My news - Artful Inkables! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

Okay, here's the exciting news. I was selected to be on the Design Team for Artful Inkables! WoooooHOOOO!!!! I am so excited I am about to jump out of my skin!!!

If you don't already have the blog bookmarked, check it out here! As a Design Team member, I'll be showcases at least two new stamp sets each month right here on my blog, as well as assisting in tutorials and contests on the AI blog.

I've never done anything like this, and I'm so honored to be chosen as one of the new Design Team members. I am official an INKgirl. Now, how cool is that?

Thanks for putting up with me and my big head - teee heee!!

And remember - tonight at midnight check out CTMH's August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - right here!

I won the Verve Project Parade Challenge!!!! Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

I cannot believe it! WOOOHOOO!!! Anyone who knows me can attest to my competitive spirit....I LOVE to win. And I did! WOOHOOO!!! Thanks, Verve!!!!

Here's how it all came down. I came home exhausted after my crop Saturday and turned on the computer. I saw Julee's post about the June 09 Project Parade contest, which asked for a project fit for a man. Well, I had about ten minutes (maybe more...tee hee) before the contest ended, so I just linked my Father's Day card post here. Julee picked two winners and one was me!

WOOHOO!!! And how weird is this......I had just 'met' Andrea last night by posting my first post to her blog here , and she had responded to me with a nice comment. I call that a new bloggin' friend, right? Well...get this....Andrea was the other winner!!!!! How cool is that! It's a small bloggin' world, my friends.

Since I have not finished (heck, I haven't even started) my Mojo Monday card, I started perusing my computer for another project to post. Then I came across this photo of my precious kitties. Okay, they are cats, but I call them kitties. Yes, I am officially the old lady with cats. Ha!!! Does it count if you just have two?

These kitties both have a story. Target is the one on the left. Isn't she beautiful? Her name is pronounced Tar-ZHAY, like a fancy Target store. As a matter of fact, that's where we found her! About five or six year ago, Alan and I were going to Home Depot, which is across the street from Target. We were driving the afore-mentioned Raul, pictured here (love you, Raul!). Raul got his name from his license plate, which started with "RAU". And also from the fact that I had a crush on the back end of Raul Mondesi from the Dodgers. This is my last photo of Raul, right before I sold him. See why I love him? He's gorgeous!

Good grief, I hope my son does not read this. I doubt he wants me to share my lunacy with the world. HA! Anyway, we 'ran over' what I thought was a rag in the middle of the road. What I mean by running over is that I straddled it with the car, I did not hit it with the tires. Well, that little rag ran into the prickly hedge separating Target (the store) from the highway. We were sorely afraid that Target (the little fur ball) would run back into the road and get killed, so we came to the rescue. After about an hour of trying to coax her out of the bushes, I went inside Target (the store) and bought some kitty food and heavy gloves in hopes that Alan could convince Target (the fur ball) to come to him.

Being the stoic mom, I went to the outside of the hedge, along the busy highway, in case Target (the fur ball) should sprint for the road. Well, after nearly TWO hours, Alan was able to grab her. Talk about a scaredy cat! She did NOT want to be caught! We decided we would take her to a vet. Well. Of course, it was Sunday and there were not vet offices open. No need, because once I saw her tiny little face next to Alan's, 'she had me at meow'. She was so tiny that she sat in his shoe! Just a pound. I had to feed her with a dropper; she wouldn't take a bottle. The head of household kitty was not happy, but soon adapted to this new creature and as you can see, they are pretty happy together now.

Now off to get my Mojo goin'!

Sweet dreams,

Loving CTMH - Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

I must admit that two years ago I had never heard of Close To My Heart. I had barely been introduced to scrapbooking and stamping.

Well, I have to tell you, once introduced, it was love at first sight! As a child, I loved drawing. My favorite Christmas gift (still) was an "official" artist's kit - pencils, paper, pastels, watercolors, oils, acrylics, brushes, an instruction book - all the things I imagined a real artist used every single day! Do you know that I still have that, hidden away in the garage among old books, air filters and baby clothes (my baby is 21 - ha). I can't bear to part with it - well, with what is left of it, anyway.

I've come to realize that you don't have to use those "official" artist tools to be an artist. Just open one of Close To My Heart's Idea Books and you'll be amazed at the talent displayed. Our founder, Jeanette Lynton, inspires this creativity in all of us. Her artwork is truly amazing!























I had to search my computer for some artwork to post, since I haven't created anything in a few days.

When CTMH introduced the stamp set "Make it Count", I immediately imagined the clock image as the face of a watch. I used the belt image from "Lovely Buckles" and a lot of distressing. I particularly like the brad, although I realized (a little late) that I placed it on the wrong side of the watch face! You can't tell from the photo, but one of CTMH's window charms emulates the watch crystal.

I decided to enter this card in Close To My Heart's monthly contest for consultants. They must have liked it, because I won first place! I suppose you heard me screaming for miles. Now that I look at it, it's a little dark and dreary (distressed or distressing?). But I suppose the judges must have been in a distressing mood that day - ha!

Thank you for all your kind comments. I'm enjoying all of your blogs as well!

Sweet dreams,

Thanks for voting! - Scrapbooking in Melbourne, Florida

I want to thank those of you whom have voted thus far in my poll (see right column). It's pretty even, so I may have to offer both classes! The poll remains open till next weekend. I can't tell you how helpful it is to get your input!

I've been working on items for the Open House for the last couple of hours. I'll be hosting a National Scrapbooking Month Crop and Open House on Saturday, May 16. If you're near Melbourne, Florida and want to attend, please leave a comment with your e-mail address and I'll add you to my invitation list! Invitations will go out this weekend.

In the meantime, I'll post something that's already on my computer. This is a cute litte purse made from a white paper lunch bag. I entered and won a prize from CTMH (Close To My Heart) so I thought I would share with you.

Have a wonderful evening!

Deb

p.s. The Dodgers won last night! :-)