PARANORMAL; a book review

Today is the first book review of many to come. Please click on the book review page above to read my review of the book: 

Paranormal- "My life in pursuit of the after life" 

by Raymond Moody, MD & Paul Perry

Robyn's Fetish Challenge #99- Easel Cards

Happy Sunday! Our daffodils are up, and some Hyacinths, and the pollen is striking already! LOL  :) The weather this past week has been wonderful!...MY kind of weather...sunny and hovering around 70...a couple days were very windy, and a couple of days it was overcast and a bit of rain but the temps were mild. It can stay between 68-78 all year, and I would be thrilled! I hope all of you are fine, and not too many hangovers out there following St. Pat's day!  We had a lovely corned beef and cabbage dinner. ( I LOVE corned beef) I hope you all enjoyed St. Pat's day in whatever fashion you like to.

ok, let's get down to business :)

This week at  
ROBYN'S FETISH CHALLENGE BLOG

we are making EASEL CARDS, 
using wonderful images from our sponsor:
FRED, SHE SAID

The winner this week will receive
 a $10.00 voucher for the Fred, She Said store.

Here is my Big, small easel card using the adorable EMMA & ROSEY Image

This card measures 5.5" X 5.5" when folded flat. card stock, ink and marker by STAMPIN' UP. Patterned paper by K&CO. Circle cut using my CREATIVE MEMORIES cutting system. Flourishes are the Tim Holtz for SIZZIX die. FRED, SHE SAID Image is colored with PRISMACOLOR pencils and blending pencil. Border punch is by Martha Stewart for EK SUCCESS. Sentiment is an INKADINKADOO stamp, and hand written. (Together is the best place to be!) The wonderful 3D self adhesive flowers are by SANDYLION. I used the corners of the printed paper on the outside with foam tape to hold the card open, and the other 2 corners are the opposite end on the inside, flat. This is a great correspondence card.

 PLEASE come join us this week over at

ROBYN'S FETISH CHALLENGE BLOG

with your EASEL CARDS!

Thanks for visiting!

Susan

entered in:

PINTEREST could get you sued!

A very sad day for me, as I have recently been informed that PINTEREST is  not backing anyone up, and that pinning or repinning someone's "stuff' could lead to a lawsuit based on copyright.

some important links:
Why I Tearfully closed my Pinterest account

Do You Know What You Signed Up For

Dear Pinterest Please Change your Terms or we're Leaving

Above the Law

Robyn's Fetish Challenge # 98

Hello and Happy Sunday!

 We are getting ready for Spring and for Easter over at 

ROBYN'S FETISH CHALLENGE BLOG

and this week the Theme is 

EASTER

our sponsor this week is  

ROBYN'S FETISH DIGITAL STAMPS

The winner this week will enjoy receiving

3 digital images of their choice 

from Robyn's shop

I used Robyn's adorable "Chickie" image for my card

 Card stock and Markers by STAMPIN' UP, Lace from my stash, ribbons from DOODLEBUG DESIGNS and GARDEN GATE DESIGNS, Digi Sentiment is by DESERT DIVA, Digi Image is by ROBYN'S FETISH, The image and the Sentiment are both on Foam tape. I edged the lace in Orange Liquid Pearls by RANGER.

these next 2 images are more accurate for color.

I hope you'll join us this week at 

ROBYN'S FETISH CHALLENGE BLOG

with your EASTER cards!!!

Thanks for visiting!

Entered in:
The Crafters Cafe Challenge blog ...ribbon and lace

Wearing of the Green

 just a fun little tag I made for a challenge hosted by ROBIN'S FETISH over at THE CRAFTERS CAFE ning group

We had to use "green and at least one shamrock" on the tag as well as this adorable 

"LUCKY LEPRECHAUN" image that was given to us for free.

I used 3 shades of green mulberry paper under our lil leprechaun(who is on foam tape), and some shiny punchinella from SKYBLUEPINK on a pale orange tag, from GOMAKESOMETHING.COM (I changed the colored). The border is lots of shamrock sequence!  The leprechaun is colored with STAMPIN' UP markers, the sentiment is computer generated (font by SCRAPPIN' FONTS), and a lovely mixture of green fibers. The tag is approx. 2.5" X 5", and double layered for sturdiness.

I only have a little "Scotch-Irish" in me, so I really don't celebrate St. Pat's day.  because of this I offered this tag to other players in the challenge, if they would like it for scrapping or just in general...first to ask will receive it, so far no takers...that being said I will put the same offer out to my REGULAR,steady followers. If you would like it email me. First one gets it!

entered in:

Dude Time Doodles ...shades of green

WINNERS...of my 2nd blogoversary celebration...

TADA!

The winner for the arty prize package is Kapree from  Give Yourself Over

 To remind you what she is winning:


 1. a $20.00 GC to Cemerony Printables


2. a  $10.00 GC to Floppy Latte Designs 


3. a $15.00 GC To Ike's Art


4. 2 collage sheets, 1 unmounted stamp, and approx 3 yards of trims from Alpha Stamps

5. a $10.00 GC To ARTchix Studios

6. a $10.00 GC to PriscillaStyles Digital Designs 

7. 3 digital images of her choice from Smeared Ink

8. 3 digital images of her choice from The Stamping Boutique 

9. $15.00 to use on "Blockhead" brand  stamps (4 x 5 inch sheet on cling or an 8 x 5 sheet untrimmed) from BlockHead Stamps and Paper Arts

10. 1 digital image from "The Pixie Cottage Line" at Michelle's Scrapbooking and More

11. 4 digital images of her choice from Delicious Doodles

12.  From me: 
 a.  a $20.00 GC to Michael's
 b. 2 dozen yards of ribbon
 c. 2 dozen yards of fibers
 d. 2 dozen buttons
 e. 2 dozen 6 X 6 papers
 f. 2 dozen decorative napkins for decoupage and collaging ( plus a few Japanese rice paper napkins) 

This is a prize package worth approx. $185.00

Plus see below***


 The winner for the Witchy prize package is Crislyn from SpiritDogStudios

  To remind you what she is winning:

1. a $15.00 GC + free shipping to Enolas Enchanted Grove


2. a bagged set of Simple Witch Runes with info sheet($9.00)--AND-- a General Healing($20.00--especially wounds and post-op) Crystal bracelet (Rhodonite)...useful and very pretty!  -- From TalogWitch of Welsh Witch Emporium  (both of these items come with a discount card for a purchase at her wonderful shop!***see the other below also)


3. a $15.00 GC to Vermoilian Etsy shop


4.  a mind clearing and sleep aid herb( Hops, lavender and Chamomile) and crystal(clear quartz-mind clearing, and amethyst-sleep and peaceful dreams) bag to hang by your bed from The Purple Flutterby(** see below)


5. a $20.00 prize pack that includes: a Vehicle protection amulet,  A Celtic "Whole Being" knot Necklace, and an incense sampler (3 different packages) from The Three Wise Cats


6.  from me:
  a. A One Year subscription to Sage Woman magazine
  b. A BN DVD of the movie Practical Magic
  c. the novel  Garden Spells (a great read)

This is a prize package worth approx. $140.00
Plus see below***

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

***
No one was entered for the Homey challenge so I divided the homey prizes in this way:

going to the winner(Crislyn) of the witchy category is:
Fairy mini album (made and send by a witch) (If I were to put a price on this it would be at least $25.00)
The upcycled Denim shoulder/messenger style bag (made and sent by a witch,originally listed for $39.00)
The $10.00 GC from Southern Suzy
AND she earned the Bonus Prize that is a surprise, ssshhh!



going to the winner(Kapree) of the arty category is:
The tea($11.00) and the cup cozy ($5.00)
the Advent calendar kit (guessing about $7.00)
the backyard solutions magazine ($10.00)
the Sandandstarfish Fabric Scrap pack ($6.50)
AND she earned the Bonus Prize that is a surprise, ssshhh!

There will be no Amazon card, and the books are being left out also. 
ALL PRIZES THAT ARE IN MY POSSESSION will be mailed out at the end of MARCH.

GOOD NEWS & another E A POE Fat Page

Hello, Happy Hump day!

My Mom is going home today from the hospital! YEA!!
It is supposed to get warm here again for the next few days! YEA!
I clipped the grand dog, yesterday (mostly...I have work to do on his feet (he hates that)! YEA!!
I am cooking pork chops tonight! YEA!!
and the really big news....
My oldest daughter came over last night and stayed talking to me all night(I wasn't so happy about not getting any sleep) It was awesome that we spent some time talking, another chance at mending our relationship! YEA!!!!


now for a bit of mixed media/abstract-ish art:
My next fat page in a Edgar Allen Poe Series...this one- "The Black Cat", 
I call this piece "Warped"

This first picture allows you to see some of the shine

 Ingredients:

chipboard 4 x 4

background paper  by BASIC GREY (oxford)

Fibers from stash

Digi stamp: Cat cleaning it's face (paw is over the eye so appropriate! LOL) by TLC CREATIONS

Rubber stamps: Hour Glass by ALTERED BOOKS, Gothic Corner by BOMBSHELL STAMPS, Head (from the full bust of E A Poe) by SMEARED INK, the word "Warped" by a recently defunct company in the UK (I can't think of their name right now)

Ink by STAMPIN' UP, ENCORE, and VERSAMARK

Embossing powders by STAMPIN' UP, STAMPEDOUS, and SUZE WEINBURG

How I did it:

stamped cat on white card stock, drew in the ripped out eyeball and blood, cut around the top of the cat and trimmed the sides of the card stock a bit. attached it to the 4 X 4, inked the head only of Poe, and stamped it on, inked warped and stamped it on, inked the hour glass and stamped it on, Inked the gothic corner with metallic pigment ink, and embossed with Copper EP-(upper left, lower right)

Then i tapped versamark ink all over the entire 4 X 4, I had a mixture of Clear utee with some silver, red and black reg. EP mixed together, i dumped all of it on (it wasn't a lot) shook it around and then pressed down all over with my fingers to make sure it all stuck good. shook and tapped off lightly the excess.

heat melted it with my heat gun. it is very lumpy and shiny! (the next picture shows this)

After it cooled I took a black and red sharpie, and just redefined some of the lines here and there for more distinction.

 The picture below is the best VIEW, but the colors are more accurate in the last picture and the first 2 pictures.

Entered in:
Quoth the Raven ...the black cat
Smudgy Antics ...anything goes


Thanks for visiting!

A Favor to ask of My Art and Crafty followers...

Can any of you make a watermark for me to use on images of my creations and card?  

I have one for the event team at TCC, but that is only to be used for things made for that forum. 


I need one with just my name (or signature) and my blog address on it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.


I have paint.NET an regular MS paint on my computer.

any help is greatly appreciated!!

Robyn's Fetish Challenge # 97

HAPPY  gloomy Sunday!! It has been overcast here for at least 4 days  two days of rain on and off and a NASTY STORM Friday night, knocked our cable out (internet and TV--grrr)   My sinuses are acting up, but Tom's pain has subsided and Ron's vision is getting a little better everyday. Mom is still in the Hospital, in the rehab section...she had a few great days but is now very weak again, they may have to give her more blood, her hemoglobin has been low.
OK, that's all the news that's fit to print!

MOVING ON....today is challenge day over at

ROBYN"S FETISH CHALLENGE BLOG

this week's challenge is

CUPCAKES

sponsored by

LIMITED RUNS DIGITAL STAMPS

they have some awesome, awesome stamps!

This week's WINNER will  get 3 digis from the shop of their choice!

Here is My "Sarcastic Cupcake" (Pink Poison)

Card stock(Chocolate Chip), sentiment, 2 tag punches and markers all by STAMPIN' UP, Ribbon rec'd as a RAK as well as the whole package of paper that this paper came from , which is by DOVECRAFT...it arrived just before this challenge, how apropos!  I used flocking and chunky glitter on the frosting in sections, both by DOODLEBUG DESIGNS. The WONDERFUL digi from LIMITED RUNS is "Deadly Cupcake"

PLEASE join us this week at ROBYN'S FETISH challenge blog 

with your creations FEATURING 

a CUPCAKE IMAGE!!

entered in:

Smudgy Antics ...anything goes

Thanks for visiting!

CELEBRATE my 2nd BLOGOVERSARY!!- LAST DAY!!

*****This is a sticky post and will stay at the top of the blog until March 2nd, 

Please scroll down for newer posts- been extended by 2 weeks *****

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 Grab a Hot Cuppa or your fav cocktail!!

Hello everyone! I am THRILLED to say I have made it to 2 years young with my little blog!  The actual anniversary Date is February 5th.  

In this time  I made some friends, lost some friends, learned a thing or 2 and grown in sooo many ways! I've had children move out, children move back home, lost a furbaby, which the Cosmos quickly replaced with one almost identical right in my own yard! We also gained 2 grand furbabies with the child that moved back home. I've dealt with my own "normal" physical and ailment issues, and had a few new ones come and stay and come and go. I found a WONDERFUL Rheumatologist!   

I have had some very dark times with my depression, and some wonderful times where I didn't know it was around. I've learned some lessons...several the hard way, LOL!  I have found a new spiritual path for myself, and though it is not set in concrete and I am still reading and learning, I am for once, listening to my own heart.  

I have heard very sad news from some of my friends and followers, a few that ate at my own heart. I have heard of some triumphs from friends and  followers that I have leaped  for joy right along with them!  

(as much as a fat lady with a cane can leap, LOL)

I have learned some new techniques in paper crafting, and through observance learned a LOT about some of the other types of ART I want to really dive into. 

I have been honored to be chosen for one digital stamp design team, and I was also honored to be chosen to be a product designer (1 of 2) for another Digital Image design company.  I am currently in the works of becoming a design team member for a collage based company. (Collage is a true love of mine) I have also been chosen to be a design team member/event team member at a new Craft forum that I LOVE!

Additionally, I am planning on becoming at least the occasional "Book reviewer" and have my first book on it's way to me.

I have joined some new forums, including  an "edgy, alternative and gothic ART" based one, which has some WONDERFUL people. I also joined others where so far I just kind of lurk, I KNOW I need to step into the light! I have also joined a few forums for witches and pagans and neo-pagans etc. (all are down at the bottom of my blog)

I have found soooo MANY wonderful blogs to follow, that sadly I am going to have to trim the list. (it is around 1200 give or take) Most are "arty"  there are also fellow "solitaries" (none of them are getting trimmed) and then a whole lot that are based on other interests of mine or at least things I find interesting. (sadly I think this will be the area I trim the most)

I have found some truly AWESOME Etsy shops and have become a shopper of homemade, more than ever before in my whole life!

Some of these ETSY shops, Metaphysical/Pagan/Witchy, Homey and Arty Stores have been kind enough to donate prizes for me to give away for my 2nd Blogoversary Celebration!!  Additionally some other stores as well. Some items I have to upload pictures of (when the prizes arrive) some I will be pulling right from their shops. other prizes are items the winner will get to pick. So JUST FOR NOW, I'll be listing the giveways + the name of the shop + their link. Additionally OF COURSE, I am also giving items away!  PLEASE visit them all when you get a chance and leave some love! :)

First the rules to be eligible:

There will be 3 winners - one arty (paper crafts) - one witchy - and  one "homey" (which is kind of a misc category)

The rules MUST BE adhered to 100% to count. (sorry, I have had way too many giveaways on this young blog where people do not follow the rules) If you have been a follower of mine, you know that I have OFTEN had giveaways, I'd like to continue to do so,  therefore---PLEASE follow the rules.

* You MUST be a PUBLIC follower (say so in your comment)

**You MUST take the above picture and put it on your side bar (I made it easy, it has a code)

***You MUST comment on THIS post with ALL of the following:

        -What you like about my blog

        -What prize you want your name put in for (arty, witchy, homey)

        -Visit at least 2 of the shops donating to your prize category and tell me something you like--*IF* they are an Etsy shop, contact them and leave some love

        -Your email  (sallyjo AT charter DOT net)this is an absolute

        

BONUS ENTRIES (you MUST place a comment HERE for ANY of these that you do):

 *POST about my giveaway on your blog  (come back and comment with the link)

**Hook me up to your Facebook page or profile page (come back and comment with the link)

***TWEET about it (come back and comment with the link)

**** For EACH additional 2 shops you visit and come back and comment on, telling me something you like on each site you will get one more entry

***** Pick a Post older than 6 months from my blog that you like and come back and comment HERE telling me about it, and what your thoughts are.

That is a TOTAL of 13 Possible entries!!!
(to clear some confusion, click on the store NAME, not the picture)

Here are the WONDERFUL stores and their prizes and links:

EnololasEnchantedGrove…$15.00 GC and FREE shipping (Etsy) {Witchy}

TalogWitch-- Welsh WitchEmporium…$39.00 Shabby-chic recycled denim, over the shoulder, body tote (Etsy)  {The bag is the Homey}....
here it is:

 Very well made and sturdy!

 Lots of Inside pockets!

 She even tucked her business card inside :)

 2 pockets outside, and a key fob!

NEW today (2/8/12) I received from TalogWitch...a bagged set of Simple Witch Runes with info sheet--AND-- a General Healing(especially wounds and post-op) Crystal bracelet (Rhodonite)...useful and very pretty! both of these items come with a discount card for a purchase at her wonderful shop!....obviously {Witchy}

Vermorlian…$15.00 GC (Etsy)  {Witchy}

The Purple Flutterby…A mini album, and a crystal & herb psychic energy bag (Etsy)  {1 Homey & 1 Witchy}

Here is the BEAUTIFUL ALBUM {Homey}

 It's  FAIRY CUPCAKE!!

 Beautiful colors, papers and Embellishments!

 LOTS of space for the winner to put thoughts and quotes, and possibly photos!!

 Even the back is beautiful!!

SouthernSuzy…$10.00 GC (Etsy)   {Homey}

Cemerony…$20.00 GC (Etsy)   {Arty}

SandandStarfish…a fabric scrap pack of the winner’s choice (Etsy)   {Homey}

The Three Wise Cats...$20 prize package which includes: Celtic Whole being knot necklace, a Vehicle protection amulet and  an incense sampler  (Etsy)    {Witchy}

Lilly Belle's Paperie...prize TBA (Etsy)      {Arty} Did not follow through on her offer

Floppy Lattes Designs…$10.00 GC   {Arty}

  
IKE’S ART…$15.00 GC     {Arty}

 

Alpha Stamps…2 collage sheets, 1 unmounted stamp, and approx 3 yards of trims. (already in my possession)                       {Arty}

ARTchix Studios…$10.00 GC   {Arty}

PriscillaStyles Digitaldesigns…$10.00 GC   {Arty}

Smeared Ink Stamps…3 digital images of the winner’s choice   {Arty}

  

The Stamping Boutique…3 digital stamps of the winner’s choice   {Arty}

Blockheads Stamps…$15.00 to use on “Blockhead" brand stamps (a 4x5 set on cling or an 8x5 set untrimmed)              {Arty}

Michelle’s Scrapbooking & more…1 free digital image from “The Pixie Cottage line”                    {Arty}

DeliciousDoodles…4 free digital stamps of the winner’s choice      {Arty}

To start off (my contributions):

for the WITCHY Category--I'll be giving the winner a 1 year subscription to "Sage Woman" + a BN DVD of "Practical Magic"(there will be a surprise bonus to the winner depending on her answer to a question-if it is a "she")



for the ARTY Category--I'll be giving the winner a $20 Michael's Gift card + 2 dozen yards of ribbons + 2 dozen yards of fibers + 2 dozen 6 X 6 papers + 2 dozen Buttons + 2 dozen (plus and a few Japanese Rice paper napkins) Decorative  Napkins for collaging and decoupage.


For the HOMEY Category--I'll be giving the winner a $20 Amazon Gift card + 4 Hard Cover Books (well known authors, all only read once) + A Coffee Cozy (for take out cups...save on paper) + a BN issue of Back Yard Solutions +  A fun Advent Calendar kit by Making Memories + a Tin of "Holiday Tea" by Barney & Sons

MUCH MORE to come...