Blankie for Miss Olivia

So what does it mean when the kids you made baby blankets for are now starting to have kids......that you're now making baby blankets for?  I know, I know.......it means that you're getting pretty demmed old, that's what!!!  Now I didn't actually make a baby blanket for Olivia's mom - but I've known her since was about 2 years old...........soooo close enough!!

 

Used mostly Bernat Baby yarn.......aside from the solid brown -  that's called "Cuddle" and it was a Joann's brand a couple of years ago. I like it a lot because it's a deeper saturation AND it's skinny yarn (my favorite).  

 

Picot edging is my choice for baby blankets...............mostly because it's simple yet gives a finished look AND it goes pretty speedy fast - and by the time I'm at the edging point - I am done, Done, DONE with that particular blanket................whew..............

I tend to make LARGER baby blankets because.............because..............well, I think because when I'm making the squares, I KNOW they're not big enough to cover a baby.  So I make fairly large granny squares AND then once they're put together I kind of go, "Huh, guess that's big enough for a baby??!!!"....... I'm currently working on another blanket - I'm making EVERY effort to keep it baby-sized.  We'll see how it goes..............

Toodles for now...

Sew Star Wars

 

Kind of looks like a poster I might have had in my bedroom (or hall locker - Gail, remember our locker in Junior year???) when I was a teenager....

 

But it's NOT - it's actually a bag.....one that I made with the fabulous "2-Zip Hipster" pattern from DUMD (Dog Under My Desk.....but DUMD is waaaay easier to type....) and some oh-so cool Star Wars Fabric.  

 

I'm good with the knowledge that I create things.......I get that it's part of me and that if I can't create something on a regular basis I start to wither away (spiritually.....not physically - not sure what it would take to get me to wither physically....).  Normally I create with paper, stamps and inks...... annnnnd also for many years with yarn and thread and cloth and now fairly recently with licensed fabric and excellently written patterns & instructions.  

 

Creepella is a helpful and patient model................and this gives you some idea of the size of the bag......plus it's yet another photo of the bag itself.......

 

As is this............a little peak at the outside pocket lining (which I thought looked very much like lasers - pew............pew-pew...........  The "Star Wars" area involved a bit of fussy cutting but as usual, I'm a fan of fussiness................of the cutting persuasion.  

I was so enamored by the successful outcome I took no photos of the inside of the bag - which is fully lined and has a couple of pockets, one holds my phone and another holds bits & bobs (a couple of pens, a tube of Burts Bees, a hair claw clip, a tiny bottle of lotion, a couple of flash drives and a pack of gum) - you know the essentials if one needs to leap onto the Falcon because a Death Star is looming. 

I really like this bag because of the awesome fabric.....truly I do - but I love this bag because I made it - I looked 2 zippers, a couple of different types of interfacing and 3/8 & 1/4 inch seams in the eye and I prevailed.  AND I went on to make a couple more (Jack Skellington and Mickey fabric) - they also turned out well enough that I claimed credit. 

I've been busy - I mean majorly busy but it wasn't been with stamping.  Oh sure, I've made a few cards (whenever we've received specific requests) but that's not where I want to spend my time.  I want to spend it surrounded by fabric and zippers and interfacing and I want to make things that are useful and pleasing to the eye (and touch).  Not sure what that means for my card-making days but I know that my oh-so creative-hungry soul is happy with this kind of activity. 

I hope you're all finding a little creative bliss too!!!

Toodles for now...


Edited immediately ('cause that's how I roll.....)

 

I did indeed snap a photo of the inside.......there are the two pockets (the Star Wars fabric) and the rest is just glorious full-liningness (a new word - I'm sure it'll land into Websters on the next go-round).

Busy!!

 

Hey there everyone!!  It's been a really looooong time hasn't it?  I seem to read that so much in the blogs I follow - kinda goofy, we're always apologizing for "being away".  That's just life, right?  Let's agree to stop wasting time with apologizing about not blogging - ok, ok, let me just say that I'll stop wasting time with it - starting NOW!!!

 

Whilst I was away (doing life stuff) guess where I landed?  Yep, in mid-June we could be found at Disneyland (along with about nearly everyone else in the world...).  My eldest niece wanted to celebrate her 40th (FORTY....!!!) b-day at Dland - which is cool AND a big deal since she and her family are coming from Australia!  So of course we had to make the journey to celebrate with all of them. 

 

It's NEVER my intention to land up in Southern California in the summer months so what's with the last couple of years?  June this year and June last year found me in Anaheim...so much for good intentions.....oh well both trips were definitely worth it.  I LOVED spending time with my family and as you can imagine, it doesn't really happen that often - gotta grab those moments when they present themselves!

And now (finally!!) - the card.........made this for the birthday girl.  Kind of had no clue - then POP there it was in my head.  I'm smugly pleased that I remembered I had colored vellum (old stuff from CTMH but as you can see - it still works great).  It was perfect for the background balloons. 

The rest of card is pretty straight-forward.  Die-cuts, punches, B&T paper, Perle cotton for the strings and just an eensy bit of stamping....there you have it. 

 

During my Sabbatical from Stamping I've been busy craft-wise but a LOT of it has been about The Sewing.  I've rekindled a friendship with a former Stamper (turned Sewist) who has graciously agreed to mentor me in my Quest for Sewing Greatness.  Seriously, it's really wonderful to have someone to talk Sewing with and since she's been doing this longer than a minute she's been instrumental in the success of many of my projects.........and her Wall O' Fabric..............swoooooon........ 

 

Since I had already decided that Kabobbing Cards was no longer going to be exclusively about cards, I'll be posting some of my other exciting Crafty Adventures - hope you'll stay tuned, I think it will be fun!

 

Toodles for now,



Kathy & Bob

Card Ingredients:
Cardbase: PTI (Soft Stone - LOVE it!!)
Die-cut: Castle/QuicKutz
Punches: Mickey Heads (large & small)/EK Success
B&T cloud paper:  Paper Doodles
CS & Vellum: CTMH
Inks: Memento
Stamps: #'s - CTMH; words - PTI
DMC: white Perle cotton

Technology and Changes

Well, I've finally got something more up-to-date than a flip-phone.  I like that I can now text at will (AND it doesn't cost me 25-cents per text) and the photos I take are really quite nice (AND with this huge screen I can actually SEE them).  There are tons of other features (yes, I've even done a few videos) but I have NO clue how they operate and at this point I have NO desire to learn more. 

At this point...

The features I do understand and know how to operate are keeping me pretty amused - for example, never before have I ever been able to get a photo of Bob THIS close....this clearly.....AND with him having his eyes open!

Actually even when his eyes are closed, you can STILL tell what he is: (Obviously I'm a handsome devil - that's what I am....)

And now he's heard the "click"....

And he simply wants to know what I'm doing......(AGAIN with that stupid pink rectangle thing Kathy??? - Really, REALLY???)

 

He's a good boy in humoring me......(Well of course I humor you.....I'm certainly not going to scoop my own litter-box.......I need you around for those mundane tasks!)

 

Unfortunately we've run into a major dry spell as far as card-making goes....oh, we'll make a set or two here and there but there's just not the excitement or passion there once was.  Could be that I've turned that toward other crafting endeavors but more likely than not - I think I'm just burnt out on the whole card-making for a profit thing.  And HA - that's a laugh - as if we've EVER actually made a profit!!  But (for me at least), it's come down to feeling more like a JOB, something that I feel that I HAVE to do - and well, that makes it a lot less fun........

 

Lately I've made a couple of cards for special b-days (and nope, didn't even think about taking a photo - even with my cool new phone!!) and that was fun but it was fun because it didn't feel like a JOB - like it didn't HAVE to be done (which technically it did 'cause well, they were b-day cards....needed by a certain date and all).  We've got a craft fair looming (and I do mean LOOMING) ....and I've got to get my stamping butt into gear but with each weekend that passes I find myself oh-so busy doing OTHER things (pretty much ANYTHING else - good grief I've even glommed onto watching T.V. shows for pity sake... all in my avoidance of stamping).....so yep, pretty much everything/anything else EXCEPT for stamping.....sigh....

 

Oh, I'll get my sets of cards done because I'm in a partnership but those cards won't be made with a whole lot of fun nor joy or enthusiasm and I'm a bit afraid that will be reflected in the end product......but they WILL get done.  After the craft fair, we'll need to re-visit our plans and goals - I know that mine have definitely changed.   

 

But ok, life goes and so will I - not sure what will end up landing on the ol' bloggeroony - and if it's not your cup of tea, I totally get it and sorry to disappoint - but there are TONS of other card-making blogs out there - I know you'll find something...   

 

Bob and I thank you for your time - we hope we've given you a good idea every now and again.  Create & Enjoy and spread that happiness around - use your talents for good!!

 

Toodles for now........

Kathy & Bob  

Turtle Wishes

 

Ok, firstly these are EXTRA pathetic photos I know........but I'm pretty thrilled I actually remembered to snap a couple of them before delivering this custom-designed card.  Now I know I should be giving the proper credit to the artist of the Ninja Turtle but I cut the image out so closely (and tidied up as I worked), I have NO clue whom to give credit.....my apologies to the talented artist out there - your work is appreciated!!  A co-worker needed a card for her daughter who was turning 6 and who loves the "purple" Ninja Turtle - so there you go!!

 

But hey, I can give credit for the stamp images.....confetti is from CTMH, the sentiment and cake are from Hero Arts, small oval "shadow" under the turtle is from A Muse, the large candle flame and small candle dies are from QuicKutz and the scalloped circle (aka doily) is from Marvy punches.  

 



Inks - Memento
Copics
Liquid Glass - CTMH
Stickles
Ribbon - A Muse
Foam Tape

(H.B. to Mom...missing you tons, piles & heaps...)
Toodles...

Love from Joey & Roxxi

 

 

There are lots of moms out there.....and there are lots of babies who have fur versus hair.....and who happen to walk on four feet (aka paws) instead of two.  While I might have only one HUMAN child (and sometimes that's questionable.....hee, hee, hee - just kidding Creepella....sorta!!), I've had multiple fur-babies.  I've noticed that most of my friends have fur-babies too.  Coincidence?  I think not!

 

Hence the card...

 

My co-worker is mama to Joey and Roxxi......Roxxi has a black toenail (she's a white boxer).  So obviously it was a perfect time to bust out some of the dies from Paper Smooches (and I have Heidi to thank for this set o' dies....!!).  Loved making this card - just like most of us love making The Perfect Card for someone special, right??  And Joey and Roxxi were just waiting for their mom to meet a card-maker so that all of their canine warm fuzzies could be realized in cardstock, ink and ribbon!

 

Toodles...

 

 

Paw and "love" Dies - Paper Smooches

CB - PTI

CS - CTMH, PTI

Paw Border punch - EK Success

Ribbon - Misc.

24-Carrot Friends

 

And boy am I luck to a have a couple of them!  Made these almost-identical cards for Heidi and Gail.  Gail received this one - it's more subtle....as I used Spicas to sparkle up the carrots...

 

 

And here's a close-up of the subtle sparkle....

 

 

On the other hand, the one for Heidi is QUITE flashy as I used Stickles for the sparkly-goodness.

 

I didn't take a close-up of these carrots because I was afraid they might be BLINDING!!  But as you can tell - even from a distance - they're pretty sparkly.

 

I've been wanting to make this card for ever so long (since I purchased the sentiment [A Muse] about 6 years ago!!) but I didn't want to have to stamp and color TWENTY-FOUR carrots...besides 24 of them would never fit on a card front!!  But low and behold, along came Cats Pajamas with this cute & simple (and really easy to color and glitter) carrot and FINALLY the card came true. 

 

The cute carrot ribbon was one that I found at Michael's about 3 years ago.  I could kick myself for not getting a couple of spools of it....I've never seen it again!  The cool little sign-post is a QuicKutz die and the textured CS is from CTMH (wish they'd bring it back - love that stuff!!).  The little tuft of grass is from CTMH (an oldie and one that I use a LOT).  Memento and Colorbox Inks, Copics, Marvy corner rounder and some foam tape completed the cards.

 

Hope  my two 24-carrot friends enjoyed their cards - like I said, I'm lucky to have them!!

 

Toodles...

Abel's Gift

 

Abel always stops by for a visit during the craft fairs.  The last one was no exception.  While visiting he started fiddling with Heidi's scarf (the apple green one here).  Apparently Heidi REALLY likes her scarf - she wears it all of the time (which is good for my crochet-ego).  When she mentioned that I made it for her he was a bit shocked (which was NOT good for my crochet-ego) but then he started thinking and then asked if I could make one in "49er colors".  Welllllllll I can make one in ANY color depending upon the yarn I use.  He just GRINNED at me and wiggled his eyebrows - let me tell you, that's a look you don't soon forget!

 

Apparently Heidi caught his drift also because after he was on his merry way she asked if I would make him a scarf for his b-day if she purchased the yarn. I told her NOOOO, I could not - as I had already decided to make him a scarf as a gift and I didn't need her stinkin' money.  She took no offense, she knows me and it's our special way of communicating!!

This biggest complication?  What stitch to use?  I tried about 5 different stitches and combination of stitches and ended up with one of my favorites - the "V-Stitch".  I did switch things up a bit though - instead of crocheting from one end all the way up to the finished end, I stitched the length first and then stitched "in the round" (technically in the rectangle but you get the idea...").  I like how it turned out - of course I used my go-to scarf yarn of Home Spun and these two colors are well, red and gold.  Creepella thinks Gryffindor instead of 49ners but then again so do I (go Muggles!!). 

As long as Abel likes it, that's all that matters.  Happy, happy birthday Abel!!

Toodles...

Cake O' Flames

 

Soooo many candles.....

 

Snarky sentiment by Gina K. Designs....

 

More snarky sentiments (and boy have I used THIS set quite a bit!!)...... cake body by Hero Arts.

 

The flames are from the "Monster" set by My Cute Stamps......

B&T - CTMH
Inks - Memento
Copics
Stickles
Marvy scallop rectangle punch

Yes folks, this is what MY b-day cake looks like........it's a good thing I like sparkly things!!

Toodles...

Crochet Happy

Brrrrrr - is it cold out there or what?

 

 

Actually it's not - and sadly we've gotten little to no snow and no rain to speak of...but you didn't pop in to hear weather woes...you've probably been waiting oh-so patiently for a card posting AND once again...it's NOT happening!

 

However I do have some photos of some of the crochet goodness that I was involved in for gifties!!  I whipped these 3 scarves up for Christmas presents.  All were made with different yarn but surprisingly they all landed in the pinky/purply color family. 

 

 

I "found" this oh-so cool pattern ("Aligned Shells") in a book I've had for YEARS ("63 Easy-To-Crochet Pattern Stitches" by Darla Sims).  Not really sure why it took so long to apply yarn to hook, but at long last it happened.  This little purple beauty was made for Heidi (who dropped a few not-too-subtle hints about NOT having any purple or pink scarves in her collection).  Love the softness in feel and in the color variegation of this beautiful yarn  ("Unforgettable" Boutique by Red Heart) - this is "Petunia" (there are several other colors and they're all oh-so gorgeous...).  One skein is 280 yards and is lovely to work with and is more than enough to complete a scarf.

 

Scarf #2 is made with the Shocking Pink "Chick" yarn (Bernat's Boa) and it's just double crochet - there's about 129 yards in a ball and since it's been a while since I've worked with it I couldn't quite recall how many balls I would need for a scarf.  To be safe, I purchased 2 balls and much to my delight, I discovered 1 ball was enough for the length of scar I wanted.  After my retinas recovered, I tucked the second ball of "Chick" safely away for another day AND I already know who'll be getting that second scarf! 

 

Jilean  was shocked and delighted with her gift and she rather insulted me with the question, "Did you actually make this yourself????" - why yes indeedy chili beanie, I most certainly DID!!!

The final scarf was made for Lorra - I was pretty torn because she's a total Disney Fan and I like to make things that really reflect the recipient's personalities and interests...but let's be honest - I was on a tight schedule and I really didn't have time to do a lot of color changes (let alone any cool Disney motifs) and I absolutely detest weaving ends....ick, ick, ick!!  So I decided to select a color that I thought she might like in a yarn that would be oh-so cozy (and warm since the woman is ALWAYS freezing - when she's not burning up with a hot flash...) so of course what did I select?  Well hello - that would be Lyon Brand's Homespun of course, of course.  I don't recall the color name but one skein (185 yards) is more than enough to make a great scarf - generally I do a V-stitch with Homespun, it works up fast & easy and looks good with the chunkiness of the yarn.  And there's enough left over to add to my stash of left-over yarns....I've used/will be using enough Homespun to make a 1-granny square lap blanket...which is of course ANOTHER project!

 

Oh shoot - completely forgot to snap a photo of the scarf I made for Creepella - will have to do that soon - it turned out lovely but I hated the yarn...snagged on my too-dry fingers and just waited to knot up the moment I let my guard down....sigh.....

 

I've got a couple of other scarf projects in the works and I'm now kitting up some of the next stitching projects I plan to work on.  Work is busy, busy, busy and school started a couple of weeks ago and I'm enjoying my second floral class (corsages & wedding flowers) and with the new scrapbook line of CTMH, I'm trying to get the hang of that and as always there are sooooo many card ideas and not nearly enough time.  Retirement can't come soon enough for my Life Of Crafting!

 

I hope you all have had some Crafty Time!

 

Toodles...

Happy New Year!

Wishing you all the very best for 2014!!

Thanks for visiting Kabobbing Cards - Bob & I appreciate it.

Toodles...

Halloweenie Peppers

Aren't they cute and festive-looking?  AND they've been planted in a cool orange pot too........  While I don't care for peppers, I do appreciate their color and FUN!

Toodles for now...

The Lumpy Duo

What do you get with two roly-poly cats and a too-small cardboard lid?

Aaaaaaahhh, I think we have our answer..............

HEY - what are YOU lookin' at????

 

 

Toodles for now...

Flower Power

 

Pardon the photos....neither is all that great but I nearly forgot to take ANY photos before this arrangement was carted off so I'm just happy to have these. 

 

Half of the class had this assignment and half of the class did something else.  For those of us with this assignment we had to make identical arrangements as these were for a paying customers.  I was a bit tense (as were most of my classmates who were working along side me...), but they all came together fairly quick and easy.  And of course, it was excellent practice for our table arrangement skills.  Think I'll make a couple of arrangements for home.....in AUTUMN-Y colors of course....yum!

Toodles for now... 

Class Work

 

Well if you need a corsage or boutonniere I think I could help you with that.  This is what we worked on in class about a week ago.  It was pretty fun.....although I would MUCH rather have a choice in the flower selection (we have no choice.....but since we have no extra material costs, beggars can't be choosers - right?).  And of course the whole point of these exercises is to learn the mechanics of floral design.

 

Creepella and I will be attending an upcoming floral show - I'm looking forward to it, I think it will be a lot of fun.

 

While looking at the accessory items that are used in various floral designs, my true love always wins out.................I convert a LOT of the items into card-making ideas. 

 

Got a lot going on in my crafty world right now and I'm on a definite schedule for several items.  Once time loosens up a bit I'll be experimenting with some of floral accessory items that I've been gathering...................REALLY looking forward to the fun!

 

 

Toodles for now...

Bloom Baby Bloom

 

Usually I don't see this lily in all of its glory - but last weekend I was out nosing around in the garden and what did my wondering eyes see but this gorgeous purple and yellow beauty.   I hope I remember to take a peek in the garden beds, barrels and containers this weekend......who knows what treasures I'll find??

 

Nature is pretty ding-dang COOL.....................

 

 

Toodles for now!

New Crop of Trees

Every year we get 3 new redwood plugs from the fair......this year, we got the regular coastal redwood AND a little cedar plug........it's pretty cool to see them grow - we're hoping to eventually have our own grove in the back yard.  They seem to thrive in the barrels, so I hope they do well in the ground itself. 

Funny, they don't look very impressive at this stage - but WOW, they're pretty awesome when they're mature!!

Slow Sunday

I nearly killed this maiden fern.  Thankfully Creepella took mercy and nursed it back to health.  I love maiden ferns.....they look so peaceful, blissful, calm and just aaaaahhhhhhhhhh,

The end of a weekend and I'm trying to rev up for another busy week......at least I got some stamping done this weekend - something to blog about during the week!!

Have a great new week!

Shhhhhhh.........I'm napping........

Please, be vewwwy, vewwwy quiet, I might be dweaming of hunting wabbits.........

Snoozy greetings from Iris.............

P.S.  My mama (Creepella) made me the lovely little floral pillow (guess she was tired of me using the remote)......it matches the blankie that her mama got for me from IKEA.......sure I'm kinda spoiled, but I totally deserve EVERYTHING and oh-so much MORE...

Why, Hello there...

Greetings from the beautiful and lovely Lily....................