Once they all believed in dragons

Excerpt from 2011 Dear Diary -

December 23rd

Today one of my co-workers gave me a little Christmas gift. Nothing expensive, just unexpected. I should have just said thank you and left it at that. But no, the guilt blossomed like a rose in a too hot room and I said, “I have something for you, but I left it at home”. Had to stop at the store and buy something for him. New Years Resolution is to make a ton of little gifts so I don't have to fib!!

I remembered what happened last year and I am determined to follow through with my promise. No one is going to taunt me with "Liar, liar pants on fire." Umm...something just sparked my creativity (pun intended) and I'm thinking fire and two Viva Las Vegastamps - If you can't stand the heat and
Knight burned by dragon.

 

Before



After

Side/Back View


 

Supplies
Plain Old Box of Matches
Scraps of Checker Board Paper, Coordinating Paper, Red Glitter Paper
Viva Las Vegastamps - HERE and HERE.
Miracle Tape
TH Black Soot Distress Ink

Directions  Remove the match drawer and set aside. No need to paint the box, just cover the top and bottom of the box using your trustworthy Miracle Tape. Apply the Checkered Paper on the top and the Coordinating Paper on the bottom. Let the red edge of the box show through. Cut strips of the Coordinating Paper and attach to sides of box. Be sure not to cover the sandpaper strike area. Stamp your VLVS images and distress heavily. Add TH Black Soot Distress Ink. Cut a square of the Red Glitter Paper. Attach all with the Miracle Tape. Cover the front and back of the match drawer with paper and fill with the matches or red fire hot candy. Repeat over and over again until you have a full stash of Dragon Decorated Match Boxes.

This little 15 minute gift is both fun and practical. What I really mean is this little gift is both cheap and easy. Remember that the next time you get that unexpected gift!

Les enfants de Paris

It was over 15 years ago, but I remember my first trip to Paris as if it were yesterday. Cassandra and I stayed in this tiny hotel near the Odeon Theatre. We had a Juliet balcony that overlooked the street and because Paris was in the midst of a heat spell, we kept the balcony doors open all day long. On the weekend there were children playing outside and I loved listening to them talk fluently in French. But it was their laughter that enchanted me - they laughed with a french accent.

 

I was asked to make favors for a party being held for a gal who loves all things French. I don't know why I picked candles but I was drawn to the vanilla scent while at the Dollar Tree and came home with an armload. I scoured Pinterest and YouTube in search of the perfect candle craft. When I happened upon the tissue paper candle I knew I had found my inspiration.

 

Remembering how magical the children of Paris were I decided to forgo the Eiffel tower and create Les enfants de Paris candles. At school, play and just enjoying the every day joy that Paris offers made making these favors a real treat for me. I hope you will view the short video I made with some tips on making the tissue paper candles. And you'll get to see them all dressed up for the party. The video is HERE.

 

My favorite candle is the one on the right.

Two little boys holding their mother's handbags! 

 

As always I used Kraft paper and TH Vintage Photo. 

 

I'd love to know what are your favorite last minute, inexpensive gifts? Do you make them? If so, please share with a link! 



Festivus for the rest of us

December is filled to the brim with eagerly awaited holidays. Of course everyone knows it is the month of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but did you know it was also the month of Repeal Day? Yep, as you sip on that glass of wine remember to thank Congress for repealing the 21^st Amendment that ended Prohibition on December 5^th. I’ll drink to that!

Another noteworthy day has to be December 16^th. It’s National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. Need I say more? The 21^st is Humbug Day, the 12^th is National Ding-a-Ling Day (what is a Ding-a Ling anyone?) but my favorite holiday is celebrated on the 23^rd – Festivus Day.

I am relatively new to this holiday tradition but around my house it has become a major celebration. Never heard of it? It was conceived in 1966 but became a part of worldwide popular culture after being featured on an episode of Seinfeld in 1997.

Important aspects of the holiday include an unadorned aluminum pole called a Festivus Pole, and the practices of Airing Ones Grievances and Feats of Strength. Now, some folks describe this holiday as a parody of commercialism, but I for one will be sending out Festivus Cards to all my friends this year – thanks to VLVS. 

Every person who sends me a Holiday Card is getting a Festivus Card! 

The best thing is that the card smells yummy!

Supplies
Patterned Paper
Simple Patterned Paper
Silver Card Stock
Silver Washi Tape
Card Stock
Red Glitter Paper
MiracleTape
Festivus Stamp
Ink
Incense Stick
Silver Stickles
3 Bling

Directions
1. Cut and fold greeting card with white/off white card stock - 4” x 5 ½”.
2. Make six paper cuts: Patterned Paper 3 ¾” x 5 ¼”, Silver Paper 3 ¼” x 4 ¾”, Simple Patterned Paper – 2” x 5” and 1”x 3 ¾”, Red Glitter Paper – two 1” x ¼” pieces.
3. Stamp sentiment on 1” x 3 ¾” Simple Patterned Paper.
4. Wrap silver Washi Tape onto the 2” x 5” Simple Pattenred Paper.
5. Cut the incense stick to 3” and cover with Silver Stickles.
6. Using Miracle Tape glue all the cut papers and the Festivus Pole onto the card.
7. Attach the Bling and you are ready to send your card to your friends who celebrate Festivus.

A traditional Festivus Dinner does not include alcohol. I get around that critical omission by celebrating Festivus and Repeal Day together. I'll drink to that!
       
The winner of the role of Miracle Tape is...Dsscrapie. Send me your address and I'll mail out your goodies.

PS - I'm putting up an infomercial later today! Hope you'll take a look :-)

A Very Merry Unbirthday to You!

I have very mixed feelings about my birthday. On one hand, I am thrilled that I have made it through another year in good health. On the other hand, I hate growing older. On top of those bi-polar-ish feelings is that no matter what is planned by the husband, the day hardly ever lives up to my expectations.

This year I decided to take matters into my own hands. I have just two goals. One, instead of waiting for that special gift to appear on my doorstep, I am going to give out gifts. And two, to celebrate my birthday all month long. Well, almost – my birthday is December 17^th so starting on December 1^st my moniker will be “The Unbirthday Gift Fairy.”

My plan is to perform 17 anonymous Random Acts of Kindness.

To record the month I wanted to make something small so that I could keep it in my purse. A 3” Meandering Mini seemed like the perfect answer for this glorious celebration. I used my 7 Gypsies 6” paper pad I had coincidentally received as a RAK,  Miracle Tape, and two stamps from VLVS, the Practice Random Acts of Kindness and the December Daily Plate.  

 

  

 I cannot wait to get started!

 



 

Although I numbered each RAK my plan is to complete the tasks in no particular order. And, if needed, I am going to allow myself the flexibility to complete more than one task on any given day.

Now it’s time to give one of my followers a RAK. My favorite tape in the whole world is Miracle Tape. Seriously folks, the tape tares easily by hand and best of all I don’t need to use my tweezers to get the top layer off. One lucky follower will get a huge roll along with a little surprise. Want it? Leave a comment here or HERE on my YouTube Channel and check back next Sunday when I will announce the winner. A Very Merry Unbirthday to You!

PS - The husband is getting me a new camera for my Birthday!  No more fuzzy pictures!! And the day is going to be glorious!

An Ode to Frank J. Wisner

The golden age of soda fountains began in the late 1800’s and lasted until the 1950’s. By the early 1920’s just about every drugstore had a soda fountain, a rather humble attempt to fill the social void due to prohibition. “The bar is dead, the fountain lives, and soda is king!”

Way back on a very hot summer day in 1893 Mr. Wisner, a Pharmacist with his own store in Colorado, ran out of ice. In an effort to sell his ice cream before it melted he started using the ice cream to cool the soda...it was an instant hit and the Root Beer Float was born.

Some choices regarding the Beehive were no brainers. Craft table – check, storage – check, flooring – check, paint colors – check etc. etc. etc. Only one thing caused me several sleepless nights - the bulletin board. I went back and forth and actually had 8 emails with a nice gal on Etsy regarding a custom BB for the Beehive. In the end I went with this….

 

I love the way it looks and I cannot wait to give it a taste!  

 

 ROOT BEER FLOAT

1.5 oz whipped cream vodka

1.5 oz Blackmaker Root Beer Liqueur

Club soda to top

Combine the ingredients in a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.

Stir well and serve chilled.

    

Update for Tanya – Sit down dear friend. It’s done!

 Harry & David approve and I hope so do you!

 

 

 

You can see the PEAR video HERE. Best to view with a Root Beer Float. Like, Love or Hate them? The float not the mini :-) A very Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!!

This and That

In case you are curious, THIS is an update on the Beehive and THAT is an update on my crafting. Let's start with the THIS because that (not that THAT) is much more exciting.

 

Yesterday the husband hung my four valances on my four windows. We only had one argument and neither of us threatened Divorce so overall I consider it a very successful day. I splurged on the valances but in my defence - they are loaded with bees and they were made in the USA. I am waiting none to patiently for my Root Beer bulletin board. That's all the hint I am giving so check back next week for the reveal.

 

 The top shelves are where my stamps live in a colorful collection of cigar boxes.

Need more!

 

Now to the THAT. Another update without anything new to report. I am working on just one project. It is a mini album for the very patient Tanya. She sent me a beautiful mini which is displayed on the shelf above on the right. Please Tanya, don't give up on me!

 

Domestic Goddess and Pears - they go together don't they?

 



I had to work last weekend at an Artisan Fair (seriously folks, that is a part of my 9-5 job!) and one of the vendors gave me a box of dominos. I couldn't refuse his generosity so I lugged them home and went straight to Pinterest and Etsy to see what I could make with them. Lots of jewelry but I wanted to create something different. Haven't found anything that has caught my fancy but I did find a seller on Etsy who has gorgeous graphics. I bought one and now am ready to create something. Anyone have any ideas?

If I can't find something quickly the husband has threatened to take them to his work for his patients to play with. Doesn't he know that dominos are meant for art not play???

Lost & Found - Memories

Have you ever totally forgotten a special memory and then you hear, see or even smell  something, and that memory comes flooding back? Had that happen to me just a few months ago.

 

A very nice and very talented gal on scrapbook.com forum (Terrihooper) offered to mail out an envelope of Vintage S & H Green Stamps to whoever wanted them. Within seconds of reading her post it all came back to me - a favorite childhood memory that I had, until that very moment, forgotten all about.

 

I remember as if it was yesterday how my sisters and I would pour through the S & H catalogue arguing about whose turn it was to pick out their favorite gift item. Selecting that “free” item to redeem was the reward for the hours we spent licking stamps.

 

I wanted to make something a bit more special than a card with my stamps and when I saw this STAMP from VLVS I knew immediately what I would create.

 

The box is one from the $1.50 bin at Michael’s and the paper I used is from last years Crate paper line.  What made the whole craft come together though was the fabulous stamp from Viva Las Vegas Stamps.

 

Supplies

Small Balsa Box

Paint

Patterned Paper

Mod Podge

Distress ink

Bling/Flowers

Green Stamps

Washi Tape

Paper

Ink

VLVS Stamp

 

Directions

Remove the knob and elastic closure from the Balsa Box.

Paint the box inside and out.

Cover the lid, the bottom of the box and the inside bottom with paper.

Ink the box with TH Distress Ink to give it a vintage look.

Using Mod Podge, paint a thin layer over the entire box, both inside and outside.

Stamp one S & H Green Stamp on paper.

Decorate with Washi Tape, Green Stamps, Flowers and your VLVS stamped image.

 

PS – The very last gift I got with my stamps was a cuckoo clock. Obviously I was suffering from a bad case of glue poison.

Mystery of the Giant Eye

I love Halloween. There are many reasons but first and foremost, it’s the candy.  Not the eating of it, but the giving and getting that makes it such a fun holiday.

I work for a large non-profit but in my neck-of- the woods, the second floor, there are around 50 folks.  Most days, especially around Halloween, our communal kitchen is filled with candy. I occasionally take a few miniature candy bars for 911 moments, but usually just pass them up – too mundane.

This year I wanted to do something special for my co-workers. My inspiration was the story that was sweeping the Internet last week - the errie eyeball that washed up on a beach in Florida. 

 Supplies

Cellophane Bags

Eye Ball Candy

Skeleton Eyes A Poppin Stamp

Black Ink Pad

Scalloped Punch

TH Baroque Die

Stapler

Spooky Paper
White Cardstock

Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Miracle Tape
Mini plastic bugs

 

 

 

Directions

1. Stamp on white cardstock then punch out tag using the scalloped punch.

2.Color in the tongue and eye balls with Stickles. Set aside to dry.

3. Cut out the Spooky Paper with the Baroque Die. This will be the top of the bag.

4. Edge both the bag top and the scalloped tag with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

5. Fill the cellophane bag with assorted plastic bugs and candy eyes.

6. Fold the baroque die cut in half. Place over the cellophane bag and staple in each corner.

7. Attach the scallop tag using Miracle Tape.

 

 BTW that giant eye was the eye of the shark, not the eye of the newt. Either way, it made a great Halloween story. What kind of candy are you giving out this year?

 

Heaven or Hell?

Good news - met with my contractor on Friday and he and the crew are resuming work on Monday. Bad news - he gave me a task which scared the bejesus out of me. Find paint, flooring, ceiling lamp/light, outside light and doorknob. (Insert scary music here) that meant one thing...a visit to Hell Home Depot.

I cannot tell you how many times I have been to HD in the last 10 years. Couldn’t even make a guess. Hate the store. I wander aimlessly through the sky high aisles and feel like a lost child, "I need my MOMMY!" And don’t get me started on trying to find someone to help me. They must have 6 employees and daily 5 of them call in sick.

Saturday morning at 9:00 AM I parked my car and fortified with 2 cups of strong coffee entered the store. My mantra - I will not fail! I will not fail! Not two steps into HD I was greeted by a smiling man who asked me if I needed any help. I did two things. First, I pinched myself thinking I must still be dreaming – nope, I was awake. And then, I turned around and looked to see if I was at HD, I was!

I told him I needed to pick out laminate flooring for the Beehive and he said, "Just follow me." Ten minutes later, with his help, I picked out the perfect flooring.  When I told him I had a long list of things to buy and next on my list was lights, he took me over to the lighting department and introduced me to Tom.

Now, I don’t know if HD has changed their policy and hired an additional 100 salesman or whether they are having a contest to see who can give the best customer service, but I have  officially changed Hell Depot to Heaven Depot.

Here’s what I got -

Enderbury Hickory Flooring

Martha Stewart Paint- Egg Yolk Yellow for the door, Cement Gray for the exterior and Picket Fence White for the interior.

Recap of  the Build

 Day One

 

 Day Two

 

 Day Three

 

Day Four

 

Are you a Home Depot or Lowe's kind of gal? Check back for updates daily! The Beehive should be completed by the end of the week. OMG!!!

My Poe-st (pun intended)

I was introduced to Edgar Allan Poe and The Raven in Junior High School. I still remember how we acted out the poem in class. Naturally, I was the star - the Raven. I only had one line but it was the most important of the entire poem, “Nevermore.” I didn’t receive a standing ovation for my performance but a few classmates applauded, and for a moment in time I actually considered acting as a career path.  

I still love the unparalleled literary master of the macabre.  Poe believed that visual art should not make a clear statement, but rather suggest and evoke emotions and stimulate the mind. I hope my interpretation of The Raven does just that.

 

 

 After leaving his home in China, Mr. Crow aka Mr.Raven flew to my local Dollar Tree. He is now residing on a slightly crushed eye-medicine box that I retrieved from the Friday garbage.

 

 I don't find it a bit odd that Mr.Raven is wearing a party hat with a
purple pom-pom. Do you?

SUPPLIES
Black Bird
Recycled Box
Scrapbook Paper
Page from an Old Book
Pom-Pom 
Ribbon or Paper Trim for hat/scarf
4 Wooden Feet
Glue Gun
Stickles
Moss
Chipboard Clock
Black Ink 

VLVS
NEVERMORE STAMP
MIRACLE TAPE
 

 

I kept this craft simple because I wanted to highlight the ornate Nevermore stamp from Viva Las Vegas Stamps. The whole project took around an hour and was easy peasy.

DIRECTIONS
1. Cut scrapbook paper to fit box and using Miracle Tape attach to bottom, top and sides of the box.
2. Cover the 4 wooden feet with Stickles. When dry attach to bottom of the box using your glue gun.
3. Make hat for Mr. Raven by rolling up book paper and attach trim and a pom-pom. Dress Mr. Raven in his hat and scarf using Miracle Tape. Bling optional.
5. Attach Mr. Raven to box and then cover the empty area of the top of the box with Miracle Tape. Cover with moss.
6. Make a banner out of plain paper and stamp NEVERMORE. Attach to box. Add your chipboard clock.
7. Mr. Raven is ready to party!! 

Poe died on October 7, 1849 at the age of forty. It seems fitting that the cause of Poe’s death remains a mystery. Your thoughts on Edgar Allan Poe? Or Halloween Parties?  

WARNING - Fake Alert

I’m not frugal. If you don’t believe me, ask the husband. But, because I am in the middle of a craft studio build – The Beehive - I am on a Ramen Noodle craft diet. I am not allowed to buy anything!  Period. No exceptions.

With only a few weeks left till the bewitching day, I was faced with a witchy dilemma. I really wanted to buy and make a Halloween Tim Holtz Configuration Box. I had tons of spooky black and orange leftovers from Mike’s and Joanne’s  that I had rescued from the discount bin -  but no configuration box in sight.  

Determined to make some kind of display, I dug through my Crap Stash (yes, I actually have a container I have labeled Crap Stash)  and found this small shadow box that I had purchased earlier this year at the Dollar Tree. Not exactly a TH configurations box but I channeled my Fairy Godmother and with a wave of her wand and a few Bibbidi-Bobbidi- Boo’s I created something truly magical!  The best part of this whole project is that it cost me zero dollars.  

 

 I started out with this plain Jane box – dimensions are 6" wide x 8 3/4" high x 1 1/4" deep. First step was to remove the hardware on the back and then slap on the black acrylic paint. Next I made dividers using a manila folder.

 

 

 More black paint, antique linen Distress crackle paint, Tsukinek Walnut Ink and Carole's Crafts Shimmer Magic ancient copper (thank you sweet Alyson).

 

 

Once it was dry I started decorating. I used snips and snails of MME Lost and Found Halloween that I purchased in August, before the budget went into effect. 

 

The hardest part of this entire craft project? Limiting what I put in the box.

 
I seriously cannot believe how much fun I had. Who knew that a dollar box could look like this? What are you making for Halloween? 

Want more? Watch the video HERE.

Cozy Coffin for rent

The month of September is half gone and since Michael’s is aglow with red, silver and green, I think it’s time for me to start planning for Halloween. Ah…that one day when ghosts and goblins arrive at my door demanding handfuls of candy. Not the crappy no-name kind from the dollar store, but the good kind, like M&M’s, Snickers and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

I have been hard at work compiling my Halloween inspiration list on Pinterest. It’s filled with things I would like to make, but probably won’t. Between work, broken air conditioners, an eye infection and a much needed vacation in NYC, I haven’t had much time or energy for play.  Despite all my legitiment excuses I did manage to make my first spooky craft, a coffin for someone who is 5 inches tall. I admit it’s so tiny that it really isn’t practical, but I love the way it turned out. And who knows, I might one day meet a tiny vampire in search of a new bed.

The bones on the coffin are from a skeleton I dug up from a local graveyard
behind the Dollar Store.
 



 This is dedicated to my newly adopted Grandcreature - Watson.
And yes, he is a bat.  

 

This year I am going to be a bumble bee. I know, not too creative but once I convince the husband that he needs to be a Bee Keeper, I think we will look adorable. What are you going to be for Halloween?  

VLVS! DT CALL aka losing my virginity

I am not by nature a competitive person. I actually sent my daughter Cassandra to a school that gave no grades because I firmly believe that competition is bad for the soul.  Obviously I never excelled at sports. Nevertheless, I am doing something I swore I would never ever do – try out for a design team.

This post is my official entry for the Viva Las Vegas Stamp Design Team. Love their stamps and since this is an official post, I want to start off by officially thanking Kory (Scrapiverse.blogspot) for introducing me to VLVS. Check him out - he's cool.

Rules require that we submit 3 projects and I decided to forgo the ATC/card/scrapbook and go with projects I am currently addicted to - altering anything that isn’t moving. It has gotten so bad that the husband has told me he is afraid to stand still because I might cover him in Mod Podge!

First up for consideration are some Stamped Clothespins-

Clothespins from the dollar store, a bit of white paint, Vintage Photo distressed edges and one of my favorite stamps from VLVS. This is was to be a gift for a
co-worker but I think I might have to keep it!

 Number Two is an altered Mini-Composition Book-

I used pages from an old Sears Catalogue and a VLVS steampunk elephant on the cover. Seriously, how can one not love an elephant wearing glasses and a top hat?

Number three is a simple Kraft Gift Bag-

 

I bought this stamp because I often give gifts to girl friends and just love the sentiment. Two heads are better than one! 

A post script to this post is that not only did my daughter dislike not getting grades, but  for 15 years she was a competitive ice skater. Go figure.

Have you ever applied to be on a design team? If so, please share your story!

You're invited to a Party!

I own two Vagabonds, one that is broken, and one that is in pristine condition due to lack of use by said owner. Currently, all my dies are sound asleep in my kitchen pantry, but now that I am having a Craft Studio built - the Beehive - I want to keep my dies close at hand. Considering how often I use them they could really stay in the kitchen, but I am determined to use them, at least occasionally.  

Because the Vagabond looks like luggage, I started searching for something vintage that would complement the Vagabond.  An old fashioned train case seemed to be the perfect choice.  Requirements - didn’t break the bank, didn’t stink and would look good with the addition of a few TH travel stickers.

I originally wanted yellow, which is the accent color of the Beehive, but couldn’t find one that made me say wow. I scoured Ebay, Etsy and Craigslist for weeks until – insert harp music here – tan leather, no stains inside, no mildewed odor. Finder’s keepers, losers weepers! 

Preparing for the Beehive is like putting together a trousseau or preparing for a new baby.  Got me thinking whether I should have a Craft Studio Shower? I could register at Michael’s, make party favors – bee themed of course – and I could invite all my talented crafty friends I have grown to know and love from the Internet. Ummm...think perhaps I better start planning right away because I need to find a recipie for a martini that contains honey. 

 I'm all packed and ready to move into the Beehive!

 

 

Not much room for new dies, but there's now plenty of empty space in the pantry!

 

I do hope you'll join me for the celebration. Please leave your RSVP in the comment section so I can plan accordinly. I don't want to run out of pink honey martinis! Or the milk and honey martinis! 

 

Twist and Shout

As some of you know, I am in the process of having a craft studio built in my backyard. No surprise here, it will be called the Beehive, and, please forgive me for saying this but I am buzzing with excitement! Although I have plenty of storage in our house, my problem has been not having a dedicated room for crafting. Since I am a stand-up-crafter, having to use the dining room table has left me with a permanent backache. My new high table, the Adams Craft Table/Bookends from Target has been purchased and is patiently waiting for this party to begin.

In preparation for the official groundbreaking ceremony, I have been culling my craft supplies and organizing like a madman. I’ve already completed the Washi tape storage HERE. Ribbons and lace were next on my list. My problem is that I have been storing both in a Jetmax canvas container and the only way to find anything was to either dump or dig. Searching for an inexpensive storage option I found an example of paint stick storage on Pinterest that wowed me. I haven’t finished wrapping my ribbons/lace but considering that the paint sticks are free, I was more than ready to twist and shout!

 I found that seam binding needs tape (pins leave holes) but for the lace you can use pins.

 In the Beehive little things, like pins, will be stored in vintage Jell-O molds.

 

No Michael's today!

I'm going shopping at Home Depot, Lowes and Orchard for more paint sticks.

 

How do you store your ribbons and lace? Next storage update will be for my Sizzix dies. I’ll give you a hint – passport ready for traveling. J

A Proper Lady

My mother always told me that a proper lady carried a lace handkerchief in her purse at all times. I started carrying hankies when I was in high school and even after all these years, it is an odd habit that I cannot break. The reason I call it odd is because although I own over 30, mostly vintage hankies, I would never actually use one to blow my nose.

Another thing that graces my purse is a floatie pen (which I collect and do use) and a notepad. For the last year I have been using one I received as a gift from a co-worker. Not any more. I have discovered the joys of altering mini-composition books and have made enough of them for every day of the week. 

The trick to making these is to use Mod Podge and wax paper.

I stick a piece of wax paper between the cover and the pad. Once the glue dries

just remove the paper and voila – no glue on the pad.

The husband loved them so much he asked if I would make him one.

Since he is a BIG baseball fan the paper choice was obvious!

My local CVS sells them in packages of 3 for $1.00. I'm definitely going back for more. Have you ever altered a mini composition book? Maybe now is the time.

House Hunters International

If you live in the states and have cable, you've probably heard of House Hunters International on TLC. The title says it all - it's a staged real estate "reality" half-hour show about finding the perfect home. It's kind of dumb, but I have lived vicariously through the buyers and have purchased homes in Israel (complete with bomb shelter), Tuscany (complete with vineyard) and Paris (complete with a view of the Eiffel Tower.)

Since most of Washi Tape comes from Japan, I was in search of the perfect home for these tapes that seem to propagate like bunnies in my storage closet. The minute I saw a whitewashed soda crate on Pinterest I knew I had found the perfect abode for my Japanese friends.

I purchased the crate from a buyer on eBay. The price was right, which included shipping, and I received it within the week. I have since had some communication with the seller and he deserves his 100% positive feedback.

I still have to sand it down a bit but I love the way it looks and best of all

I can fit a lot more Washi tape in the cubbies.

Bid with confidence from the seller I bought my crate from - HERE

How do you store your Washi Tape? Have a better idea than a soda crate? Please share!!

Sleepless in Seattle - NO! Sleepless in LA - YES!

Our visit to Seattle was short but sweet. I have fallen in love with salted caramels, which are apparently a Seattle specialty. Definitely head over heels and if you have never tasted a salted caramel let me warn you that they are addicting. I made a simple file-folder mini to fill with memories of our trip and although I haven't had time to complete it, the cover is done. You can view the video HERE.

The Purple Cafe was our favorite restaurant but their card is brown.

Go figure? It's Seattle!

We returned home with great anticipation of the delivery of our new, very expensive latex bed. Hate it! I spent Saturday night on the sofa and last night was the husband's turn. The salesman warned us that we would hate it at first. I thought he was being facetious so I didn’t ask him when we would start liking the bed. Can hate turn to love or is that just a bad romance novel plot?

I have said it before, but it deserves repeating. The best thing about blogging and all this YouTubing is making friends. I just received a very special surprise from SuperTinaFey. She viewed the video I had made about the Bird Flu and commented that unlike me, she didn’t own much bird crap. So, I sent her a paltry little RAK of tweety items. Imagine my surprise when I found a package from her in my mailbox. I will now have to rethink my relationship with birds because this tag is gorgeous. SuperTinaFey you rock girlfriend! Many, many thanks.

You can see the Bird Flu video HERE. If you watch it you will be under no obligation to send me a tag, but if you do, it will be greatly appreciated. LOL