.
Because of her much needed 'little nudge', I joined a group of awesome kraafters!!

Golly gee, I am feeling truly blessed!

Now with all that being said, on to my creation.

There are so many wonderful and talented scrapbookers out there that have created layouts about themselves.

In spite of that...
The thought of me creating a scrapbook page just about me was out of the question, till now.
And the thought of journaling with my own hand writing onto a scrapbook page was out of the question also, till now.

And, for those of you that are new to me, here is a little FYI...
I have always loathed getting my photo taken.
Here is evidence from when I was an infant!

Today I fuss even more so since I had a muscle strap in my neck removed because of the cancer.
Talk about a double chin, now I have chicken wattles! LOL

So I used the last decent photo I own of me {which of course I don't own many}, taken while on vacation in Yellowstone National Park.

I was not looking at my husband but I did have a smile for him and the magnificent beauty surrounding me.

I consider this a CAS layout, even though it has a variety of color and patterns, but there is not a whole lot of layers and the only dimension is the buttons.

I am kinda fond of pattern paper, I have quite a bit of it.
I can not resist a good deal on patterned paper!
Mind you though, I am not a hoarder!
No siree!

Supplies used:
Crate Paper ~ Paper Heart 12x12 patterned paper pad
Fiskars ~ Antique Elegance circle border punch
We R Memory Keepers ~ baker's twine
DIY Thickers Alphabet ~ Ali mistable fabric stickers
Stampers Anonymous ~ Wendy Vecchi sentiment stamp
Basic Grey ~ Hello date stamp

Well, maybe, just maybe, someday I will not be such a fuss button about getting my picture taken.

Hey I am doing this one step at a time!

Thank you for stopping by and don't forget to take the time to create your life!

TTFN!
x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Distress Markers & A Fun Background

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 21:00:00 +0000

Hello Folks!

I don't know about you, but I am happy for September!

For me, the best rides on the Harley are in the spring and fall time.

The 'fragrances' of nature are pleasantly fresh and clean when you are riding in the open air.
Those assorted 'bouquets' seem to have a distinctive quality that seem to only peak during those two seasons.

I call it 'incense' of the season!

Any who ... on to my next creation.

I so enjoy Tim Holtz's Distress Markers!
They are so versatile and easy to create with.

I wanted to create a card with a sunny background, so I just played around with six different colors:

mustard seed
squeezed lemonade
broken china
stormy sky
shabby shutters
peeled paint

I scribbled each color onto Ranger Watercolor Paper then sprayed water onto the paper and used my finger to manipulate the colors around a bit.

The sentiment is from Fiskars Sentiments 8x8 Stamp Set.

I used a stamp from my stash for a flower container {I can't remember what company it was purchased from}.

I stamped it onto wood looking paper from Crate Paper ~ Flea Market and fussy cut it out.

The three little flowers are also from my stash and from the same company as the container stamp.

They came in a unmarked grab bag from a vendor at a stamping show earlier this year. That grab bag is chocked full of cling stamps!

Darn it, I can not remember the company... my mind seems to be in senior mode more and more often!!

The suns rays is a Tim Holtz Grunge Cirque cling stamp.
I added a bit of shine to each sun ray with Martha Stewart's Glitter Marker in yellow.

Well...that is my latest inspiration for you and I hope you find some time this week to create your life!

Oh and if anyone recognizes those stamps and can tell me what company, I would appreciate it!

Happy Crafting!

TTFN!
aka The Rebel Blogger

Cindy's Country Crate Organizer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 23:51:00 +0000

Hey there folks!

I know I have said this before, and I will say it again...
I so love this time of year!!

The abundance of fresh from the garden fruits and vegetables is truly a blessing.

Tom and I eat fresh garden goodies almost on a daily basis, savoring every tasteful awesomeness bite!

We can't grow our own garden because of so many trees resulting in lots and lots of shade on our property.
But the local Amish farm markets are everywhere and we take full advantage!

Here are just some of our rewards from the bountiful harvest:

#1 ~ grilled corn on the cob soaked in real butter.
#2 ~ fried peppers on Italian or French bread, sometimes adding a fresh egg from our neighbor's chickens, making it a pepper and egg sandwich!
#3 ~ sliced tomatoes on toasted, buttered bread.
#4 ~ cubed cucumbers mixed with sour cream & fresh ground black pepper.
#5 ~ fresh picked green beans, fried in olive oil till they are a crispy golden color!

Shall I go on?
Okay, you talked me into it!

#6 ~ mouth watering watermelon slices.
#7 ~ the sweetness of a juicy honey dew and
#8 ~ cantaloupe, both topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

Oh, I can't forget my homemade,
#9 ~ moist zucchini bread and zucchini brownies.
#10 ~ scrumptious blueberry pies!

Have I made you hungry for some garden fresh goodies?
I sure hope so!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, with all that in mind...
How appropriate is that my craft table organizer is made with the FARMHOUSE Paper Pad by Crate Paper!

I designed and created this for a friend as a thank you gift.

To make the paper lace trim around the top of each box, I used Martha Stewart's Doily Lace Edger Punch.

The metal stamped brads on the corners of the base are from Graphic 45.

The entire organizer base is made of two pieces of 10 3/4 in. by 4 1/4 in. medium weight chipboard and glued together.

I added a crocheted doily from my stash and finished it with a chipboard letter S {for Sharon!} that I heat embossed {twice} with Tim Holtz Mustard Seed Distress Embossing Powder.

The small box base measures 3 1/2 in. square and the sides are 1 3/4 in. tall.

The middle box base is also 3 1/2 in. square, the sides are 3 1/2 in. tall.

The tall box base measures 3 1/2 in. by 2 1/2 in.
The sides are 5 1/4 in. tall.

I had so much fun designing and creating this organizer, I think I will design a different style and make one for my own craft table!

Well, apple season is next.
I can not wait to pick some wild, juicy apples for homemade apple pie with my mom's pie crust recipe, apple crisp and applesauce.

Don't forget to take some time to create your life!

Have a fantabulous weekend!
TTFN!
aka The Rebel Blogger

Three Quick and Simple Bookmarks!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 20:26:00 +0000

Hello there and welcome!

Well, it's that time of year when summer vacation is already over and it's back to school time again.
Whew...in the blink of an eye, time flew right by us!

My niece Kim had made a special request for a handmade bookmark and that my creations will be in exchange for a cute little Hall pitcher she found at a flea market.

{She knows I love anything made by Hall and Shenango China}

I created these three different bookmarks for her that I would like to share with you.

The first is made from medium weight chipboard.
The quote is an oldie but goodie!

The second...a corner bookmark.

Kim's favorite!

My favorite...a magnetic bookmark!

These bookmarks can be quite quick and simple to create.
Add your own customized details and embellishments and there you go...a nice little back to school gift for your child, your child's classmates and your child's new teacher!

And finally....a little bit of humor!

Till next time...happy crafting!

TTFN!
aka The Rebel Blogger

Staying Present In Times Of Waiting ~ My Journey With Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 00:31:00 +0000

What, another non crafting post...yes, The Rebel Blogger is at it again!

I am living with cancer.
It can not be seen, but non-the-less, still lurking in the shadows.
I will not succumb to it's claws without a damn good fight.

The ever present fatigue hides in the shadows also.
I will not succumb to it's claws either.

My experience with cancer has meant I don't take anything, least of all life itself, for granted.
I appreciate and treasure every single day because I know how precious life is.
I no longer greet each day with careless acceptance.

It has changed my routines, and relationships.
It has caused a financial impact.
It has changed my physical appearance.
Cancer has been a life-changing experience on many levels.

But...
I know I would be a completely different person if not for the cancer.
I have achieved a certain 'calm wisdom'.
I am able to see things in a 'different view'.
My entire perspective has changed and I am thinking my life in new ways.

For the past year, it has been a waiting game.
Wait for the results of this test and that test, wait to see if the cancer grows...wait, wait, wait!
I do not like to wait. Who does?
I think it is a waste of time.
It is an annoyance, a negative, something to be avoided.

As I look back from the very beginning of my journey, I have experienced a 'seasons' of waiting.
Each time I waited for additional results, my mind and body prepared for the next shock, the next bad news.
This did not lead to hopeful waiting.
It only lead to feelings of anxiety.

Sometimes we allow ourselves the luxury of waiting to watch the sunset so we can soak in the beauty.
Or to the joyful waiting-for nine miraculous months-while a child forms in the womb.

I tend to forget that waiting can be a thing of beauty. A gift. Even a blessing.

In Sue Monk Kidd's book, When the Heart Waits, she describes the gifts that can come to us in waiting:

The fullness of one’s soul evolves slowly. We’re asked to go within to gestate the newness God is trying to form; we’re asked to collaborate with grace. That doesn’t mean that grace isn’t a gift. Nor does it mean that the deliberate process of waiting produces grace. But waiting does provide the time and space necessary for grace to happen. Spirit needs a container to pour itself into. Grace needs an arena in which to incarnate. Waiting can be such a place, if we allow it.

As I continue to wait in anticipation, I have felt that great work taking place within my own container and I have now provided the arena in my soul for grace!

I have learned to stay present in the ever constant times of waiting!
I am surviving!

x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

A Little Bit Of Thanks Die Cut Swing Card

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 Aug 2014 01:44:00 +0000

Hello There!
Hope your weekend is going well.

It was a pleasantly warm and sunny Saturday here in Western PA.
The birds were singing their pleasing song.
The flowers soaked up the sun's bright rays.
The occasional delicate butterfly fluttered here and there looking for sweet nectar.
How I love this time of year!

Which brings me to share this card I created for a friend, thanking her for the temporary use of her Big Kick!

The patterned paper has been in my stash for a few years, it is a collection called Best Occasions from Colorbok.

I used Spellbinders Shapez Frame 3 for the die cut swing.
The little orange flowers and leaves are Memory Box Fabulous Phlox dies.

I also incorporated a pink Prima Sugar Blooms flower and two white paper flowers from the Paper Studio.

The sentiment is from Stampin Up Quick and Cute Set {retired}.

The butterfly is a cheap dollar rubber stamp from Micheals, doesn't have a name on it.
I stamped it with Ranger Watermark resist ink then heat embossed with Hero Arts gold embossing powder. After that I colored it with Distress Markers and finished the butterfly with Glossy Accents for added dimension.

You might ask yourself...where did Cindy get the inspiration for this card?
Watch the awesome YT tutorial from Norma at Splitcoaststampers and you shall see!

Have an awesome week!

TTFN!

Happy Crafting!
x's & o's

aka The Rebel Blogger

Blueberry Pie with Mom's Pie Crust & Whim of the Moment Memories!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 18:27:00 +0000

Happy day to you!

This is another post that is not craft related, the Rebel Blogger in me comes through again!

I love when something happens at the whim of the moment and turns out to be an awesome memory in it self!

But even more precious is when 'the rewards' of that spur of the moment decision also creates lasting, precious memories for me!!

The story goes like this...

Tom and I were traveling on the same ole country road we always use that takes us to our favorite fishing hole.

In front of an Amish-Mennonite home was a brand new sign...with big, bold, simple writing ~ Blueberries Pick Your Own.

We drove past it a short distance, looked at each other and both said at the same time "wanna pick some blueberries?"

So on a whim, that warm and sunny afternoon, we picked blueberries for about an hour or so.

As Tom & I picked blueberries to our hearts content, we watched the amish children play with their dog while the clean, crisp clothes that hung on the line blew in the breeze.

My only regret was not having my camera along.

That was {Memory #1 from the whim of the moment decision}!

A couple of days after picking them, I reserved a whole day to bake blueberry pies.

In my opinion, with the abundance of summertime pies, blueberry is right up there at top!

You haven't tasted a blueberry pie until you've eaten one homemade with fresh, local fruit and the pie crust from scratch is a must!

I love my mother's pie crust recipe, it is so easy to work with and is so crisp and flakey!

A good blueberry pie should be packed to the brim with plump, juicy berries, the flaky and buttery crust barely able to contain the jewel-like bounty

For a fresh blueberry pie, I think it's worth it to buy blueberries from the farmers market or even better yet - pick your own.

The flavor is so much better then either frozen berries or berries shipped across the country.

Well, back to my story...

On the day of my baking, Tom left to meet some of his family members at a local restaurant for their monthly get-together.

It was about 3 in the afternoon, I had just one more pie to bake, when I got this whim of a notion to invite his family (6 people) over for blueberry pie!

What in the world was I thinking...

The kitchen and myself was a total disaster!

I was up to my ears with flour here, flour there, every ounce of counter space and the kitchen table was covered with baking stuff!

My colorful apron was even white with flour!

Needless to say, it all worked out.

I had the kitchen all cleaned and took a shower in record time to receive my guests!

Topped with Edy's Vanilla Bean ice cream that Tom picked up on his way home, my blueberry pies were well received and a huge hit!

My 2nd spur of the moment idea created some well deserved time spent with family in my home and was a precious gift to me!

That was {Memory #2 of the 'rewards' from the spur of the moment decision to pick blueberries}!

Okay, so here is my recipe for a classic, old fashioned, blueberry pie - no frills, no secret ingredients, just blueberries in all their summary glory!

Filling: {makes one 9 inch pie}
4 cups blueberries
1/4 cup white sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
{Use more sugars if your berries are very tart}
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
{Use more cornstarch if your berries seem very juicy or you prefer a more firm pie filling}
1 1/4 tablespoons chilled butter - cut into pieces
3 tablespoons lemon juice
Zest from 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl, gently mix blueberries, sugars, corn starch, lemon juice and zest, cinnamon and vanilla.
Then add the cut up chunks of butter into the mixture.
Let the berries sit on the counter while making pie crust.

Mom's Pie Crust Recipe: {makes 4 pies!}
4 cups flour
1 3/4 cups chilled shortening {I use butter flavored Crisco sticks}
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons salt

Combine above ingredients in a large bowl with a pastry blender, only until crumbly. Mixing to much will make the crust tough. It's okay to have chunks of shortening!

In a small bowl mix together with a fork:
1/2 cup ice water
1 egg
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Then add to the flour and shortening mixture, cut in with the pastry blender just until combined.
Like I said, it's okay to have clumps of shortening!
Form it into a disc, wrap with plastic wrap and chill in fridge for about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees...
Roll out chilled dough on heavily floured surface with floured rolling pin to 1/4 - 1/3 inch thick.
Spray pie pan with cooking spray.
Place pie pan upside down onto dough then carefully flip both right side up. Gently shape dough into pan and cut away extra dough around edge with butter knife.

Now it's time to add the blueberry mixture.

Roll out some more pie dough and cut into strips for the lattice on top of the pie.

Place the pie onto a baking sheet {to catch any drips} and bake for about 45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling.

Remove from oven, let cool for a least 4 hours before serving.

Serve with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped topping and enjoy.

I love those last few spoonfuls of sweet berry juice, especially if they are mixed with a little melted ice cream!

Till next time,

TTFN!
x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Easy Peasy Paper Bag Mini

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 13:26:00 +0000

Happy day to you!

I have a shameful confession to make.

> > > I have never created a scrapbook album of any kind in all of my paper crafting years till just recently!
Believe it or not, this is so true.

I know that is a bit too much to swallow and I am almost too ashamed to admit it!

When I saw Maymay make this mini album look so easy peasy, I knew I could create one too!
Check out her awesome tutorial ~ Easy Peasy Paper Bag Mini from Maymay Made It.

The paper collection is Dear Lizzy~Neapolitan by American Crafts

I must admit, I had fun creating this mini!

Dear Lizzy~Neapolitan has been around since 2012 but I love the cheery, feminine, diffused water color effect of this paper collection.

It takes you back into a daydream of hand-drawn mason jars, ice cream cones and the good ole summertime!!

Don't forget to take time to create your life!

TTFN!

x's & o's

aka The Rebel Blogger

Mixed Media Wall Art ~ Be An Individual

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 10:00:00 +0000

Hello folks!

My 13 year old granddaughter was accepted to a performing arts school starting this fall.
Her papa and I could not be more proud of her than we are now!

I decided to create a mixed media wall art in her favorite color-purple.
Also incorporating some encouraging words that will hopefully help her to...
Be An Individual!

The perfectly written cling rubber stamp is from none other than

Tim Holtz - Way With Words

Love, love, love it!!

The large purple flower is from Prima.

The tiny leaf die is from Memory Box - Fabulous Phlox.

The acrylic heart with the music notes is made by Heidi Swapp .

I added wire to the Heidi Swapp chipboard mistable butterfly.

The flower die cut here and border die cuts are Spellbinders Shapeabilities Parisian Accents.

The resin flower has been in my stash for years.

Individuality

When individuals base their feelings, opinions, choices, or decisions only on what others believe to be true, normal, good, right or wrong, without giving any critical thought to their real value, then they themselves forfeit much of their own individuality and in turn join the ranks of mediocrity.

Even though people may think of themselves as individuals making unique decisions when they simply adopt certain behavior demonstrated by their peers, in reality each becomes just another small fish in a big sea of insignificance.

You cannot really realize your full potential as an individual until you can truly say to yourself that what you believe, who you are, and what you will become is directly related to what is deep within your soul. This is where true individuality is born.

Anyone wanting to accomplish this must first be true to themselves. For those who live this idea, outside influences become only minor distractions and one’s potential and ability to flourish become limitless.

Kirk Mango
Becoming a True Champion (Rowman & Littlefield, 2012)

Papa and I have always instilled in her to be herself, and to move forward in life with confidence.
Most of all, to never stop learning!

Have an awesome weekend!

TTFN

x's & o's

aka The Rebel Blogger

Always Face The Sun ~ Watercoloring with Distress Markers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 18:00:00 +0000

Hi guys and gals!

I am very fortunate to be able to spend my summer days outside.

Where I can enjoy our beautiful flowers.

And those that come to visit our bird feeder...the neighbor's chickens, lots and lots of birds, the squirrels, also the occasional turkey and deer!

Who all seem just as excited for summertime as I am!

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you

~ Maori Proverb

I think this quote is a great one.

It encourages us to focus on the positive and reminds us that, in doing so, negativity will be a thing of the past (in the shadows).

For me, this is most clear when dealing with my cancer.

I try to remain positive and the sunshine filled days of summer is a huge blessing for me.

This card I created for a friend made me think of that proverb...

I colored the Wendy Vecchi Garden Art stamp with Distress Markers on Ranger Watercolor paper.

The sentiment stamp is Sky's the Limit from MME.

The die cut above that is Spellbinders Lattice Accents cut in half and adorned with natural twine.

I used a punch around the page Vintage Doily by Martha Stewart for accent on the top and bottom of the card.

What it comes down to is this: I have a choice and I have a choice on how to react to it.

I choose to accentuate the positive and face the sun!

Remember to take time to create your life!

TTFN

x's & o's

aka The Rebel Bogger

Barbecue King

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 01:58:00 +0000

The unexplainable allure of an open, smoking fire...it pulls you in and engulfs you, the aroma penetrating every pore!

Who doesn't love delicious food cooking on the grill...
Now, that's what I'm talking about!!

Anyone who is serious about BBQing demonstrates an unbelievable passion and expertise.
They are a breed of dedicated people that simply enjoy it for the love and pride of a perfect barbecue.

Just like those in the paper crafting world, some BBQer's dedicate their whole lives to the mastery of their craft.

Which brings me to share this birthday card I created for my brother.
He is always ready to grill something fabulous for his lucky visitors.
Glenn might not be a master BBQer, but he can create some pretty awesome meals on the grill!

All the patterned paper and cut out is from DCWV The Guy Stack.
Burlap fringe is Canvas Corp Brands .
The self adhesive Chocolate Delight Pearls are from Queen & Co.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

TTFN!

x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Time To Bake With My Little Helper!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:03:00 +0000

Howdy folks!

Here is a little story about this scrapbooking layout...

Every single time my grandson came to visit this past winter he continually pestered me to make cookies.

Finally one day I decided to make some delicious, old fashioned, chocolate chip and oatmeal cookies with him.

He was so excited and a big help at mixing but his interest waned real quick with the baking part.

Which meant I was left behind to finish while he was in another room playing.

He soon returned to the kitchen, only to gobble up those freshly baked cookies!

The cookie making process starts at the top right of the page with Cookies Made from Scratch, continues on down the layout, and finishes at the bottom.

I have to admit, they were definitely yummy to the tummy!!

TTFN!
Happy Crafting!
x's & o's
aka The Rebel Blogger

Spellbinders Father's Day Card

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 10:00:00 +0000

Happy day to you!

As another Father's Day has arrived and left us,
I can't help but be thankful that my father was here to live another, at the ripe young age of 83!

Of course he is not the same whipper snapper as he was in his younger days, but he sure gets around pretty darn good.
He loves to galavant and shoot the breeze.
Tom and I went for a drive the other evening to our local homemade ice cream stand and who comes pulling in... Dad ...you just never know where you'll run into him!

Everyone says I am my father's daughter.
We can be feisty, and hard headed as ever.
He is always right and so am I.

We have butt heads way to many times to count.
Neither is willing to give in.
I am sure we both, at one time or another, were responsible for a grey hair or two on my dear departed mother's head!

Rebels are we and I have come by it rightly! :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had the opportunity to attend Northern Ohio's rubber stamp and scrapbooking convention ~ Adventures in Stamping this past April.

My friend Sharon told me she would lend me her Big Shot till I can get one of my own, so if I wanted to purchase some dies while there, go for it!
And that's just what I did!

Thank You So Much, Sharon! (hug)
Your kindness brings warmth to my heart and oh my... the joy I am having!

Needless to say I had to create a card with those newly purchased dies...

I used Spellbinders Nestabilities Romantic Rectangles Two dies.
The leaves are Impression Obsession dies and I applied Glossy Accents for added dimension.
The argyle patterned paper is from Authentique Blissful collection.

Inside of card

The Spellbinders die cut was embossed with Tim Holt-Mustard Seed-Distress Embossing Powder
The photo doesn't do justice... I love the weather-worn texture of it!

Thanks for stopping by and hope everyone's week is an awesome one!

Till next time...Happy Crafting!


aka The Rebel Blogger