Sunday, April 7, 2013

Finally Spring?

Okay...so  in upstate NY we have had 3 significant dumps of snow since the "official" start of Spring.  Even more annoying, however, is the tenacity with which the cold temperatures are lingering.  I'm still inside for the most part, wearing lots of sweaters and fleece while cuddling under blankets sipping hot cups of tea.  

                       

BUT---promise is on the horizon!  Later this week we are supposed to get sun and temperatures in the low to mid 60's.   Perhaps that will bring me out of these winter doldrums!

                                             

I need to get my creative juices flowing.....I'm challenging myself to create at least 4 cards this weekend.  1Birthday card,  2 sympathy cards, and at LEAST one Graduation card.   I have lots of ideas, but have had the "oomph" to spring into action.

Fingers crossed.....I'll post my results!

                                             

Monday, July 23, 2012

Back to the Blog!

Back again!  It's been quite a long time since my last post.  Much has happened that kept my attention away from documenting my life and projects.  But documented or not, life is lived!   Since it would be impossible to catch up right now, I think it best to pick up right at this point---in "the NOW!"

Upstate NY is in the middle of a hot, dry summer.  When I'm not working, I spend most of my time seeking cool places to roost.  I'm giving myself several Thursday nights to hang out at our LSS to work on projects, be with friends, and soak up some cool A/C!  The ladies at Captured Moments have made such a welcoming place for us...they have even turned every Thursday into a special event:

Click here to view the whole line-up of Thursday events!



I've also been so thrilled to have connected with some friends  with whom I'd been long overdue for some girl time!!  Each moment has been a pearl of joy to me--and just in the nick of time!  I've been sinking down pretty low lately and needed this uplift in a BIG way!

I will be back to share some projects and thoughts and fulfill the Dragonfly Destiny once more!  Till then--stay cool and visit again!

-jm




Monday, April 11, 2011

Blog Hop Winner

Announcing The lucky winner of the Blog Hop Goodies below:

...And the winner is:


LILLIAN CHILD





Lillian Child said......

And I am new to your blog and am now a follower. So very nice to meet you. Stop by my blog sometime and say hi!


Congratulations to Lillian, and a big THANK YOU to all who hopped on by in celebration of National No Housework Day!!!!  For a complete listing of all winners throughout the event, check in with Groovy Deb's Blog this week!

-jm


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

National No Housework Day Blog Hop!!!!

Hello and welcome to  our National No Housework Day Blog Hop!   If you hopped over here from Darlene at Scrappy Go lucky then you are at the right place!  If you arrived by chance and want to start at the beginning of our hop, then click on over to see Deb at  If It's Groovy.  Either way, we are so glad you are here!


For my hop project, I created a sign for my kitchen. For me, a lot of housework time takes place in the  kitchen, cooking, cleaning, preparing, organizing, etc.   So on National No Housework Day I thought I'd better just close that room down!!!  LOL!!!  Come to think of it, I may just used this sign more often if it works!!!!


For this sign I used some Kitchen themed paper from October Road to  form the triple matted background. I was hoping that the red gingham would give a "placemat" tone to the sign.  Next, I added some words and images cut form my cricut (cartridges included "From My Kitchen,"  "Cricut Office Help," and "Alphalicious."  I inked all the edges with some Ranger Peeling Paint distressing ink and --Done!

So now before I sign off to hang this up in my kitchen.....I don't want to forget some yummy BLOG CANDY for you!  Since you have stopped to see me here at Dragonfly Destiny I have 2 adorable dragonfly acrylic stamps, along with some Mary Engelbreit "bling" and a set of  coordinating layered paper flowers  and rhinestones.  Here's a peek:

If you'd like a chance to receive this little goodie bag, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post stating the housework chore you would be most willing to give up FOREVER!!!!  COMMENTS WILL BE CLOSED AT 11:59 PM ON APRIL 10TH.  The winner of the Blog Candy will be selected at random and announced on April 11th on this site and on Deb's site as well.  For a second chance to win, become a follower of this Blog and leave a second comment stating that you have done so.  Good luck to all!

Now on with the hop!!!  Your next stop will be to see the awesome surprises awaiting you at Andrea's Metta!  So head on over there now and enjoy your day of NO HOUSEWORK!!!!!!!  If you get lost along the way, here is our lineup:

1. If It's Groovy (Groovy Deb)
http://ifitsgroovy.blogspot.com
3. Leading a Craftastic Life (Kristin)
http://craftasticlife.blogspot.com/
4. Scrappy Side of Me (Jen T)
http://jentscrappysideofme.blogspot.com
5. Peg's Crafting Corner (Peg)
http://www.pegscraftingcorner.blogspot.com/
7. Scrapping the Guys (Heather)
http://www.scrappingtheguys.blogspot.com
8. Let's Get Peachy (Laura)
http://getpeachy.blogspot.com
9. Creating Sensations (Vanessa)
http://www.creatingsensations.blogspot.com
11. Basement Chronicles (Maya)
http://mayadahan.blogspot.com/
12. Love to Create (Misty)
http://mistybrune.blogspot.com/
13. Scrappy Go Lucky (Darlene)
http://scrappygolucky.blogspot.com
14. Dragonfly Destiny (Jean-Marie)  YOU ARE HERE!
http://dragonflydestiny.blogspot.com/
16. Red Car Productions (Krista)
http://redcarproductions.blogspot.com/
17. Greets N Treats (Becky)
http://greetsntreats.blogspot.com/
18. Paper Universe (Silvana)
http://ununiversodepapel.blogspot.com/
19. The Limitations of Thought (Irini)
http://thelimitationsofthought.blogspot.com/
20. Step Into My World (Becky)
http://www.beckythackston.blogspot.com/
21. From the Owls Nest (Sharon)
http://fromtheowlsnest.wordpress.com/
22. Creations with Becka (Becka)
http://Www.creationswithbecka.blogspot.com
23. Crafty Go Lucky (Valerie)
http://www.craftygolucky.blogspot.com/
24. Crafty Diva Lounge (Jen)
http://craftydivalounge.blogspot.com/
25.Just a Glimpse...(Jenneke)
http://jenneke-justwhoiam.blogspot.com/
26. Scrap it Girl (Kimberly)
http://scrap-it-girl.blogspot.com/
27. These are a Few...(Julie)
http://whatisyourfavething.blogspot.com/
28. Really? That Just Happened (Doreen)
http://thefourvs.blogspot.com/
29. Nikki Sivils (Julie c/o Nikki)
http://nikkisdoghouse.blogspot.com/
30. Marci's Scrapping Spot (Marci)
http://MarcisScrappingSpot.blogspot.com
31. Scrapbookers Anonymous (Theresa)
http://scrapbookers-anonymous.blogspot.com/
32.Intrepid Thread (Julie)
http://intrepidthread.blogspot.com
33. Scrapbooking SOS (Michelle)
http://scrapbookingsos.blogspot.com
34. Flamingo Scraps (Amanda)
http://flamingoscraps.blogspot.com/
35. Scrapbook Abundance (Jana)
http://preprostobogastvo.blogspot.com/
36. Artful Delight(Leeanne)
http://artfuldelight.blogspot.com/
37. Mommy of 5 Kidz (Misty)
http://mommyof5kidz.blogspot.com/
38. Designs by Diana(Diana)
http://designbydiana.blogspot.com
39. Polka Cabana(Jeannie)
http://polkacabana.wordpress.com
40. A Day in the Life...(Kelly)
http://kellyisascrapdiva.blogspot.com/
41. MarBare Scraps (Mary)
http://www.marebearscraps.blogspot.com/
42. One by One...(Karel)
http://www.kareljcreations.com/


JEAN-MARIE

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

2 Days Left!!!!

Two more days until the "National No Housework Day"  Blog Hop!!!!   I don;t know which is more exciting--the hop, or an actual reason NOT to do housework!!



Tune in here or to  If It's Groovy's blog to participate.  There wil be lots of fun, new ideas, and of course plenty of scrumptious BLOG CANDY to tantalize and treat you along the way!  Hope to see you at the hop on April 7-10!!

jm

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Daylight Savings?

Wow!  I'm glad to have the light of Daylight Savings time, but my body has NOT adjusted!  YIKES!  Mornings are just horrendous this week!!!  Anyway, I thought I'd post a little project I made using the "Sentimentals" Cricut cartridge  and some paper from DCWV.

I love the retro feel of these papers.  The pinks, turquoise and prints make me think of kitchen decor when I was a little girl!  I made my own little rose at the wrist by cutting a circle  and then making it into a spiral.  Then I rolled it tightly and glued it onto the cuff in the picture.  I like the way it came out.

Some good news...I'm participating for the first time as a stop on a blog hop!  It's for National No Housework Day (right up my alley!)!  Click the button in my sidebar for details.  Hope to see you all there!

Well..on to my busy week (aren't they all!?).  Keep smiling!  Signs of spring are revealing themselves!

-jm

Monday, March 7, 2011

In Like A Lion...

Yes..March certainly DOES come in like a lion!!!  For the good and the bad!   We had another ice/snow storm here in NY today!  Brrrrr!  

  But one GOOD lion came in too....I took my daughter to see The Lion King musical as it arrived in town last week!  It was visually breathtaking and musically moving!  (I still have to put the movie on Fast forward at home during those Bad" scenes!

Here's a peek at us in the audience during Intermission:
What a fun night!!!!
  I also managed to make a few cards this week so I'll post a few here.  They are all variations on the same design, inspired by Rubey at Fiskateers.  

They look like layers in the photo, but they are actually window cutouts with a frame around the windows.




Well, that's it for today!  For now, keep that Lion outside until the Lamb is ready to come out at the end of the month!!

-jm

Thursday, February 10, 2011

SNOWBANK WOES

I am officially declaring myself DONE with ice and snow for the season!!  After taking almost 10 minutes just to get from the front door to the car,  I backed out to go to work.  Unfortunately I never got there.  While backing up in the thick ice, my car slid and landed in an icy, snowy snow bank!!!

I tried everything--to no avail.  Finally I gave up and went inside to call the auto club.  They said they'd send a tow truck...in anywhere from 1-4 hours!!!!!!  Thank goodness I got stuck at home and not on a busy road!!!!.  Well, now it's almost 2pm and I've JUST been rescued (thanks to the tow truck guy, JJ!).  He said he gets calls for the same problem several times a day!  Imagine that?!

In the meantime, i'v been meaning to get around to posting this week's Flaunt It Friday project since last weekend---and here it is at long last!  The challenge was to use the "Indie Art"  Lips on a design.  I don't have that cart, but the Hannah Montana cart has  some great cuts on it, and one of them is a lipstick lip print.  I decided to use that on a Valentine's Day card.
I have a couple of other projects to post this week, but this is it for now.  I really liked this Bo-Bunny paper for the lips, because it has almost a comic book look to it that I thought was cute!

Well--off I go to spread another layer of ice melt on the driveway and front walk.  Stay safe everyone!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Catching Up!

Yes, there are still mountains of icy snow here in upstate New York, but still it was a beautiful day!  The air was crisp, but not windy or biting and I made every light on the way to work today--woo hoo!
I've been away from this blog for a few days since I've had many appointments related to my daughter's transition out of High School.  She has special needs and besides the normal angst and preparation of any family with a senior, we need to get her services switched over to the adult world, which is a whole other ball of wax from the educational support system for students.  *sigh*  I am, however, quite grateful for having her in our lives and for all the support she has received thus far.  If you missed the story of how we became a family, and are interested to glimpse a little into our lives, you can click HERE for the scoop.

Craftwise, I was working this week on some of the cards for my Birthday Card Club and also my Card Lifter Challenge for the week on Fiskateers.  Here's what I came up with.
 The patterned paper is from Cherry Arte...winter.  I've had it for a few seasons, but it's still pretty to me. Reminds me of hot chocolate and whipped cream with snow and poinsettias and cool winter sky and ice!
 The card base is from a stationery pack from Michael's.  I like to buy plain or neutral patterned stationery from the sale bins for .10-.50 whenever I can.  They make great card bases and come with the matching envelopes.  Win-win for me!
I made sure to ink everything with my Ranger Distressed Vintage Photo ink pad.  I just love how it defines everything even more as well as giving it the aged look I love.  The little flowers are Prima with a dot of rhinestone from Michael's.
Finally I wrote my sentiments and did my faux stitching with a white opaque pen from Inksentials.  I've got t say that I DO NOT like this pen as much as my white Signo Uniball pen.  The Inkssential pen was on sale and I needed one so I bought it.  Mistake.  I needed to go over everything twice and it skips all over the place.  It's as if the ball point runs through the ink line and scrapes up the ink as you write--leaving a clear line through the middle of the writing.  I bought two of them and tried both.  Same thing.
Ugh.  Going back to Uniball for sure!

Well that's all for now!  There are some awesome blog hops and online crops this weekend.  I hope everyone has a little time for some creative fun!  I, myself, am going to a crop at my favorite LSS, Captured Moments.  If you haven't already, check out their blog, boutique, and website HERE.  It's a little slice of craft heaven!!!!!


Sunday, January 23, 2011

Teddy Bear Trash!

Hello  everyone!
I actually got a leg up on this week's Flaunt it Fridays challenge, which was to   use the teddy bear in the trash image from the Give A Hoot cartridge.  Well, I don't have that cartridge.  However, I made my little guy using the teddy bear form Create Critter and I made a trash can and lid by manipulating a pail, a rounded rectangle  and a smile image on various other carts and stretching, welding, etc on my Gypsy.  I just love that  device.  I have to admit that the whole first 8 months I had my Gypsy I was frustrated to no end.  Then I purchased the Gypsy A-Z DVD from Above Rubies Studio and  I really took off with it (not to mention the  dozens of YouTube videos I watched)! ... Now I can't imagine why I had a problem  and don't know how I ever crafted without it!

Anyway, here is my project for the challenge.  It's card for my firend who  needs a little pick-me-up!
Recipe for this card:
Cartridges:  Create A Critter, George and Basic Shapes, & Everyday Paper Dolls
Patterned Paper:  My Mind's Eye (Wild Asparagus)
Card stock:  DCWV
Felt flowers:  Michael's
Letter stickers:  Basic Grey, Granola
Micro pen for edging

That's it for today!  Hope everyone is staying warm!!!!

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Flaunt It Fridays SKULL Challenge!

I made this project for the Flaunt It Friday's Challenge this week.  The real challenge was to use the skull and crossbones from the Mini Monsters Cricut cartridge.  I don't have that cartridge, so I put one together using the skull from Wall Decor and More, and the crossbones from the Potpourri Cartridge.  The DANGER is from Potpourri or Wall Decor and the "enter...." font is from Life Is A Beach.

The project is a sign for my teenage daughter's bedroom door.  When she's done using it, I'll probably put a little journaling on it and put it in a scrapbook.
The Pink Paper is from Basic Grey and the Black and white patterned paper is from Creative Imaginations.


The skull is inked with Ranger Distress Ink in Vintage Photo...and the little flower is a white over pink Prima flower with a stickle drop in the middle.
 I put a Heidi Swap polka dotted ribbon in the corner and threaded more ribbon through the top of the page to create a place from which the sign could hang.
In the corners of the  "Susan's Room" blocks I stuck a couple of  epoxy photo corners, also from Creative Imaginations.

And finally, here it is hanging up.  I'm not usually a scary or tattoo element crafter.  So I never imagined using the skulls on any of my projects.  However, I think this is kind of cute for a teen and making it pink instead of bone white definitely took the edge off the tone for me.  

So that's it for my second Flaunt if Fridays project.  That's 2 for 2 when it comes to having fun with the gals over at FIF!  Thanks for the challenge.  I'll be back next week  for another challenge!!!!


Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Snow, Ice, and an AWARD!!

I woke up  on this icy New York morning to a warm and wonderful surprise--my very first blog award!
Mistyrose at Sweet Magnolia Rose awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award and I couldn't be more delighted!  Check out her blog to see some truly inspiring work--you will be glad you did!  Thank you Mistyrose!



8 Things About Me

1. I am married with one daughter and 2 golden retrievers
2.  I've been a Special Education Teacher for 26 years
3.  I love to sing
4.  I am a cancer survivor
5.  I enjoy Broadway Musicals
6.  My favorite paper lines are Basic Grey and Graphic 45
7.  My  creative style is eclectic, but leans toward "shabby chic."
8.  My favorite snacks are chocolate or cheese


8 Bloggers I've Recently Discovered


http://www.youhadmeatcraft.com/
http://www.canadiannickelscrapn.blogspot.com
http://www.gabycreates.com
http://theluckythirteen.blogspot.com/
http://www.thehappystamper.com/
http://www.stampergirl.com/
http://www.obsessedwithscrapbooking.com/
http://www.meredithscraps.com/
These are my new blogger friends.   They have become a great source of inspiration, information, or advice.  Sending gratitude your way!!



I'm following the guidelines below for this award:
There are some rules that go with this award so please follow along: 
1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this
2. Share 8 things about yourself
3. Pay it forward to 8 bloggers that you have recently discovered
4. Contact those bloggers and tell them about their awards




8 8s That's it for today, everyone!  I'm off to steal some creative moments out of this snow day from school!  Bundle up and  keep it crafty!
 me:





Monday, January 17, 2011

Fourth and Final...

Okay.  So I set out to make a four card Birthday set a couple of weeks ago.  I wanted to use the same recipe for each one, creating a spring theme--yet have each one look very different.  You can find the first two cards  here, and here,  if you want to see how the set stacks up together.  Also, the recipe is on those  pages as well.

So without further ado, here are the third & fourth (and final) cards in the set!





It was pretty fun and I think they'd make a nice gift for my mom or MIL who love to send cards but don't always get the chance to get to the store for nice ones.

Well, that's it for now--short and sweet!  I'm working on a couple of challenges now  for posting this week.   If the  doom and gloom forecast for  New York comes to fruition, I may be home from work and get them done early!!!   Until then,  happy crafting!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

A Little Inspiration...

Today I completed this birthday card as my first submission to my Fiskateers Card Lifters group.  Given another member's card as inspiration, we are challenged to create our own take on this card by the very talented Keely!  So here is mine.  I used all Cosmo Cricket supplies on this card except for the Ranger Distress ink (Vintage Photo) Here's  a closer look at the little bird I cut on my Cricut.  I think it was on the
Gypsy Wanderings cartridge.
 Finally, I put a sentiment on a strip of of paper with a couple of brads and added some rickrack and ribbon. I stamped " It's Your Day" on the inside to finish it off.
I have to say that this was a fun challenge.  I'm glad I picked the Cosmo Cricket paper because it really cuts like a dream in my Cricut.  I don't know why, but it's always a noticeably pleasant experience.  The paper never shifts, it cuts cleanly, and it releases from the mat without a problem every time.  Ahhh!

Thanks again to Keely for the beautiful inspiration (also on Cosmo Cricket paper, I might add)!!!  Until next time...Keep Creating!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Flaunt it Friday's Hello Kitty Challenge

I did 2 cards for this challenge, since I needed to write 2 thank you notes.  I didn't have the Hello Kitty cartridge,  but I DID have the font cartridge.  For the required plane, I used Everyday Paper Dolls cart and fashioned the propeller from 2 exclamation points in the Hello Kitty Font.  Fun!  Oops--still need to color in her bow!

Background paper was Basic Grey  and card stock was Bazzill
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
This 2nd entry used only the Hello Kitty Font Cartridge, with background paper from K & Co:
This was my first challenge with Flaunt it Fridays...I'll definitely have to do more of them....so much fun!



Friday, January 7, 2011

Second in the Set

Here is the second card in the four card set I am making with the same recipe.  This one has already gone out to its recipient.  Is it you????  :-)

This one has a little more of the garden theme going on (shades of spring dreams, perhaps?).
 I popped the sentiment and added fiber bows on each side, as well as white pen dash-stitches.
 Also popped the middle diamond and added white pen stitches to these as well.
Once again, here is the Recipe if you missed my last post:
Recipe:
A2 card:  DCWV, Mediterranean Cafe
cardstock:  Bazzill,  Leapfrog
Stickers: K & Co
Fibers:  Two Moms Scrapbooking
Rubber Stamp:  D.O.T.S. happy birthday
Ink:  Staz-On (Black) for stamp  & Ranger Distress Ink (Vintage Photo) for edging
Pen:  Signo White


Stop back soon for the third card in the set. Until then, stay warm!