Pixel Mischief

Coupon and SALE!

2010-11-04T06:56:00.000-04:00

Hey!

Just popping in for a quick post to let you know I have a coupon good for today and tomorrow

DSD2010 is good for 50% off your order!

Then on Saturday and Sunday, my entire store will be priced at $2.00 for DSD - Digital Scrapbooking Day!

Have fun! - Here's a link to my store:

Pixel Mischief at Plain Digital Wrapper

Comment answers!

2010-11-01T07:08:00.001-04:00

Hi teresaj and linnie-818,

I have no way to get in touch with you about the comments you left, so please e-mail me at d_rafferty@yahoo.com and I'll get back to you!

Wheew - I'm just getting back to e-mail after the party - it was the BEST!!

We had loads of fun - I'll post some more pictures later in the week!

I hope YOUR Halloween was full of good spirits!

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 13

2010-10-31T06:45:00.001-04:00

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 12

2010-10-30T06:45:00.003-04:00

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 11

2010-10-29T06:45:00.001-04:00

Halloween Idea #6

2010-10-28T19:55:00.000-04:00

I have seen these Pottery Barn inspired lanterns all over blogland, so when I found these two old house lanterns for $3.00 at a thrift store, I snapped them up! They were so gross, and needed a good cleaning before I could paint them. They still had old hornet's nests inside!

It was a bit of work to get them apart, but I finally did, and here they are, all cleaned up and ready to go down to the garage for painting with Krylon Oil Rubbed Bronze paint.

And VOILA! Here are the finished lanterns with some fall leaves and candles inside. I won't be lighting the candles, they're just for decoration. I love the way they look on top of my bookcase!

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 10

2010-10-28T06:45:00.000-04:00

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 9

2010-10-27T06:45:00.000-04:00

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 8

2010-10-26T06:45:00.000-04:00

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 7

2010-10-25T06:45:00.000-04:00

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 6

2010-10-24T06:45:00.001-04:00

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 5

2010-10-23T06:45:00.046-04:00

I know you're all just here for the freebie...BUT...

I also want to let you know I've put all of my Halloween items at Plain Digital Wrapper on sale for just $1.50 from today through Halloween! Now is the time to grab them for all those SPOOKY Halloween photos!

Halloweenerie is my newest kit - and here are previews of some of my other favorites, too.

You can see all my Halloween items

RIGHT HERE

Again - all these and more on SALE for just $1.50

RIGHT HERE

Don't leave without your freebie! Have super spiffy day!

Halloween Idea #5

2010-10-23T06:10:00.000-04:00

Here's a fun decorating idea for some cool and creepy hanging "cobwebs" Keep your eyes out for old sheer curtains at garage sales, thrift shops, etc... Old, ripped or stained ones are the best, and usually CHEAP!

They make great hanging cobwebs. Just cut them across the middle using a zigzag pattern as shown below. No need to be neat - just hack away with a pair of scissors, the jagged edges make them look even better!

These look great hanging out in the yard or on a porch, since they blow around in the slightest breeze. I even found a couple for $2.00 at a yard sale in orange and black!

I have these hanging from hooks on the light in our kitchen. To hang them on the back porch, I used a staple gun, but they're light enough that you could even use masking tape.

~hApPy hAuNtInG~

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 4

2010-10-22T06:45:00.000-04:00

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 3

2010-10-21T06:45:00.000-04:00

Halloween Idea #4

2010-10-20T14:45:00.002-04:00

I had these four old and chipped frames kicking around, and as I was wondering what to do with them, it occurred to me that "FALL" is a four letter word, LOL!

So I found some fonts I liked, printed the letters out at a large size and made stencils from plastic page protectors. This would be SO easy if you have one of those fancy cricuts or vinyl cutting machines, but I don't have either one so I did it the hard way, with a pair of tiny sharp scissors and lots of patience!

I stenciled the letters onto some squares of canvas from an old drop cloth. then I cut pieces of cardboard to fit the frames and wrapped the stenciled letters around the cardboard, securing with hot glue. They are just tacked in place on the back with a bead of hot glue, so I can take out "FALL" and replace with "NOEL" for Christmas, and maybe even "LOVE" on pink felt for Valentine's Day.

Happy crafting!

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 2

2010-10-20T06:45:00.001-04:00

Halloween Idea #3

2010-10-19T15:00:00.003-04:00

This idea is similar to one I saw on someone's blog, but I don't remember where. If you know where I may have seen it, leave me a comment, so I can give them credit!

I started with an old wooden frame and two foam pumpkins from the Dollar Tree. I cut them in half with a serrated edge knife, just behind the stem.

I cut a piece of foam core board to fit inside my wooden frame and then covered it with burlap. I used some dark brown acrylic paint and foam stamps for the design and the word "FALL", then glued my pumpkin halves below, using tacky glue. I have it hanging on an old wooden shutter - SO cute!

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 1

2010-10-19T06:45:00.008-04:00

Here's Day 1 for you - a ribbon-decked frame. Enjoy!

HALLOWEEN Blogtoberfest!

2010-10-18T01:00:00.000-04:00

Wo~hoo!

No tricks here, but lots of TREATS coming your way! First up is a PDW Blog Train, where members of Plain Digital Wrapper have gathered to bring you lots of fun mini-kits!

If you make a layout with the goodies you pick up, and post it in the PDW Gallery, you will have an opportunity to WIN a $15.00 Gift Certificate to the store; A winner will be picked on Halloween.

Here's the link for my blog freebie, just click the image below:

And to get more pieces - here are links for all the other blogs:

1. PDW Blog http://plaindigitalwrapper.com/blog/
2. PDW facebook page http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/plaindigitalwrapper
3. Southern Creek Designs blog http://thereisafineline.blogspot.com/
4. YOU ARE HERE: Donna http://pixel-mischief.blogspot.com/
5. Lori http://ldhoriginals.blogspot.com/
6. Susie http://suslyngloscraps.blogspot.com/
7. Jemy http://craftyinsomniac.blogspot.com
8. Katers Hello Friends
9. Lynn Paste Optional Designs Blog
10. Marla http://mscrafts8.blogspot.com/
11. Kimeric http://kimerickreations.blogspot.com
12. Becki http://crazsquawcreations.blogspot.com/
13. Vicki http://txbubbles-bubblesbabbles.blogspot.com/
14. Sondra http://rosemarythyme.wordpress.com/
15. ScrapDZines http://scrapdzines.blogspot.com/

Have fun! Please be nice and say thank you along the way. And stop by here tomorrow for Day ONE of 13 Days of Halloween FREEBIES!

Halloween Idea #2

2010-10-17T07:30:00.002-04:00

Ok Here's another fun idea. I made this Halloween tassel using a super big ceramic bead I found at the Salvation Army store. I got a bag of 4 of them for 49¢. I think they are from the 70's when macrame was a hot craft.

You can probably find them at Michael's or Joann Fabrics. Or maybe make your own out of oven-bake clay, and paint it.

Anyway, I gathered together a bunch of Halloween ribbons, orange, yellow and black fabric and yarn and looped them through a piece of wire under the bead:

Then I added a smaller black bead on the top and twisted the wire into a loop . I wrapped the loop with black yarn to give it a finished look, and hung it on my door latch with a black elastic.

Easy and fun!

I'm linking this up on Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Night Specials - be sure to visit Donna's Blog by clicking the picture below!

Be sure to check back tomorrow - for a fun trick or treat event!

AND...

13 Days of Halloween freebies starts on Tuesday, October 19th!

Halloween Idea #1

2010-10-16T14:22:00.003-04:00

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting some Halloween and Fall crafting/decorating ideas. I love this time of year...it's unpredictable, yet colorful and comforting too.

Here in New England we have everything from frosty cold mornings to warm and sunny indian summer afternoons. Whether I'm outside enjoying a brisk and breezy fall day or in the house snuggled under a blanket with a scented candle and good book - I love it all the same!

Here's today's fun idea - I found this old vintage photo album for $1.00 at a garage sale. I have it out on the kitchen table with creepy Halloween decorations.

The album even had a few old photos left in it, which makes me kinda sad, thinking of someone's old and forgotten memories. I removed the old photos and saved them for some other craft (even though I'll always wonder who they were) The photos had been held on with the old fashioned photo corners, which I carefully peeled off the pages and saved. I wasn't real worried about the condition of the pages, I wanted the book to look old and abused, anyway.

I then went through all my halloween photos, and changed them to a vintage black and white using Photoshop. I have a PS action called Olde Vintage that I used, available in a kit called Photo Decor which is for sale in my shop at Plain Digital Wrapper. You don't need this, but hey it's good advertising, LOL. then I printed them on photo paper and trimmed them to fit in the album. I re-used some of the old black photo corners to make it look like the photos have been in the album for years!

I used my Halloween freebie sampler for the inside cover page:

Here are some of the inside photos. I used deckle edge scissors on some of them to give an old look. On others I used a square hole punch down one side to make them look like they came from another old album.

Some pictures are from Halloween parties we've had and trips to the pumpkin festival.

This one's a scanned of a 1960's slide with yours truly on the left!

I love looking at all the pictures, and remembering the good times!

I'm linking this up on Funky Junk Interiors Saturday Night Specials - be sure to visit Donna's Blog by clicking the picture below!

I'll be back tomorrow with a Halloween tassel I made!

Coming soon - 13 days of Halloween FREEBIES!

I {heart) October!

2010-10-08T07:08:00.002-04:00

It's that time of year again! Spooky, Scary and downright CREEPY!

Don't you LOVE it!

I've been so busy - we are planning a Halloween BASH!

Here's the invitation I made using my new kit, Halloweenerie.

For this weekend - Halloweenerie is on sale for just ~~$4.99~~ $2.99! AND...I have a free sampler for you at the bottom of the post.

I'll be back later with pictures of Halloween decorations and some fun crafts!

Here's the free sampler for you - There is 1 background, a wordart, journal mat, and a frame. If you like this, you'll LOVE the rest of the kit!

Wherever you are, whatever you do - have a great weekend!

New and on SALE!

2010-09-10T07:02:00.001-04:00

New for this week is HIGH SEA SAILING Special price just $2.99!

And don't forget...my freebie is still available:

That's all for now...Happy Friday!

No more pink BARN!

2010-09-08T07:12:00.000-04:00

wohOO!

This project has been put off for way too long. We built this barn 14 years ago and the paint had faded. My horse was a chewer and chewed a lot of the wood, other parts were rotten. We sold both of our horses a few years ago, and now we use the barn to store the tractors and 4-wheelers. A tree fell on the roof in the ice storm 2 years ago, so we replaced the entire thing.

My job = painting! Boring I know, but this was a ton of work!

So that's what I've been up to lately!

Pirate Booty Time!

2010-09-01T07:07:00.001-04:00

September 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day, but we're not waiting until then at Plain Digital Wrapper. This week we have booty bags on sale...Mine is just $3.00 for 5 brand new items...check it OUT!

And if you MUST know what's inside before you buy....well, I'll post some images later on in the post!

Next week all the items in my booty bag will be put up in the store at full price. The third week of September, there will be a store wide sale with all of my items priced at $2-3.00!

Check out all the booty bags right here:

PDW Pirate Booty Bags

In the meantime, here is a little freebie for you, to kick off our celebration. This was given out last year as a prize for TLAP day, and now you can get it here for free!

Here are a couple piratey pages I made for you:

Ok here is the BIG reveal - all this for $3.00!

Ready?

(All images are linked)

But hurry - this deal only lasts 1 week, then these items will all be selling for their list price!

G'day ye Mates!

Glasses Wordart

2010-08-30T22:45:00.001-04:00

Someone at Digishoptalk.com was looking for some wordart to go on a page about getting new glasses so I made up this:

You can click the preview to download it.
Enjoy!

And this post was too plain so I had to add a couple pictures of some of my summer flowers and veggies - I am really enjoying my garden this year!

Have a wonderful day!

New --------> Historical Romance

2010-08-27T09:13:00.002-04:00

I have a new kit, and it's on sale for the weekend at 30% off!

Here are a couple pages I made. These are my husband's parents. Isn't my MIL gorgeous! She is 84 now, God bless her!

This picture is from the Graphics Fairy - it's a picture of actress Gladys Cooper - so pretty!

And don't forget...coming soon!

Here's a free sample set - a cluster and three backgrounds. Enjoy :-)

Wowie Kazowie!

2010-08-12T22:35:00.000-04:00

I've been busy designing kits this summer, but not so busy blogging and advertising them!

So I have some *free* quickpages, coupons and I'll also be giving away a couple kits.

Here are my latest digital kits, along with some fabulous inspirational pages by the PDW Creative Team!

Sweet Summer Sunshine:

CT Pages:

Waterworld:

The CT at Plain Digital Wrapper really rocked it with this kit - check out these fabulous pages!

Thank you CT members for the beautiful pages!

SPECIAL BLOG COUPONS:

For 50% off Waterworld, use coupon code: WATERY

For 50% off Sweet Summer Sunshine, use coupon code: SUNNY

But hurry, both coupons expire September 1st!

AND - If you'd like a chance at winning your choice of Waterworld or Sweet Summer Sunshine, leave me a comment here with the name of the kit you'd like to win and your e-mail or contact info. I'll choose a couple winners on Monday, August 16th!

And be sure to subscribe to my blog for specials coming up in the future. September 18th is "Talk Like a Pirate Day," and I'll have a super special Pirate Booty bag. They'll be lots of games and sales going on at Plain Digital Wrapper and you won't want to miss all the fun!

QUICKPAGE DOWNLOADS:

Have a crazy wonderful day!

Where have I BEEN?

2010-07-15T06:56:00.001-04:00

Why... in the garden of course!

I've also been headed out to yard sales every Saturday, I found lots of goodies to decorate our front deck for the 4th of July:

This red white and blue barrel was $20, which is more than I wanted to pay - but I loved it! I also got the basket full of baseballs for $15 from the same sale. The $2 WN.PL.SH. sign and grain sack are bargains from a while ago. The two jugs were just $1 each!!

This grindstone is another piece I HAD to have! Good thing Hank was with me that day to get into my SUV!! Poor guy...this same day I bought a heavy cement bench and a birdbath, (see above) so he got a workout. He's so good to me.

Lady Liberty

I DID actually find time for a new scrapkit - Sweet Summer Sunshine.

It will be ready for sale tomorrow...here's a sneak preview:

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T14:55:00.001-04:00

To all the dads out there.

I miss my dad....it's also his birthday. He would have been 72 today.

iNSD Sale!

2010-04-30T07:01:00.001-04:00

interNATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY!

Wow this really snuck up quickly this year - but I am celebrating with a $2.00 sale and a new kit!

All my items are priced at $2.00 or less. Plus I have a special coupon for my blog visitors...Use coupon code SUPERSAVER to get another 50% off if you spend $20 or more!

Here's a preview of my new kit, Strawberry Sunshine...MMmmmm!

Elements

Backgrounds

My sale starts - RIGHT NOW - So have a blast shopping and scrapping!

New Spring Sale!

2010-04-13T07:08:00.001-04:00

I haven't had a sale in FOREVER!

So here we go - -wheeee!

Check it out here:

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T13:48:00.000-04:00

Office Remodel!

2010-04-01T07:15:00.004-04:00

I wish I had taken a before picture of the room before we started.

But picture a dusty, dirty dark green carpet. It was even ripped near the door from the cat tearing it up. The wall were a darker, mustard yellow with nail holes ans stains. I had too much junk in here to ever clean it well! The table was covered with papers and junk, even some old Christmas decorations! One corner was full of buckets of tools (off to the garage where they belong) This room was the catch all for everything. We installed new oak flooring, then I painted the walls Valspar "Beehive", a sunny yellow - love it!

We installed 4 new solid pine doors - I have a before shot of the doors, the new ones are SO much nicer! I still need to sand and paint the trim around the doors, and I need a new door for the closet - this had a bifold door that broke a long time ago.

This old toolbox almost went in the dumpster until I though of painting it. It was in another room, full of junk.

While I was cleaning it up, I found out it has this old keyhole, which I had never even noticed! Love it!

You'll have to check out the pictures below to see how it turned out!

OK doors....

Here is Door #1 - Actually this is the bathroom door, but you can see how plain and ugly it is!

An here's the new door! I still need to take them down and stain them, and paint the casings and trim around them, but they look and feel SO much better! We also bought all new brushed nickel hinges and handles.

Do you see a peek of that old toolbox now?

I LOVE the new floor!

Here's a little tour of my craft room. Here are my paints, I found an old stamp holder for them.

3 tier wire basket from Homegoods.

~~I have way too much~~ I can never have enough craft stuff!

Here is my computer (Della) and my desk. I have my collection of vintage cameras on the shelf above.

Here's that toolbox again. I added some wheels to the bottom, so it's easy to move around. The box has a secret now...

The secret is...it's my file cabinet! I found that if I cut 1" off the ends of a file rack, it fit perfectly into the space!! I was SO excited - now I won't have papers all over the place!

Here's the wall opposite my desk. I am looking for an old TV armoire with doors to replace this shelf. I plan to repaint it black. On the top are vintage pictures of my Mom and Dad. (both gone now)

And here is a view of the room again, from the doorway. Even on a cloudy day, the yellow color makes it seem bright and sunny :-)

So this is where I sit, typing all this - Maybe you'll be inspired to start some projects of your own? If so, leave me a comment/link - I'd love to see!

Thanks for stopping by!
I'm linking up to Saturday Night Specials over at Funky Junk Interiors - you can click the button below to see more fabulous projects!

I'm also linking up to:

Before and After at Thrifty Decor Chick

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Happy St. Patrick's Day to ya!

2010-03-17T06:56:00.006-04:00

Since I have to work today, I made corned beef and cabbage on Sunday - it was SO good!

Both of my St. Patrick's Day Scrap kits are on sale for just $1.50 from now through the weekend:

Plus you still have a few more days to grab the Irish Heart wordart for free, you can then join in the challenge and a chance to win a $5.00 gift card - details HERE at Plain Digital Wrapper

I need to get some more green in my YARD - it still looks like this!

Have a great day!

Dresser to the Rescue!

2010-03-15T07:19:00.003-04:00

I've been looking for a smallish dresser for weeks now. I finally found on at the SA store for $19.99. My husband is a hunting/fishing/outdoor nut, and he has lots of "accessories" (aka junk!) that have accumulated all over the top of his dresser, and the floor!

Here it is in all it's ugliness! The white spot is where I used wall spackle to fix a missing chunk.

First I took a piece of chain and beat the entire thing to give it texture. Good thing no one was home, they would have thought I was nuts - it was LOUD too!

I was dying to try out everyone's favorite paint, Rustoleum Heirloom White. All I could find at the big orange store was a can of brush-on. So I used a brush to paint the edges and a small roller for the rest. No primer, just a light sanding and then wiped it down with a damp rag. 3 coats of paint, then I made a glaze from watered down craft paint. I brushed on the glaze and rubbed it in with a kitchen sponge, then buffed with a dry rag.

Here's the finished dresser!

I can't believe I am going to show you this...

BUT... here's the corner of our bedroom BEFORE I cleaned it...eeeewww!

And here is the AFTER! It made a HUGE difference - I love how neat and clean it is!

It's a cold and rainy day here in New England, and I have to get ready for work now - I hope you have a fantastic monday and a wonderful week.

Here's a link back to Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch

I'll be back tonight to visit everyone's blogs!

And since I painted it with white, I'm also linking up to White Wednesday over at Faded Charm - the button below will link you back to the Faded Charm blog:

Ready for Spring?

2010-03-13T22:42:00.003-05:00

I am!

I went out last weekend to the flea market at our church, and then to the SA store and got some new treasures! This glass bowl/silver candleholder was just $1.00! I filled it with some shredded paper, white daisies, and some sweet spring eggs.

Silver toast holder for 99¢

I looooove this silver spoon - it came with a glass tray for $2.75. I am using the tray in my bathroom medicine cabinet. The design is so pretty!

Blue jars remind me of the sky on a clear spring day.

Sweet plastic birds are SandP shakers!

Why...what's that in this little apothecary jar?

It's a tiny blue egg in a nest!

I started taking photos of my treasures outside, but it got windy and knocked my mirror over so I moved it all into the screen porch. Isn't this mirror pretty? It's made of heavy resin and the sides are hinged. It says "Italy" on the back and was only $3.99 at the SA store. What a find!

I love the silver reflected in the mirror.

Just some closeups.

Here's a link back to Gypsy Fish Journal. Special thanks to Beth for hosting Silver Sunday!

Thanks for stopping to visit - have a wonderful Silver Sunday!

Spring Reds

2010-03-10T06:44:00.001-05:00

Just a couple things to brighten up my kitchen.

Sorry for being so brief, but I gotta run off to work!

Happy Rednesday!

Here's a link back to It's a Very Cherry World

A Tour of my Kitchen Hutch

2010-03-08T19:27:00.002-05:00

Welcome!

Many years ago, I bought this hutch at a yard sale for $20.

It was in pretty rough shape - the finish was ugly, dark and scratched badly. I sanded it down to the bare wood, and just gave it a coat of linseed oil. I have enjoyed using it over the years to show off all my holiday collectibles.

Here's how it looked in October:

December:

January and February:

And here it is now - all ready for SPRING!

Ready for a close-up tour? I went shopping in my attic and dug up all sorts of spring treasures - most of these I had forgotten that I even had, since they had all been packed away in boxes for quite a while. It was so much fun to find them all again!

I dressed up this birdcage with pearls and flowers:

A Japan egg cup and a pink paper mache egg I crafted a long time ago.

This is what started the whole display - two stone birds in an old wooden drawer and a nest full of eggs. I put this together, and then just kept adding and re-arranging.

The white porcelain planter on the right is so sweet, with it's green leaves and a tiny nest hiding under it's handle. I got it on ebay a few years back. There's a full size shot of it further down.

Japan birds:

A garden sign with running rabbit I cut from thin wood and painted. I love the crackle finish!

I made these from wooden eggs with crackle paint and a LOT of distressing! The basket they are in is very special...

It was made by my son in art class.

A collection of flower frogs - I have eight of them now, and I'm always looking for them at yard sales and flea markets.

Flowers in the porcelain planter.

So even though we still have a foot of snow in the yard, it's starting to look like spring is right around the corner!

Here's another look at the hutch.

I am toying with the idea of painting it white and distressing it.

But...

I love the look of the wood, and once I paint it, there's no going back - what do you think?

I'm linking up to

Metamorphosis Monday over at Between Naps on the Porch

Thanks for stopping by!
Be sure to stop and visit the other blogs for lots of great inspiration.

Have a happy Monday and a wonderful week!

Irish Heart Word Art Challenge

2010-03-03T20:53:00.000-05:00

Want to get this WordArt pack for FREE?

Just head on over to the Challenge at Plain Digital Wrapper and grab it! Make a page LO, ATC or Hybrid Projects and post in gallery. On April 1st, I'll pick one entry to win a $5.00 gift card to my store!

Have Fun!

First White Wednesday

2010-03-03T18:47:00.008-05:00

Hi there!

I have loved posting the last couple of weeks for Silver Sunday, Rednesday, and Metamorphosis Monday.

This is my first time posting for White Wednesday at Faded*Charm!

I clipped a lonely but sparkling rhinestone earring onto a bow of vintage yellowing tulle...

I tied it around an old olive jar and then put this jar inside a large cloche, and hung a couple charms from the top on strands of glowing white pearls...

The jar is filled with vintage lace wrapped around old time wooden clothespins...

Here you can see the jar...I sanded all the paint off the lid and left it silver.

Here you can see the jar inside the cloche...

And it all sits on a chippy white cabinet in the corner of my red and white kitchen! I added a couple candles with silicone covered bulbs for a warm and cozy feeling. I use the cabinet to store dish towels and vintage tablecloths.

And just for fun, here's my sweet dog, Hershey - last weekend she insisted on staying outdoors and getting sprinkled with a bit of the white stuff!

I hope this sparks some new ideas for you to add some more white to your home decor!

Thanks for stopping by - Have a wonderful White Wednesday!

Phone stand - Painted!

2010-02-28T17:36:00.013-05:00

I am SO happy with the way this turned out! Last week I found this spiffy red phone (it works!) at an antique shop. I love the phone, but the stand...not so much, LOL!!

Here's the BEFORE:

Eeeew - look how ugly it is!

I taped off the screen in the front, gave it a light sanding, and then sprayed the whole thing with 2 coats of Rustoleum Satin Black.

And the AFTER:

I sanded the edges for a slightly worn look.

Behind the screen, I stapled a piece of red flower fabric from an old set of sheets. I keep phone books and travel guides on the shelves there so it looks a bit cluttered, and the fabric works perfectly to cover it up!

I {heart} the way it looks with my red phone!

I'm linking this up at

Funky Junk Interior's Saturday Night Special,

Frugal Friday at The Shabby Nest

and Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

and It's a Very Cherry World... lots more great ideas on these blogs!!

Thanks for stopping by ~ Have a wonderful day!

Rednesday Again!

2010-02-24T21:50:00.002-05:00

I'm back for Rednesday again! I think I'm due for a blog background update too - I'm sick of cold and SNOW!

Here's a link back to It's a Very Cherry World, where you can find lots more wonderful red items!

First I thought I'd share my red and rusty garden tools. I have them in a wooden tool tray on a bench by the living room window. they are just sitting and like myself, waiting for SPRING!

I bought these last year at a yard sale for just $1.00 - rust and all.

Looks like this one was chewed by someone's puppy!

I think the peeling red paint adds a bit of character to them!

Next up are these dishes with a red stripe and strawberries on them I {heart} these. They were $8.99 at the SA store and there are only 3 bowls, but I had to have them! Especially since these are my everyday dishes that I got for Christmas, called Corelle Classic Cafe:

I had also picked this strawberry tarte dish at a thrift store for just $2.99 a couple weeks ago. Looks like I'll be having a spring strawberry party!

This square plate was a $2 bargain buy this weekend at an antique shop up in New Hampshire. It's marked "Deruta - Hand Painted in Italy" on the bottom. It reminds me of a western bandana! I have it on the counter now to hold an avocado and some tomatoes on the vine.

But my hands down favorite red find, is this vintage red phone, from the same antique shop. It was $24. and it works! We hardly use the landline phone, so having this vintage beauty is more for show but I just love how this matches my kitchen. And you should hear the bell ringing - such memories! I called it from my cell phone about 10 times, just to hear it ring!

I moved the (ugly) cordless phone to the bedroom!

The ugly brown phone stand has an appointment with some sanding and a can of satin black spray paint by the way. As soon as I find the time!

So that's it for my red items for this week. I can't wait to go and visit all the other posts at It's a Very Cherry World

Thanks for stopping to visit!

Silver Spring CT Pages

2010-02-20T07:43:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple pages made by the PDW CT using Silver Spring!

CT member krispysky:

CT member kelly1:

These are both so sweet!

New Kit - Silver Spring

2010-02-19T07:20:00.002-05:00

While I was looking through all the wonderful silver items poeple share through Silver Sunday at Gypsy Fish, I was inspired to add some silver to my new scrap kit!

It's a bit worn and tarnished, with soft spring colors, frames and lots of beads.On sale for this weekend, just $2.99 (list price is $4.99)

♥ First Silver Sunday ♥

2010-02-14T08:02:00.004-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! This is my fist time posting for Silver Sunday, hosted by Gypsy Fish. I have looked through some of the older posts and I love all the fabulous treasures everyone shows off!

I have a couple thrifty finds from my trip to SA last week. This little frame was irresistible at just 49¢. I don't think it's real silver but it has just the right amount of tarnish/grunge to look a bit shabby.

Of course I had to dress it up a bit. Here it is with a sweet picture of my dear step-mother, Linda, as a young girl. I added a silver key and butterfly charm on a piece of tea-dyed twill ribbon. Love it.

Not very inspiring, but they ARE silver! These two forks were at the thrift store, $1.98 for both. Every Thanksgiving, I end up with a bent fork when Hank moves the turkey from the pan to the serving platter. I think I need to roast a turkey soon to test these out! They'll be great for other roasts, too!

For a bit more silver sparkle, here's another hobby of mine. Not really a thrifty find, although the little bunny was 25¢ at a yard sale last summer. I have some other silver charms and chain from Michael's to put together with some fresh green beads, to make a pretty spring necklace. I love to sit and watch a movie while playing with beads and wire.

Here's a close-up of the silver bunny - Isn't he a cutie?

Last of all, since it IS Valentine's day, here's a picture of Hank and I from a couple years ago. I crafted an altered type of frame for it. I used a piece of 1/4" hardware screening backed by a sheet of chipboard (recycled from something) and added some black and white ribbon and scrapbook materials. It's all clipped together with a magnetic office clip.

There's a tiny silver heart charm hanging on the bottom right.

That's all for me, thank you for stopping by!!

Have a wonderful ♥ Sunday, and be sure to visit all the other posters and see their lovely silver treasures!

Valentine's Day Sale & Freebie Re-post

2010-02-13T07:50:00.006-05:00

Valentine's Day Sale - All three of my Valentine Kits are just $1.50 - all weekend!

These would be great for wedding photos, too!

You can go HERE to shop

And if you missed out on my freebie, I posted it again at the bottom of the post.

SWEET DELIVERY

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

HOW SWEET IT IS

FREEBIE

I am so happy it's a long weekend for me. 3 days with NO WORK - yipeeeee!
I have plans to finally get the tile put in for our bathroom floor. I can't wait to see it done!

Have a peaceful and loving Valentine's day.
Cheers!

Rednesday!

2010-02-10T09:49:00.010-05:00

Hi All!

It's my first time posting for Rednesday at It's a Very Cherry World. Since I have a red and white kitchen, I am always on the lookout for red items, so when I found this blog = LOVED it!

My kitchen in still in the process of remodeling. The floors have been painted black and white for about 3 years now and it's starting to wear off, so I am thinking of keeping the B&W but going with industrial tiles. We already bought new stainless steel appliances when our fridge went on the blink last year. Now we have the money all saved for new cabinets and a countertop, so I'll be shopping for those soon!

On to the RED!

Even though it's a bit rusty - I love this old stool!

I've had this spice shelf for almost 20 years. I decided it needed an update!

So here's our little coffee corner. Those tiles with the ugly grout in the back are going away when I get the new countertop and cabinets. I'm thinking of putting white beadboard back there, to match the rest of the kitchen.

This is the cabinet above the spice shelf. I bought these red crates at the dollar store a few weeks ago and spent an afternoon cleaning and organizing the spices and baking items. I wish I had a before picture to show you - it was a mess! I had marshmallow fluff in there from the 1980's and some rock hard brown sugar...EEeeew! Now that junk is all gone and I can find everything so much easier! No more emptying the entire cabinet to find my oregano!

On the other side of the kitchen I have a little table set up for Valentine's Day:

And to brighten things up I bought myself some red and white tulips last weekend. So pretty! I can't wait for spring to get here!

So that's a little tour of my red and white kitchen. Thanks for stopping by!

New Freebie!

2010-02-05T06:32:00.011-05:00

Things have been s.l.o.w. around here! Mostly I've been organizing and de-cluttering my house. It feels so good to see everything clean and in its place!

I've been moving at a snail's pace when it comes to designing lately. So if you have any thoughts of things you'd like to see in a kit, please leave me a comment, I'd love some fresh new ideas to spark my creativity!

I did release a new kit last week - Sweet Delivery, for Valentine's Day.

Backgrounds

Word Labels - (includes blanks)

It's list price is $4.59, but you can grab it for just $2.00 with special coupon - bloglove. The coupon is good until February 11.

Here are some fabulous pages made by the PDW CT!

I also made a free sample mini-kit for you!

Enjoy! And whatever your plans, have a great weekend!

Well hello blogland!

2010-01-14T06:42:00.015-05:00

I know I've been missing for weeks now!

I gave myself a little break from the digiworld to focus on the holidays.

Since I never gave this kit a proper introduction, I am offering a 50% coupon for all my blog readers. The coupon is good for this kit or any other one, in fact, your entire order will be 50% off!

Coupon code: 2010 Blogspecial

(Expires on 2-1-2010)

So here's my latest kit - Forecast Flurries

A couple pages by made by me:

(yep - that's me skating...10 years ago, LOL!)

Here's a fun winter ATC made by PDW CT member crazsquaw:

And a sweet scrap page by PDW CT member DJ - isn't her doggie cute? And having SO much fun in the snow!

I also used the kit to give my blog a winter makeover - what do you think?

I'll try to come back this weekend and post some pictures from the holidays, and maybe even find some time to scrap!

Have a great day!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2009-12-19T10:20:00.025-05:00

I though you might like to take a little tour of my home and see how I've decked the halls!

I totally missed the date for linking up at the Nesting Place 2009 Christmas Tour of Homes, but if you'd liked to check out the tour, there are over 1000 sites linked up, with lots of fabulous ideas for holiday crafts, celebrations and decorating ideas. I am determined to visit them all! I'm pretty new to theses Linky Parties, but they are so awesome - I found a ton of great blogs to add to my reader!

Here's the link:

The Nesting Place ~ 2009 Holiday Tour of Homes

And if that's not enough, there's another blog party all about frugal decorating. The clock is certainly winding down for this year's projects, but I have a whole stash of new ideas ready for next Christmas!

Frugal Friday Holiday Linky Party

Anyway, on with my little tour! Here's our front deck. I have a watering can that I simply filled with greens cut from the yard and added a red and white candy striped ribbon.

This old sled came from a yard sale a few years back and I just love to have it out on the deck all winter. I added a small fake wreath and some mistleoe with bells from the Dollar Tree.

Here's the wreath on my front door - come on in!

Here are few items in the living room - a simple (large pickle) jar filled with lights and cinnamon scented pinecones...MMmmmm!

This is on the top of the TV hutch. Every year, Brian changes the letters to read "LEON" probably just to drive his Mom crazy, LOL!

And here's our tree - just ignore the kitty's bed underneath, and the fact that my tree skirt has slid down to expose the wood blocks!

I already have a few gifts wrapped and ready for Christmas...lots more to go!

This rack usually holds fruit on our kitchen island - I added some holiday bulbs for a bit of sparkle! The primitive jar lamp with rusty stars was a gift from my friend Darcy - and I love it! This stays out all year!

Here's a big mirror made of old windows in the living room - you can see the tree and some snow falling outside.

Bells and mistletoe - this hangs in the doorway between the living room and the kitchen.

Welcome to the kitchen!

Vintage old Santa and his sleigh is joined with a basket of greens and a couple Dollar Tree sparkly reindeer.

This old box is another yard sale find - the side reads "Miller's Falls" I filled it with greens, berries, pinecones and added a couple candles and some sparkling holiday ornaments. I had this filled with real greens from the yard, but within a few days, they dried out and a huge mess when all the needles fell off!

So I took it all apart and used the fake greens. There!

Ready to do some baking and have a tea party?

See - I have this tray all set up. Ready and waiting for my friend Sue to visit. We always have a Christmas Tea together and open our gifts. Sometimes it's not 'til after Christmas, either way, it's something I look forward to all year!

This is the window over the sink. I kept it simple so I can look out and watch the birds! The candles light up automatically once it gets dark.

This is the other side of the kitchen. I bought this hutch many years ago for $20. at a yard sale. I love to dress it up for Christmas with my collection of vintage cookware.

This is in the opposite corner. The green glass tree is from the thrift shop, and it really shines! I added a couple brass deer, a bottle of potpourri and some beaded fruit under the glass dome. The dome is a cheese holder from the thrift shop, I placed it on top of a pewter candle holder to make a little cake stand!

Here's the kitchen table - simple but festive! The glass candle holders are made with items from the Dollar Tree - a glass top glued onto a glass candlestick, (I used E6000 - best glue ever!) with some cranberry scented candles inside. The tablecloth and runner are from Walmart.

This is back to the front door again. This is a bookcase full of paperbacks - I covered it with this gold crushed velvet-like fabric (yard sale) and gathered up everything silver I could find. Both mirrors are from the thrift shop, along with the silver urn and bowl, and well...almost everything!
The whole thing cost maybe $25 for everything. The tree and white tray I already had.

Well that's it for the tour. I hope you enjoyed it, and maybe see some ideas to use for your own! Of course I'll be adding things and tweaking right up until Christmas.

Today, I'll be making meatballs to freeze for the holiday, and getting the rest of the presents wrapped.

Oh and I almost forgot - here's a picture of this year's Christmas card. I had these printed at Walmart and sent them out with our cards.

You can click on it to see it in a larger size. From left to right is Brian with Henry's new puppy, Booker, then Henry, then me, and Hank on the right.

Have a warm and wonderful Christmas!

I won!

2009-12-15T22:17:00.004-05:00

I won these beautiful earrings (on the right) in Molly's Blogoversary Giveaway! I can hardly believe it!

i.love.these

She has one of the most inspiring blogs in my reader - full of crafty inspiration and beautiful photos.

Check it out here:

A Bit O'Shine

Thank you Molly - I hope your holidays are shiny and bright!

Advent freebies

2009-12-05T07:38:00.004-05:00

We are giving away daily freebies in the forum at Plain Digital Wrapper ~ Here's one from me:

Just click the preview above to get to the forum, then scroll down until you find the find the preview, and click to download. Be sure to come back and check for new gifts from the other designers!

HAPPY ~ HOLIDAYS!

ATC Challenge

2009-12-02T20:59:00.003-05:00

If you need a little break from all the shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, and other festivities this month - Lexy is hosting an ATC (Artist Trading Card) challenge at Plain Digital Wrapper, with a prize awarded at the end of the month.

You can see all the details here

We'd love to have you join in!

It has begun...

2009-12-01T20:46:00.009-05:00

Yep - Tis the season!

I thought I'd share a few pictures of the decorations going up at our house. First up, I made this awesome wreath - I love how it turned out! This is known in cyberland as the Eddie Ross wreath, and it's all the rage this year. So easy to make. Click his name for a link to the directions.

Here's my country kitchen table and a close-up of the little collection in the corner. I have always been in love with these waxy candle bulbs. They are so homey looking to me. I grabbed some more at Michaels - $1.99 for a 2-pack.

This is a shot of the primitive box of greens on my kitchen island. It's and old tool box that is from Miller's Falls, I grabbed it at a yard sale this summer for $10. Love. it.

Last of all is this gathering of silver plated vintage looking items on top of a bookcase. The mirror and silver plated bowl are both thrift shop finds - $7 for the bowl and $5 for the mirror. I have so much fun looking for old treasures!

Oh - and isn't my blog yummy? It's made with my Christmas kit - Cookies for Santa. You can check it out in my earlier posts.

AND...if you're looking for some GREAT holiday projects and ideas, check out THIS SITE for some links to more blogs and websites!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Where does the time go?

2009-11-25T07:00:00.003-05:00

I can't believe the holidays are at our doorstep! The older I get, the faster the time seems to fly by me. Of course there is never enough time to get it all done, but that doesn't stop me from trying. I love to cook, craft and decorate for the holidays.

Come to think of it, my blog needs a bit of decorating for Christmas too! But I am going to wait 'til after the turkey cools for that!

My newest scrap kit was created using photos of some of my own vintage kitchen items. I have these all out on my kitchen hutch, and it all looks so yummy!

I'm also having a sale starting Wednesday Nov. 25th through Sunday Nov.29th - Cookies for Santa will be 40% off - just $2.99!

The rest of my store will be marked down to $2.00 for some super holiday savings! Click the ad below if you'd like to SHOP!

Here's a peek at my new kit - Cookies for Santa. There are 9 backgrounds and over 50 elements! Clicking these previews will take you right to the kit in my shop at Plain Digital Wrapper.

And I also wanted to show off some pages made by the wonderful Creative Team at Plain Digital Wrapper. These were made by CT members krispsky and dj using Golden Harvest - on sale for just $2.00

You can click here to go see the rest of their fabulous galleries:

krispysky's gallery

dj's gallery

Thanks to you both for showing off my kit!

And finally - a little holiday gift for all...Here is the Cookies for Santa Add-on Kit.

This comes with the kit, if you decide to purchase it. If not you can still grab this piece for free by clicking on the preview below.

Enjoy and have a joyous and plentiful Thanksgiving!

NEW NEW NEW

2009-11-14T19:06:00.012-05:00

Golden Harvest - available at Plain Digital Wrapper.

On sale for just ~~$3.99~~ $2.00

Also on Sale for our new SUNDAY SPECIALS...Thankful Heart is on Sale for just $1.50!

And just for coming to visit - I have a Thanksgiving quickpage freebie for you - click the preview below to download.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy November!

2009-11-07T07:39:00.008-05:00

I haven't been up to much in the way of digital creations lately but today is Digital Scrapbooking Day!

My entire shop is marked down 50% - so grab while you can!

Here's a link to shop: Plain Digital Wrapper

I've been entertaining the idea of taking a break from the digi-scrapbook design gig - I do enjoy it but my inspiration has been a little lacking for the past few weeks.
Maybe once the excitement of the holidays kicks in I'll be inspired - let's hope so!

In the meantime, I've been working on other crafts - Right now I am painting some old sewing machine drawers that I picked up at a yard sale - here's the before shot - you'll have to come back in a few days to see what they look like after!

I've also working on some jewelry like these luscious hammered copper earrings - I just love the texture!

This set is a favorite of mine. It's made to look like lily-of-the-valley flowers, which I love! They remind me of my grandmother, who passed on when I was around 10 years old. Made with antique brass chain, green lucite bead caps and 7mm freshwater pearls. The pendants on the earrings and the caged pearl on the necklace are both from Michael's craft store.

Happy DSD!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T08:04:00.009-04:00

It's finally arrived! Here's a little tour of our spooky house:

A little fire to keep the evil spirits away...

How about these two?

And just a little reminder - today is the last day of my SALE, where you can grab all kinds of Fall and Halloween goodies for just $2.00

You can shop at Plain Digital Wrapper

Thanks for stopping by to visit - here's a little Halloween TREAT for you!

Enjoy ~ have a wonderful day and a safe and spooky evening!

Quick Halloween Projects

2009-10-23T06:51:00.002-04:00

Here are a couple quick and easy projects I made this week. You can make them too, and in plenty of time for Halloween!

The first one is a button bracelet.

You will need an 8" long piece of polyester elastic band. Black would be perfect, but since I couldn't find any in black, so I "dyed" mine using black acrylic paint, and let it dry for a couple hours.

Wrap it around your wrist and mark the length that is comfortable, then trim and sew the ends together.

I went through my button stash and picked out a bunch of orange and black buttons. Then I played with mixing and layering them until I liked the look. Then just sew the buttons onto the elastic band, and there you have it!

The second is a vampire choker. This could be for a costume or to wear everyday if you're a Twilight fan!

I found these two sparkly red plastic buttons while I was going through my collection looking for the orange and black ones, but you could use rhinestones, or red beads. I just measured a piece of black trim (you could use black velvet ribbon) that I measured to fit my neck, and then sewed the buttons on. I added a hook and eye to the ends and that's it! Quick and easy!

The only other thing I have to say is TGIF!

You've got to be kidding!

2009-10-16T07:20:00.004-04:00

Here's a closer look...yep it's SNOW!

SO not ready for this!

Fall Photowalk

2009-10-09T08:37:00.004-04:00

Halloween anyone?

2009-10-06T19:43:00.016-04:00

NEW and on sale for just $2.00!!

Here's another look at a page I put together with it. I just love how this shelf turned out. It comes with and without the pegs for versatility. The books are another favorite of mine! These come with and without the labels.

This page has a couple sneak peeks at some elements in another kit I'm working on for next week - the haunted house, Jack O'lantern, and dancing ghost will all be part of "Halloweenerie"

And by the way, all my Fall and Halloween kits are on sale for just $2.00 until midnight on October 31st! Lots of treats for your Halloween celebrations! You can shop at Plain Digital Wrapper

I also have these Haunted Labels that are perfect for decorating bottles and jars if you're planning a party!

Here's a couple pictures of how I used them:

Thanks for stopping by. If you have any links to great Halloween kits, blogs or any other ideas, leave me a comment with a link - I love to check out all kinds of Halloween stuff!

And for being so patient, here's a quickpage sampler for you:

Here's an alternate link for the QP at Mediafire:

Spellbound QP

Cheers!

Rainy Saturday..

2009-10-03T13:51:00.004-04:00

Besides spiffing up my blog, here's what I've been working on:

This is for the Creative team vs Design team challenge at Plain Digital Wrapper: You must do a LO using only Alphas, journaling, papers and elements, NO Pictures or Images NO extractions...sooo...if it doesn't come in a kit you can't use it...

Whew! This LO has over 120 layers! I started out using all alphas, mostly from the PDW September Collab Kit, but it was taking forever, LOL! So I switched to fonts at the end just to get it finished.

There are too many items to list them all, I just picked out random elements from all my fall kits!

And this one is for the ATC Challenge over at Plain Digital Wrapper

New Look!

2009-10-03T12:01:00.000-04:00

Ha - only took me 2 hours of playing around.

I'm not sure if I like it - what do you think?

ATC Challenge!

2009-09-30T06:10:00.004-04:00

Starting October 1st at Plain Digital Wrapper!

This is a brand new challenge at PDW hosted by Linda Alexis! You can all learn about the *new* craze called Artist Trading Cards (ATC's.)

Although not really new, they have a long history dating back to the Victorian Era of making your own cards. Today they can range from anything random to actual invitations using digital scrapping techniques of course! Many artists used to use them as miniature versions of their own art and handed them out as "calling cards" or business cards. They are beginning to do this again!

They are making a huge comeback and it's totally AWESOME!

Linda will be providing more information as it unfolds but I can tell you to get excited because it will absolutely begin on October 1st!

Each month there will be a theme and prizes to be won and tons of information on how to do this!

Linda will toss out a little teaser and say that the theme will be a bit "spooky" and "hauntingly wicked."

So start collecting all your goodies and bookmark the page in the forum at PDW (click the ad above) so that you can find it easily to keep updated on her next post which will have ALL the details.

I hope you will join us in the fun and putting ATC's on the MAP!

Line up and tell all your friends - We cannot WAIT to see all the wicked designs!

Stark Raving Bead Crazy!!

2009-09-27T14:24:00.017-04:00

I snagged another huge bag of vintage beads and jewelry for just $12 at another church fair last weekend. This was followed by a trip up to Keene, NH, where I picked up a few more items.

Here's what's in the bag - all laid out...these are the pieces I'll take apart for new designs:

The one in the uppermost left corner is the one I took apart and used for the Autmn Owl and Early Autumn Glow projects.

These next three pieces, I just like too much, so I'll wear them as is. The long orange strand is actually made from buttons and tiny gold beads. This must have taken hours to make!

The other is a three strand rainbow of glass beads on a vintage metal chain. I think this piece was $4.00 of the $12 I spent, and I just love the gorgeous colors!

Here's a close shot of the vintage pink pearl and silver bracelet. It's only costume jewelry, but SO pretty!

OK - I did get some projects done, so let's take a look!

Fall Fiesta

Here are the beads in a tray waiting to be assembled. I posted about these beads in an earlier post, all plastic and from Micheal's Crafts.

I added these square glass beads that I picked up at Earth Treasures up in New Hampshire last weekend:

The clasp is made from hammered copper wire, and from end to end the whole thing is 36" long!

I also made a bracelet to match:

I have this shirt to wear it with - pretty gaudy - but I LOVE it!
Autumn Owl

Here's the tray with the items for the owl project, followed by a picture of the finished project. I ended up using some vintage plastic beads from one of my church fair finds. I strung the beads asymmetrically and then finished it off with a length of vintage brass chain.

Early Autumn Glow

For this, I only used the shimmering green beads from the tray below. The other items are plastic vintage beads and pearls from a church fair bargain. Also added in are a few bicone crystals in a gorgeous copper AB finish. I simply added the beads in a random order to a piece of memory wire - so simple!

The earrings have some glass AB -finish maple leaves that I grabbed at Earth Treasures added to the bottom.

Retro Halloween

Love these crochet black beads!

The ends tie together with a short length of ultra soft black suede.

Crystal and Copper

For this, I wanted to experiment with some very heavy (10?) gauge copper wire that I bought at Home Depot. I rolled a piece into a circle and then hammered it flat to make the metal pendant. Then I wired on some copper AB-finished crystals and strung it with some large seed beads.

Added a hammered copper clasp and voila! It is much more sparkly than it shows in either photo.

Ah - I could play with beads and wire all day!

Oh, and I did go back to Micheal's to use that 50% off coupon. BUT I was good and only bought one thing! I know...I can hardly believe it myself!!

Whew - that was a long post! I hope you've enjoyed seeing my projects and I hope you're inspired to make some of your own.

If you do, leave me a comment and a link, I love to see all kinds crafty things!

Have a great evening!
Donna

TLAP week continues!

2009-09-22T19:20:00.016-04:00

G'day Mates!

I have a couple brand new items - both at huge savings!

My sale and SUPER SAVER coupon are also still on, but only through FRIDAY!!

Link to SHOP

As I promised, I have a great deal on a CU Grab Bag - just $3.00 for 4 items!! Plus you can also use the coupon above if you add $17 more worth of items to you cart - including my other CU products.

If you must see what's in it, just scroll to the end of the post!

Also new is a set of 9 backgrounds called "Autumn Woods" on sale for $1.50

And last but not least is a little mini designer FREEBIE for you. Three little CU items:

Here's an alternate link for the quickpage at Mediafire for anyone who is avoiding the 4-shared site:

CU Freebie

And before I forget...here's what's in my CU Grab Bag:

Thanks for stopping by,
Have a wonderful evening!
Donna

HUGE Sale and FREEBIES!!!

2009-09-18T19:52:00.026-04:00

Tommorow is TLAP - Talk like a Pirate Day - and our biggest sale week of the entire year at Plain Digital Wrapper.

Here are some of the happenings:

Saturday
Chat at noon Central time: Sponsored by Southern Creek Designs and Starving Artist Designs. Freebies every 15 minutes during the chat. Bring your Argghhh maties, and chat with us. Door prizes will be given, along with random useless information.

Chat at 9 pm Central time. Our Speed Scrap, Sponsored by Paste Optional Designs. Always a lot of fun. Happy links are given out here.

TLAP Treasure Hunt begins bright and early Sunday Morning and lasts all week.

Watch the Plain Digital Wrapper Forum for details. Just look for the Special Events section.

And watch for all new Grab Bags on Wednesday! I'll be offering a great deal on a Commercial Use Grab Bag!

And for EVEN MORE $avings, take advantage of my biggest discount ever! A special 50% off coupon:

Here are just some of the kits available in my Shop at Plain Digital Wrapper

Fall and Halloween

Commercial Use (On Sale for $2.00)

Random Items

Christmas and Winter

There are LOTS more on sale!

And now on to the freebies... Clicking on the previews will take you to the 4-shared site - there are alternate links below if you'd rather download from Mediafire.

First up - a quick page made with my newest kit, My Pretty Pirate. See the post below for previews and a link to the full kit in my shop.

Here's an alternate link for the quickpage at Mediafire for anyone who is avoiding the 4-shared site:

Pretty Pink Quickpage

And here is an awesome Mini-Badge Book made with the kit by Michelle (PDW member mhsalgado)

Here's an alternate link for the album at Mediafire:

Mini-Badge Book

So Enjoy the Freebies - check out the fun at Plain Digital Wrapper tommorow, and don't forget to say "Aaargh" and "Ahoy Mates" whenever possible!!

:-) Donna

My Pretty Pirate

2009-09-16T06:59:00.003-04:00

Here's one for the girls!

Includes all of the following - now on sale an introductory price of $2.00!

And remember...this Saturday is Talk Like a Pirate Day! We'll be having a store-wide sale at PDW, and a HUGE Treasure Hunt!

My entire store will be priced at $2.00 or less - But you can grab this kit for that price now!

Something beaded this way comes...

2009-09-13T14:30:00.007-04:00

Ok I'll admit it, I am totally obsessed with buying beads!!!

Here are some that I have scored in the past two weeks. These are almost all from Michaels crafts, or the flea market at my local church - so at least the money I spent there goes for a good cause. Michaels Crafts - they just added a whole new bead section to the one near me - I need to stay away, LOL!

I love the stone cross in this first collection - but not so much the way it's paired with the leather cord and green/blue beads, so it will be re-created. The green lime green bracelet has beads that sparkle with a hint of gold and orange. You can't really tell from the photo but they are really nice.

The two square beads I have already taken off a dark brown leather cord. The smaller one is a mottled ceramic with blue and brown speckles - very cute. The larger one is aqua glass, it kinda looks like sea glass.

The owl charm and candy corn colored stone beads are from Michaels. The bracelet with glass and gold beads is from the church flea market and will be taken apart and re-used for a necklace. Check out the awesome price!

Ok these beads actually came from an antique shop - The ones on the left I snatched for $5.00, you can't tell from the picture but that strand is over 4 ft long! The ones in the bag were on special at the same shop - 2/$1.00 - so I grabbed a bunch of vintage plastic strands. This one I already took apart and the colors match the long strand perfectly.

More from the church at $1.00 per strand...all beautiful fall colors! And check out those ivory colored bones and giant seeds!

These are all from Micheals. They are all plastic, but I love the way the colors and patterns go together! The patterned ones are Blue Moon beads and the round glowing ones are from Fresh.

And lastly, another bunch from Micheals and the church. The larger black ones are some oh-so-neat crocheted beads that I removed from a bracelet bought at the church. It was pretty ugly. (Just these three beads and some small brown wooden tubes that I'll use for another project I'm sure)
The orange beads and black squares are both made of stone and are from Michaels, made by Blue Moon beads.

And of course at Micheals I got a coupon for 50% off to use next week.
Really - do I need to back and use it?

Photo Decor

2009-09-01T22:37:00.010-04:00

is now ready for $ale!!

You can get it for 20% off for the first few days.
Photo Decor - Whether you are a seasoned photographer, digital scrapbook hobbyist, or new to photography and looking for ways to enhance your photos – these accessories were created for YOU!

Purchase price (~~$4.99~~ - Now $3.99) includes licensing for photographers to use the package to enhance client photos for sale as flattened files or prints. Get stunning results on wedding and maternity shoots! Be sure to check out the detailed images for examples. This guide gives you some tips and techniques for using the items. Examples are included with the set shown so you can see for yourself how versatile they are.

Photo Actions - 5 different actions included to give your photos special effects - from a vintage feel to a modern, acid washed appearance. Each action makes a copy of the original photo before altering. Try running multiple actions on the same photo for even more creative looks! Actions have been tested to work in Photoshop Versions 7.0 to CS4, and PS Elements 7 and may or may not work in other programs. An installation and tips guide is included in the set.

Frames – Use these as is to show off your photos for portfolios, or on blogs and websites. Or mix them with textures and overlays for your own special look. Add them to digital scrapbook pages. Print the enhanced photos at home or at your favorite photo lab.

Textures – Adding textures to your photos can produce some amazing effects! Try different blend modes, erase parts of the textures to let the photo show through. Mix different textures to create your own look.

Overlays – Use the overlays and shaded vignettes in different colors and blend modes for endless effects. In Photoshop, select Edit - Fill, to fill the overlay with the foreground color you have selected in your dialog box in the drop down menu.

The textures and overlays come in preset sizes of 4X6, 5X7, and 8X10 to make sizing for all your photos easy as pie. Once you start mixing and matching - the creative possibilities are endless!

Includes:

· 5 Photo Actions - Delicate Vintage, Old Vintage, Color Pop, Acid Washed and Toasty Burnt
· 6 different Photo Textures
· 5 different Photo Frames - including Airmail "stamp"
· 1 Three-Section Storyboard
· Overlay Vignette in Dark and Light
· Folded Overlay
· Floral Frame
· Vintage Photo Mat

Here's a look:
Frames, Textures, Overlays: (The image below is linked to the product)

And some examples of what you can do with it:

Here are some more amazing examples...

These two were made by Annette Wood:

And these were made by Bev Newey, who was kind enough to test the actions in PSE7 and CS4 for me:

Before

After running Olde Vintage Action

What great photos and samples ~ Thank you!

I also have a six-pack of shiny new Autumn Glitters backgrounds - on special for just $2.00 for a limited time!

What's YOUR wish?

2009-08-31T18:13:00.002-04:00

If you're wishing you had some new scrap-goodies, it may just come true!!

Check out the Special Events section of the FORUM at Plain Digital Wrapper to see how you can have a chance to get your WISH granted!!

Lovely Lantern

2009-08-30T09:06:00.006-04:00

I have been wanting to make this necklace from the moment I saw it in the Spring 2009 issue of Step by Step Wire Jewelry. The lantern pendant is from Gaea Pendants. She has the most lovely ceramic pendants, charms and beads. She had a free shipping offer a while back, so I grabbed this lantern, which I love. She is so sweet, and threw in a very cute green ceramic flower too. If you're into jewelry making, be sure to check out her website! (linked above)

I pretty much followed the excellent directions in the magazine (lots of how-to photos for us visual learners) but I left out the stamped metal tag. It's made using black craft wire-wrapped garnet beads, with some random glass and stone beads hanging at the bottom.

Isn't it lovely?

While I'm posting, I decided to come back and add a couple more pieces I made over the last couple weeks. These are both inspired by warm autumn colors. Cinnamon, nutmeg and pumpkin pie....Mmmmm! The first one is made with a variety of copper wire-wrapped glass beads from my collection, with a ceramic oak leaf pendant, which is easily removable, so that just the beads alone can be worn.

The second is made with metallic finish large seed beads, large flat glass beads with a copper painted edge, and glass rounds in burnt orange.

Both are strung on Beadalon nylon-coated wire and have hand-made copper hook and eye clasps.

These will be so much fun to wear with my fall wardrobe!

Have a crafty week and enjoy your Sunday!

Thank your for your patience!

2009-08-28T06:47:00.005-04:00

While the dust clears out at Plain Digital Wrapper!

We've been experiencing some technical difficulties for the past two weeks. Poor Lisa has had to pretty much rebuild the site from scratch and well, all I can say is that my hat is off to her! So if you haven't been to the site lately, please drop by and re-register for the forums and gallery. We have a lot of fun there!

Plain Digital Wrapper

Just for YOU - I have a freebie that matches my latest kit, Luna Mist. It's at the end of the post.

Since the site has been up and own for the past week, I'll leave Luna Mist priced at $2.00 until Sunday night. You get all this at 50% off!!

And here's the Free Add-on for Luna Mist

Enjoy and TGIF!!
Donna

Oh and P.S. Photo Decor (see post below) is coming - I am going to be looking for a few peeps to test my actions and hopefully this kit will be available next week!

You Could Win!!

2009-08-14T18:44:00.005-04:00

I have a new product called Photo Decor coming out next week at Plain Digital Wrapper. It's been in the works for quite a while and I finally finished it!

Post in this thread at DST and let me know what you think - I'll pick 2 lucky random winners on Sunday to get it for FREE!

Photo Decor - Whether you are a seasoned photographer, digital scrapbook hobbyist, or new to photography and looking for ways to enhance your photos – these accessories were created for YOU!

Purchase price ($4.99) includes licensing for photographers to use the package to enhance client photos for sale as flattened files or prints. Get stunning results on wedding and maternity shoots! Be sure to check out the detailed images for examples. This guide gives you some tips and techniques for using the items. Examples are included with the set shown so you can see for yourself how versatile they are.

Photo Actions - 5 different actions included to give your photos special effects - from a vintage feel to a modern, acid washed appearance. Each action makes a copy of the original photo before altering. Try running multiple actions on the same photo for even more creative looks! Tested in Photoshop 7.0 and CS3.

Frames – Use these as is to show off your photos for portfolios, or on blogs and websites. Or mix them with textures and overlays for your own special look. Add them to digital scrapbook pages. Print the enhanced photos at home or at your favorite photo lab.

Textures – Adding textures to your photos can produce some amazing effects! Try different blend modes, erase parts of the textures to let the photo show through. Mix different textures to create your own look.

Overlays – Use the overlays and shaded vignettes in different colors and blend modes for endless effects. In Photoshop, select Edit - Fill, to fill the overlay with the foreground color you have selected in your dialog box in the drop down menu.

The textures and overlays come in preset sizes of 4X6, 5X7, and 8X10 to make sizing for all your photos easy as pie. Once you start mixing and matching - the creative possibilities are endless!

Includes:

· 5 Photo Actions - Delicate Vintage, Old Vintage, Color Pop, Acid Washed and Toasty Burnt
· 6 different Photo Textures
· 5 different Photo Frames - including Airmail "stamp"
· 1 Three-Section Storyboard
· Overlay Vignette in Dark and Light
· Folded Overlay
· Floral Frame
· Vintage Photo Mat

Here's a look:
Frames, Textures, Overlays:

Actions:
And some examples of what you can do with it:

That's it for now - have a great Friday Night!

Luna Mist

2009-08-12T06:56:00.013-04:00

Now available it a limited introductory price of just $2.00

Here are a couple pages I made with the kit:

Journaling reads: Twilight - The story of Bella, Edward and Jacob has taken the world by storm. Of course I was swept up by the wind and found myself thoroughly engrossed in the romantic tale for a couple of weeks. It only took three or four days to finish reading a book, the story was so intriguing that I couldn’t put the book down! I have all four books and plan to read them all again!

Ok - Off to work. Have a great day!
Donna

Luna Mist

2009-08-08T08:45:00.002-04:00

Coming to Plain Digital Wrapper on 8.12.09

Unlocking Creativity

2009-08-03T21:17:00.004-04:00

is what I call this necklace that I made yesterday:

The chain and clasp are made from hand wrapped brass wire links. I aged the shiny wire by holding it over a flame until it darkened just a bit. The keyhole is an item I scavenged at a yard sale a long time ago - it already had the shabby white paint on it. I just knew I'd use it for something. I added the tiny brass key, and wrapped up some brass bells with amber colored glass beads. The whole thing softly tinkles when I walk.

SO Sweet!

I also made earrings from some brass buttons, wire and beads:

Toodles for now - it's Monday and I am SO tired!

2009-07-26T15:18:00.010-04:00

So...I was not looking forward to going appliance shopping yesterday. We had gone to Home Depot and I found a stove I liked, and a fridge to match, but we thought we'd check Lowe's to see the prices and whether there was anything I liked better. It's about a half hour drive, then of course trying to find a sales person to help usually takes another half hour, by the time you actually buy anything the day is shot.

But at the last minute I remembered a place that is closer in Gardner, MA, only about 10 minutes away. So we went for breakfast at the Blue Moon Diner and then around the corner to Stasukelis Appliance. It's a family owned business and I'd rather give my money to them than the big guys anyway! And it's where we ended buying everything! The salesperson was very knowledgeable, and he gave us a fabulous deal on the stove and fridge cause they were clearance items. +A HUGE plus+ - we were able to have it all delivered the same day!

AT Home Depot we would have had to order the items and have them delivered later in the week, meaning I'd have to take time off from work to hang out and wait for the delivery. We had everything up and running by yesterday afternoon, and the old yucky appliances are gone forever - YAYYY!

Here's our new kitchen look!
You can click the picture to see it a bit larger.

Page is made with a fabulous scrap kit - Kitschy Kitchen by SherrieJD

Quick Page #3

2009-07-24T18:01:00.009-04:00

I have one more Quickpage to give away! There are 3 total - all are part of my new Seabreeze Collab Kit, made with Athena - Paste Optional Designs.

This is the last one - The links for other two are still active in the posts below. I'll leave them up for another day or two, after that, they will only be available as part of the kit.

These free samples are so you can see up close how pretty the kit is!

Here's a preview of the kit - It's on sale for ~~$5.99~~ $3.60! The preview and download for the free quickpage is at the very bottom of the post.

Seabreeze - All images are linked to the store!!

Details

18 Backgrounds

10+ WordArt/Titles

Free Quickpage #3 - The image below is linked!

Enjoy and have a wonderful Thursday!!
Donna

Quick Page #2

2009-07-24T17:46:00.006-04:00

Here's Free Quickpage #2 - The image below is linked!

TGIF!
Donna

Quick Page #1

2009-07-23T06:58:00.009-04:00

Here is Free Quickpage #1 - Still available for a few more days!

The image below is linked!

Enjoy and have a wonderful Thursday!!
Donna

New Items this week at Plain Digital Wrapper!!!

2009-07-21T21:33:00.017-04:00

This set of Pretty Pondlilies is available in both a Commercial Use (CU) for designers and a Personal Use (PU) version for scrappers. My personal use version is also OK for S4H/S4O, which means if you create scrapbook pages for others in a small home business, you do not need to purchase the commercial use version. The CU version is for those who will use it to create elements to be resold as part of a collection of items in their digital scrapbook kits.

Both versions are **on sale** for a limited time! :)

The CU list price is $4.99 on sale for $2.99 and the PU version listing at $2.99 is on sale for $2.00.

Here are the (linked) previews:

Commercial Use - Sale $2.99

Personal Use- Sale $2.00

Here are a couple scrap pages I made with Pretty Pondlilies:

Other elements I used are from Garden Party and Glitter Swirls and Twirls

Also being released tomorrow is my new Beachy Collaborative Kit with Athena!! We have had so many awesome suggestions for our Name That Kit contest!

Check back tomorrow to find out the winning name, and a link to the kit at Plain Digital Wrapper.

Elements

Details

18 Backgrounds

10+ WordArt/Titles

Have a great night!
Donna

Garden Goodness

2009-07-21T00:41:00.001-04:00

Yesterday'sYard Sale Bargains

2009-07-19T08:55:00.003-04:00

Here are the bargains that Hank and I snagged at a yard sale yesterday.

First up - this pair of full face helmets for just 5 bucks! For both of them! Hank and I have a couple of 4wheelers, and while we do have (and wear) helmets, they aren't the full face ones, and for $2.50 each, well....how can you beat that?

Next up is this light table - for $2.00. One of the arms that holds the light needs to be fixed, but Hank said he can fix it easily. The black light fixture was a yard sale find from last year ($1.00) I am excited, because this will make it easier to photograph my jewelry and other small items. I had been thinking about buying a light box, but they are SO expensive!

And finally I got this whole box of tools for $1.00! There is a soldering iron with tons of different tips and a controller, and lots of miscellaneous electronics stuff. There's an exacto knife and blades, a tiny file that I will use for smoothing wire, some small drill bits, tiny nails - junk for some people, but a treasure trove to a crafter like myself! I would have paid a dollar for just the two small pairs of pliers, which is what caught my eye, but this woman was moving to Florida and just wanted all this stuff GONE!

So there you have it - total = $8.00, and well spent!

And if you'd like to know how YOU could win a copy of my new Beachy Collab Kit featured in the post below, Check out these threads in the forums at Plain Digital Wrapper or Digishoptalk.

Have a great Summer Sunday!

Coming SOON!

2009-07-18T16:28:00.004-04:00

This kit is JAM-PACKED with summertime goodness! It's an exclusive PDW collaboration between Athena ~ Paste Optional Designs, and myself!

And if you'd like to know how YOU could win a copy, We are having a Name that Kit Contest! Check out these threads in the forums at Plain Digital Wrapper or Digishoptalk.

Check it OUT!

Details

18 Backgrounds

10+ WordArt/Titles

I'll be back later to post about my awesome YARD SALE find!! For just $1.00!

Another new set...

2009-07-16T06:48:00.006-04:00

I made this one last night - I'm calling it MOONglow. I used shell circles, pearls, moon colored glass beads and clear glass beads. They are wrapped with silver plated wire and then oxidized using liver of sulphur

So much fun to play.
Happy Thursday!

2009-07-15T07:10:00.005-04:00

I found the perfect charms for my magic from the sea necklace. And I made earrings to match!

Also here's a preview of cominng attractions at Plain Digital Wrapper

This will be up for sale next week - with a commercial use version available too.

This week all my designs are on sale for $2.00 - a little summertime YARD SALE!

Photos from last weekend

2009-07-14T07:12:00.006-04:00

We went kayaking at Moosehorn Pond, where I took these:

I was checking out this nest when I looked up and saw this bird right above me. I think it's an Eastern Kingbird.

And some swallows...

These beautiful waterlilies were everywhere!

I brought a few home to put on my kitchen counter - Aren't they lovely?

Stayed tuned for a preview of something else done with the lilies and an updated picture of my magic from the sea necklace.

Sunny Sunday

2009-07-12T17:25:00.020-04:00

At last! Summer's here!

I spent most of today sitting outside soaking up the sun and crafting.

So what do you get when you take this pile of stuff:

1. Plastic Coated Copper Wire
2. Glass beads in shades of Sea Blue and Ocean Green
3. Copper Tubing

And add some crafty tools?

You get a magic from the sea necklace!

First I cut 1-2" pieces from the copper tubing (snagged at a yard sale yesterday for $1.00) and hammered it flat, then filed the edges smooth and drilled the holes.

I punched the words with a set of steel letter punches. I bought these a long time ago and I have been just waiting to get some metal to try them out!

Then I sanded all the hammered pieces 'til they were smooth. After stripping the plastic coating from the wire, I started adding the beads using wrapped loops. (<--click for instructions) The plastic coated wire had been hanging around my craft stash for a while and it was the perfect gauge for wrapping. I love working with copper - it's soft and pliable and yet it holds it's shape well too. Once I had added enough beads for the length I wanted, I made a hook from the same wire and hammered the curved part flat. And here's how the finished piece looks!

Here's a closer look - see that patina? After stripping the plastic and sanding the hammered/punched pieces, the copper was all new and shiny looking. I really didn't like that look. But now - The copper has turned a darker chocolate brown with a lovely shade of blue in the nooks! It usually takes years for that finish to form on the copper but I found a way to do it almost instantly, using common household ingredients.

If you'd like to know how I did it, leave your e-mail in the comments, or e-mail me directly: d_rafferty@yahoo.com and I'll tell you how, but only if you promise to do it very carefully!

I may look for some copper seashell charms to add - wouldn't that be perfect!

So that was today's project.

Yesterday was a day of just relaxing and puttering around the yard. I went to yard sales in the morning - scored a Stone Temple Pilots music CD for 50 cents, a ceramic fish mug for Hank for $3.00, this very heavy metal chinese lantern for $2.00 ( the metal table it's sitting on was from another days yard sale hunting - another $3.00 bargain) and the copper tubing I used for the necklace.

I love yard sales.

And for lunch out on the patio yesterday I made some swordfish and shrimp kabobs...so delish! I wish I had taken a picture. Maybe next time.

We did have an afternoon visitor in the garden - He had absolutely no manners though - he kept sticking his tongue out at me! He's harmless...a Garter Snake. Does he scare you?

So that's the scoop for today. BUT - Check back in the next couple of days - I will have some new scrappy stuff and previews of a *Super New Collab* kit that will be coming to Plain Digital Wrapper soon!

Find out here how you could win it!

A Bit of Scrap-shopping

2009-07-06T06:44:00.009-04:00

There were some great sales over the weekend. Here are a few I really liked!

They are all linked for easier enabling!

These frames by Miss Tina

Some great stitches by Traci Reed

And I love the fresh summer colors in this cute kit by Happy Scrap Girl

Love these. But Oh no! I have to back to work today. I can't wait to have some time to play with my new goodies.

Pixel Mischief

Coupon and SALE!

Comment answers!

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 13

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 12

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 11

Halloween Idea #6

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 10

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 9

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 8

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 7

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 6

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 5

Halloween Idea #5

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 4

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 3

Halloween Idea #4

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 2

Halloween Idea #3

13 Days of Halloween Freebies - Day 1

HALLOWEEN Blogtoberfest!

Halloween Idea #2

Halloween Idea #1

I {heart) October!

New and on SALE!

No more pink BARN!

Pirate Booty Time!

Glasses Wordart

New --------> Historical Romance

Wowie Kazowie!

Where have I BEEN?

Happy Father's Day

iNSD Sale!

New Spring Sale!

Happy Easter!

Office Remodel!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to ya!

Dresser to the Rescue!

Ready for Spring?

Spring Reds

A Tour of my Kitchen Hutch

Irish Heart Word Art Challenge

*First White Wednesday*

Phone stand - Painted!

Rednesday Again!

Silver Spring CT Pages

New Kit - Silver Spring

♥ First Silver Sunday ♥

Valentine's Day Sale & Freebie Re-post

Rednesday!

New Freebie!

Well hello blogland!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

I won!

Advent freebies

ATC Challenge

It has begun...

Where does the time go?

NEW NEW NEW

Happy November!

Happy Halloween!

Quick Halloween Projects

You've got to be kidding!

Fall Photowalk

Halloween anyone?

Rainy Saturday..

New Look!

ATC Challenge!

Stark Raving Bead Crazy!!

TLAP week continues!

HUGE Sale and FREEBIES!!!

My Pretty Pirate

Something beaded this way comes...

Photo Decor

What's YOUR wish?

Lovely Lantern

Thank your for your patience!

You Could Win!!

Luna Mist

Luna Mist

First White Wednesday