My { View }

Come fly with me...

2012-01-23T13:32:00.000-08:00

At Silver Bella, 2009, I attended a Hodge Podge Journal workshop taught by Rebecca Sower but I never actually finished mine, nor did I know what I wanted to do with this little treasure,

until now...

Behold, my One Little Word Journal

It may hold one year or perhaps several, we shall see

Title page for 2012

My January 2012 self portrait

2011 OLW was Snapshot and I spent much time taking self portraits,

it seemed like a wonderful way to honor last year's word

Inside page, behind self portrait,

Becoming acquainted with my "One Little Word"

How does it feel, how does it fit?

The journey begins...

Want to come along with me?

Pay a visit to Ali Edwads who is teaching a delightful class at BPS

Can't wait to see what adventures are in store for me

XOXO

Catherine

Hello sweet friends...

2012-01-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

a new year,

a new home,

a new adventure awaits

Eight months have flown by as my life changed in ways I could not have forseen. Wonderful much was, but challenges were faced as well. Tis not always easy to "let go" and embrace new adventures.

it is time, a little voice whispers, it is time

And so I begin today...

Have you choosen "Your One Little" for 2012?

My word actually choose me this year...

fly

fly.

v.i. to move through, or rise in the air with wings, move rapidly, float in the air, flutter, soar, take wing, take off.

I would love for you to share your word with me. Such fun it would be to go on the journey together.

One more little note for today, you can now find me in Virginia, yes the west coast girl moved east!

Today's {View}

Happy New Year and I look forward to sharing my new adventures with you and hearing all about yours...

xoxo

Catherine

She brings her camera...

2011-05-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

Unbeknownst to me,

while I was totally absorbed taking pictures

my sweet friends

were

quietly taking photos of me.

The virtue of the camera is not the power it has to transform the photographer into an artist, but the impulse it gives him to keep on looking.

- Brooks Atkinson - 1951, Once Around the Sun

xoxo

Catherine

Photos taken by Vicki Brazil and Andrea Colacchia

Tiptoe Through The Tulips With Me...

2011-04-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

One little word: Snapshot

A few months ago I had never taken my DSLR camera off of AUTO and it seemed so very scary to think in terms of F-stops and Shutter Speeds and exposure compensations, oh my...

Well, happy to say camera is no longer on AUTO and is most often on Aperture Priority these days with a fixed lens, 50mm.

Lots and lots of awful photos, failures and throwaways...

But every once in awhile a tiny little miracle occurs and I am able to capture a small slice of life, which gives me hope and encourages me to continue this quest. My constant "mantra" is progress not perfection.

Yes, my word for 2011 is Snapshot and my exciting journey of change and growth continues.

Happy Easter dear blongland friends

And may your view include beautiful spring flowers

xoxo

Catherine

How to celebrate a birthday...

2011-04-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

Pick up your iPhone, call sweet daughter, and invite her out to play.

Carol is the most amazing, creative hostess and offered an event unlike any other I have attended.

Arrive Phoenix International Airport, rent car, and hit the road, it's time to "power shop"

Oh the treasures to be found...

Presents for Mama, handmade by daughter, sigh

A lovely day indeed, time for sleep, yawn

Part deux, soon to come, our wonderful day at Carol's home

I see skies of blue, and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.

Catherine

Spring skiing....

2011-03-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

Packing check list,

The perfect outfit, check

Car's tuned up and road trip ready, check

The perfect ski outfit, oh did I mention that already?

Back soon,

Catherine

The finale...

2011-03-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

And so we come to the end of our Flea Market adventure. The third and final Match Box was created for my sweet daughter, Cristina...

I used a vintage patter instruction sheet to cover the outside of the box and applied some glitter for pop.

Vintage pattern tissue was used to create the rosette, with a vintage flower placed atop the tissue.

Three little pink buttons adorn the end of the box.

And finally, I stamped an old Tim Holtz design onto tissue paper and afixed it to the inside of the box

Thanks for spending some time with me today, hope you enjoyed, My {View}

Catherine

Petite Inspiration Box Swap continues...

2011-03-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

Flea Market Edition, part deux

Sweet Jennie, The Pretty Pekingese, was my second swap partner. She likes anything miniature, lace and ribbon, odd labels, bits of china and her favorite colors are blue, green and brown.

I enjoy vintage wallpaper and was so pleased when I was looking through my stash and found this "old" brown paper with green and white flowers. Perfect.

Afixed a vintage velvet blossom and wrapped baker's twine to finish.

Vintage "Flea Market" lovlies tucked carefully inside.

The inside is lined with vintage magazine and newspaper ads with a Hambly transparency over this layer.

Stay tuned...

XOXO

Catherine

Sneak peeks...

2011-02-28T21:17:00.000-08:00

Spoiler alert

Once again I signed up to participate in Heather's Match Box Swap, Flea Market Edition.

My first partner is Kana and she loves robin's egg blue, pale pink and cream.

I covered her box in pale pink vintage floral wallpaper, attached a paper rose i glittered and attached with vintage pink seam binding.

On one end of the box I added a sweet vintage pink button with rhinestone center and wrapped seam binding around the outside of the inner box. I wanted it to look like an old fashioned dresser drawer.

Here is a little peek at some of the treasures tucked away inside the box.

And finally the inside bottom. I used an old victorian sticker, attached it to sheet music, tissue paper and some paper lace.

These little boxes are such a delight to create and I hope sweet Kana will enjoy...

Stay tuned for part "deux"

Catherine

Love notes in the air....

2011-02-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

"Can miles truly separate us?

If we want to be with someone we love,

aren't we already there?"

~ Richard Bach

Today I sent off some sweet little love notes to my three grandchildren who live on the east coast,

while I am way far away on the west coast...sigh

Litttle bits of vintage this and that for the princess.

And a simple sentiment of love for the oldest.

Hearts, buttons and baker's twine for the middle munchkin.

Each card is made with Grandma's love and a little extra surprise as well.

Happy Valentine's Day!

There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved.

George Sand

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

2011-01-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

The 52 Week Project continues...

When you photograph a face, you photograph the soul behind it...

-Jean Luc Godard

One photo out of focus is a mistake, ten photo out of focus are an experimentation, one hundred photo out of focus are a style.

~Author Unknown

52WP is proving to be more of a challenge than I expected. I was surprised when I realized that placing a self portrait in a photo pool with other wonderful photographers is quite daunting. Oh my, did my inner critical voice become active with self doubt statements...."you are not_______ or you can't __________

So I find I must stop, breathe and step out with courage and gentleness to self. I am a beginner, I am learning, it is the journey not perfection.

And so I shall continue and honor My One Little Word...

Snapshot

Catherine

A fresh new look...

2011-01-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

It's time for change

Hope you enjoy the {View}

My daughter was sweet enough to create the blog design for me.
Want to see a little more of Cristina's design style? Just visit her website which will direct you to her beautiful blog, which has been featured in "Artful Blogger" and her sweet etsy shops.

...................................................................................................................................................

One Little Word update

It is amazing how once I put my one little word out to the universie it seems to have shown up in so many areas of my daily life and how it seems to be leading my creative direction.

Many bloggers like to participate in the 365 photo challenge but I knew that this was not for me. I knew I would fail. However, I just stumbled upon "52 Weeks Project" and I have choosen to hop on board and play along.

This little project will force/encourage me to get my tripod out of the garage and read my camera manual on how to take a self portrait using the camera timer...

I am looking forward to this new learning adventure and am sure I will have a good laugh at the end of 52 weeks.

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the "snapshots" of your life.

Catherine

A little secret, the little girl on the swing in my blog header is me

One little word...

2011-01-07T14:56:00.000-08:00

.snapshot
1: a casual photograph made typically by an amateur with a small handheld camera
2: an impression or view of something brief or transitory

Like many, I have participated with Ali Edward's "One Little Word" for several years. Choosing a word this year required some thought and was not immediately obvious to me. But one word seemed to continually come to me even after I had rejected it several times, thinking it not profound enough. Finally I stopped pushing and was quiet and listened...One Little Word: SNAPSHOT

My {View}

Sunrise

January 01, 2011

At the end of January I will begin Karen Russel's "The Photographer's Workshop". I met Karen while in Mykonos and had an opportunity to be one of her students for a day. I fell in love with her teaching style but knew I needed more and needed a longer period of time to learn. So watch out world the time has come for Catherine, yes me, to take my camera off of auto. I heard someone say that she is an excellent scrapbooker and now she also wants excellent photos for her pages. That so expresses how I feel...

How about you? Do you have one little word for 2011 and what are your plans to incorporate and keep it present in your busy lives? Would luv to hear your thoughts.

Here's to an amazing 2011 filled with creativity.

XOXO

Catherine

Shall old acquaintance be forgot...

2010-12-31T10:07:00.000-08:00

Every new year people make resolutions to change aspects of themselves they believe are negative. A majority of people revert back to how they were before and feel like failures. This year I challenge you to a new resolution. I challenge you to just be yourself.

Aisha Elderwyn

Thank you friends for visiting and sharing My{View} this past year. I so treasure the wonderful friendships that have occured in this amazing world of blogging. I can't wait to see what 2011 will bring our way, but for now, I raise my glass to each and everyone one of you and say...

Happy New Year!

Catherine

Merry Christmas to all...

2010-12-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

God bless us everyone...

Tiny Tim

XOXO

Catherine

December Daily...

2010-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Progress report:

While in Mykonos I met a most charming woman extraordinaire, Hilsen Gudren

...who most graciously gave me some of her beautiful Christmas papers, which can be found here. Upon receiving these lovlies, I knew at once they would become a part of my Ali Edward's inspired December Daily journal, which I have made for the last two years.

I also knew that I wanted to find very special embellishments to complement the photos and stories waiting to be told. And while visitng Virginia for Thanksgiving, my Sweet Pea, Cristina, was my creative muse with her bountiful collection of sweet vintage ephemera.

We sat on the floor together, while I shared the beautiful papers, and she started pulling out the sweetest accoutrements to coordinate with the background papers...

I had also found some vintage delights along the way, love the French Lotto card, which matches the color palette perfectly.

So I am running behind, but am taking photos and journaling daily and once back home will build the foundation as a first priority.

Thank you sweet Gundrun for your generosity and making my 2010 December Daily extra special and extra beautiful!

The Season begins...

Catherine

I cooked and then I cooked some more...

2010-11-28T17:07:00.000-08:00

First I baked pies...

Pumpkin

Apple

And then came the fresh Cranberry Sauce

Followed by Grandma's little kitchen helpers

We carefully stuffed the turkey

Our lovely centerpiece

Place setting

A first this year, Pioneer Woman's mashed potatos, Sweet Potato Casserole, Honey Bunny Carrots and delicious biscuits rounded out our Thanksgiving meal. We gathered round the table, said a prayer of thanks and then the food frenzy ensued...

I sincerely hope your Thanksgiving was filled with joy, love and some yummy food.

xoxo

Catherine

A walk in Athens...

2010-11-09T14:17:00.000-08:00

Ouzo and fresh home grown grapes given to us at the end of our several hour lunch

Street vendor food, yummy sesame pretzal like bread...

Street signs contain ancient Greek, modern Greek and English lettering...

Changing of the guard..

Radio City Rockettes, watch out for these high kickers.

Look, it's the Acropolis...

Odeon Theatr at the base of the Acroplis...

We sat on these ancient marble seats, under the moonlit sky and watched a ballet.

Tribute to Rudolph Nureyev

Sigh

Park bench, shady plaza, and an iPhone...

Thanks for sharing My {View}

Catherine

It's beginning to look a lot like....

2010-11-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

Sweet Cristina, of SweetPeaInk, is hosting a lovely vintage Christmas ephemera swap. If you love vintage papers, labels, sheet music you might want to visit her lovely blog and sign up to play along.

The talented Amy Power has just released her newest edition of, inspired ideas, christmas edition. I hope you will visit her blog, inspire co. and take a peek at all of the holiday yumminess. And if you look carefully you just might find photos of two very special felt Christmas ornaments I made long ago, on the "very favorite ornaments" page....

Thanks for sharing

My {View}

Allhallows eve...

2010-10-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

-noun
the evening of October 31st; the eve of All Saint's Day; Halloween: observed esp. by children in costumes who solicit treats, often by threatening minor pranks.

Dracula wine from Romania, to enjoy...

Burnt orange, sigh...

My view,

And just in case you need some ideas for your creative muse, why not try...

Eye of newt, and toe of frog,

Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,

Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing,

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

William Shakespeare

CATHERINE

the inside peek...continues...

2010-10-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for taking a moment to visit,

My {View}

Catherine

Istanbul was Constantinople...

2010-10-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Where do I find the words to describe "the women" of Istanbul?

They are simply put, beautiful...

Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople
Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night

My {View}

Catherine

Travel Journal, a peek inside...

2010-10-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

We began our journey in Paris...

Remains Of The Day Journal

Page One: ledger paper from the 1950's, sweet vintage cherry shelf liner paper, and Tim Holtz tissue paper tape.

Pages two and three

On page two I used more vintage ledger paper and stickers from The French General, while page three is a page from a Better Homes and Garden magazine, 1948.

Pages four and five: more ledger paper, Jenni Bowlin paper, calendar and label sticker

Pages six and seven: vintage sheet music, old magazine pages, vintage paper doily and vintage Dennison label.

Pages eight and nine: two more styles of vintage ledger papers and tape measure paper

Pages ten and eleven: Postage label from The French General, old tape measure and beautiful old french wall paper.

My process, for creating the inside background pages for Segment 1, was to use mostly vintage found and collected objects from my "stash".

Merci, mes amis...for sharing My {View}

Catherine

La Vie En Rose...

2010-10-10T13:35:00.000-07:00

Monday in Paris and we hop upon Le Metro, line 4 to St Ouen, to spend time at the world famous flea markets.

Guidebook in hand, "Born To Shop Paris", checking out the map to be sure I know where I am, ready set go...

Favorite find, a delightful vendor with wonderful displays of vintage hand carved wooden stamps. I could not believe my good fortune when I found one with the initials, A and E carved together on one stamp. I knew at once I needed to buy this for Ali Edwards, as a little teacher thank you. It was from the 1920's, hand carved, and had wonderful typography...

Window shopping, adore "Le Chapeau", so Coco Chanel

Oh those Frenchies, they have such a sense of design. Just look at this vignette.

My new car, "Le Citroen"...LOL

Hold me close and hold me fast

The magic spell you cast

This is la vie en rose

XOXO

Catherine

Travel Journal, part one

2010-10-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Prior to my fabulous travel adventure I signed up for an online journal class, Remains of the Day, taught by Mary Ann Moss. As I begin to recount my travel and art adventures with you I thought it might be nice to start at the beginning and share my journal...

Front Cover

What fun I had using material scraps left over from my Silver Bella 2010 apron. I also added some vintage lace and ribbon from French General which I have had for several years. Tiny glass lady bugs and hearts hang from the side.

Front cover with open flap.

The button ribbon which goes around the journal was from Anthropology. About two years ago this was the ribbon Anthropolgy gave out with their Christmas boxes for gifts.

Isn't it just perfect for the journal wrap?

Back cover with open flap

I made a little back pocket and attached a sweet cherry applique, think I was channeling Jenni Bowlin...LOL

Back inside cover and flap
When I attended The Farm Chicks Antique Fair, I found a wonderful piece of vintage chenille fabric which I thought might be just perfect for the journal. I then printed a vintage travel ad onto Claudine Hellmuth canvas and sewed it onto the chenille

The pages, two signatures
I adore the art of book binding and thoroughly enjoyed creating the signatures and binding them by hand to the cover.

For those of you who regularly drop by you may think that I alread shared this journal and I sort of did...
When I first started the class I did a post about the journal, but was not happy with my end result and chose to scrap the first one and start over. I reused some of the fabric but eliminated the oil cloth I used on the inside, it was just too stiff, and made some design changes as well ...LOL

XOXO
Catherine

"Close your eyes and tap your heels together three times.

2010-09-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

And think to your self, there's is no place like home."

Wizard of Oz

It has been so very long since I have blogged and I have missed you all. I can't wait to begin sharing all of my wonderful adventures. Soon, I promise...

But for today, I will be content with simply saying hello and sharing one photo...

We crossed a street, turned a corner on our way to The Orangerie and there in all her majesty was the Eiffel Tower. My breath caught in my throat as I just stood and let the moment envelop me, sigh.

So very nice to be home,

Catherine

Too bad I left my ruby slippers at home, because i had to make do with Air France and a 14 plus hour flight home : )

Au revoir, Hoşçakal, Yassas

2010-09-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

We are are on our way...

Paris, Istanbul, Athens and Mykonos

Won't be taking my laptop on this trip but will have my iPhone and I found an interesting app called,
Pixel Pipe, which allows you to blog from your phone...LOL. So if we are able to find Wi-Fi hot spots my plan is to pop in and say hello and give short travel updates.

My sweetie and I will travel together for two wonderful weeks, ending in Mykonos where I shall stay on for an additional week and attend, Cocoa Daisy's wonderful event with Ali Edwards, Jenni Bowlin, and Karen Russell.

See you all at the end of September if my blogging attempts fail...

Catherine

birthday

2010-09-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

a. an anniversary of the day on which a person was born;
b. or the celebration of it.

Darling daughter is celebrating a decade birthday this year...

Vintage school paper, a vintage photo from a 1920's children's book, rub on quote, and a little piece of old lace with a ceramic heart brad.

A peek at the inside page

She was born to be a star!

And sweet granson, number one, also celebrated a special birthday as well.

Little bits of this and that to create a celebratory collage.

Happy Birthday from me to you!

XOXO

Catherine...aka Mama/Grammy

Life is like a box of chocolates...

2010-08-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

you never know what you are going to get.

Forest Gump 1984

For one brief moment, my chickadee was safely back home in the family nest. But life is ever changing and filled with challenging curves.

I was inspired by Amy's, Inspire Co. blog when she shared so honestly and beautifully about her poignant journey as a foster mom on her blog. So I take a deep breath and in the footsteps of Amy I share...

Our son and his family spent the month of July with us and then spent a few weeks in Washington DC before heading off to his new assignment in Monterrey, Mexico. They literally had just arrived when everything began to go belly up. The drug cartels are at war with each other and the city has become very dangerous, culminating with an attempted kidnapping and shoot out in front of our two grandson's school. The Ambassador has officially announced that Monterry is no longer safe and children must leave.

So, today, God willing and the creek don't rise our daughter in law and our two grandboys will leave Monterrey and come to stay with us. Unfortunately, our son must stay...

I am truly grateful we will have the boys with us safe and sound, but as you can well imagine, as a Mother, my heart is full of fear and anxiety for our son's safety.

For today,

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

and the courage to change the things I can....

Reinhold Niebuhr

Catherine

these are a few of my favorite things...

2010-08-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

Sheer beauty; yards and yards of tulle, her perfectly pointed ballet slippers...

Who said, "when in doubt dance"

A small dab of this classic behind your earlobe...
Don't you just feel more glamourous?

When it's time for a love story...

"Remember, we'll always have Paris, sigh.

A long hot bath...

The scent of lavendar through the steam and the sweet bubbles, perfection.

Yes, these are a few of my favorite things...

Catherine

How can I say goodbye...

2010-07-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

As July comes to an end, I reflect and feel gratitude for a wonderful month spent with our son and his family who came to visit and spend the entire month with us. We only have two more precious days together and then they leave us again.

Sweet memories fill my heart...

How can I forget...

"Yellow Eggs" in the morning.

How can I forget...

His world of quiet imagination.

How can I forget...

These little hands.

How can I forget...

Ice cream with "Abuelito"

How can I forget...

Stops at Dairy Queen.

How can I forget...

What it is like to be 13.

How can I forget...

What the world looks like through his eyes.

How can I forget...

His curiosity.

And now I must prepare to say goodbye, but I am not yet ready.

Catherine

Frogs and snails and puppy dogs' tails....

2010-07-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

I have been playing around with some new actions from Flora bella and thought I would share a couple of my experiments...

My delightful models are two of my grandchildren who are vacationing with us during July.

Photo after action applied

Adorable grandson number five : )

Same photo without any manipulation.

Grandson number two with action applied

Original photo without any manipulations.

I "heart" Florabella

Catherine

Mama is proud....

2010-07-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Lovely, lovely, simply lovely,

My sweet daughter, SweetPeaInk and I decided that we would also create a Paris Matchbox for each other as part of Heather's delightful swap.

My daughter always laughs when I tell her I think her creations are beautiful. She says, "Mama you always love what I do" and while this may be true : ) I do believe her Paris Match Box is exquisite.

Enjoy the peek, the outside is covered with lovely vintage French fabric, old lace and a sweet sprig of lavendar.

Look at the treasures found inside...

A closer look, vintage fabric swatches, old French postcards, a sweet little button card and old lace wrapped around a tag. Sigh.

Now hold on...look at this amazing vintage button card, isn't it to die for?

Darling daughter did not disappoint, she never does.

It is such a special treat to have a talented creative daughter with whom I can share my love of paper and altered art. Indeed I am fortunate.

XOXO

Catherine

And the winner is....

2010-07-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Thank You, "THE SCRAP REVIEW"

The winner of the Pebbles prize pack goes to...

Catherine said...
"I have been lucky enough to have tried a package of their chipboard elements that came in one of my kits...really like them. Very clever designs and colors.
Would enjoy trying more....lol"
Catherine

Lucky lucky me! I enjoy reading The Scrap Review from time to time, just to see what's new in scrapbooking. Recently they reviewed, Pebbles, Tree House Collection and were also having a give away for leaving a comment. Long story short I was the lucky winner : )

When I saw my name as the winner, I was happy and expected to receive a few samples from the Tree House collection, when to my surprise, a large box arrived in the mail filled with the entire collection. Double sided papers, tags, stickers, embellished chipboard pieces, buttons, brads and more.

(Pause) Happy Dance

What a delight to receive such a lovely surprise...

And now I believe I shall need to create some wonderful layouts telling my stories of summer.

Thank you: Scrap Review and Pebbles.

XOXO

Catherine

Eye candy, for your viewing pleasure...

2010-07-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Thank you Heather for hosting the Petite Paris Match Box Swap

Linda designed and created this wonderful brocade jewel box for the swap. She has a delightful ebay shop full of goodies.

A little peek at some of the pretties Linda put inside the box. Too delightful.

My second swap partner, Alison, created this beauty.

Ooh la la...

And look at the beautiful laces and trims that she stuffed inside the box.

And as if that was not enough she also included these stunning vintage flowers.

Alison has a charming blog as well.

My daughter and I also made an extra box and swapped with each other as well as our assigned two partners. I shall share photos of that box in my next post...stay tuned.

Catherine

an absence of...

2010-07-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

sunshine

n. the light or rays of the sun; warmth; brightness.

Yes, it is July in the Pacific NW

weather: cloudy 54 degrees

My {View}

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism." ~Erma Bombeck

Papers & button by Shabby P...Celebrate. Words by Graphic Gurl; Americana God Bless

Jessica Sprague is offering a delightful free class, Computer Tricks For Cards and I thought I would share a couple that I made. Thought it would be fun to create cards with a Fourth of July theme.

Crystal Wilkerson designed the template and I used papers from Tangie and Americana Coaster by American Gurls

Perhaps I will share a few more as the class progresses...

Happy July 4th!

...and don't forget to take a moment to remember the brave men and women who are serving our country as we celebrate with our families and friends.

Catherine

je t'aime...

2010-06-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

June 30th, our wedding day

There are only four questions of value in life.

What is sacred?

Of what is the spirit made of?

What is worth living for?

What is worth dying for?

The answer to each is the same. Only love.

-- Don Juan Demarco

"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.
-Ingrid Bergman

Catherine

Petite Inspiration Box Swap...Paris Edition

2010-06-25T14:44:00.000-07:00

Spoiler alert, photos of my altered match boxes to follow. Don't peek if you are one of my swap partners...

Match Box Swap, Paris Edition.....

Heather, of Speckled Egg, graciously sponsored another of her fabulous "Match Box" swaps with a Paris edition. Oh yes I did say Paris...ooh la la.

I attempted to alter my box and channel vintage Paris, the time of Edith Piaf, 1940ish...

I covered the outside of the box with vintage sheet music which I had first sprayed heavily with "glimmer mist". I then took an old vintage photo and printed it upon Claudine Hellmuth's sticky back canvas paper. I stiched around the sides and frayed the edges. I then attached a good sized piece of old mica which looked like an old dusty shop or movie house window. I attached some embellishments, and stamped on the mica to finish it off. I also stamped on mica for the Bonjour label behind the brass plate, which acts as a drawer opening.

Now on the inside of the box I used some old Anna Griffen paper I luv to attach to the sides and for the bottom I found a photo of the movie poster, "La Vie En Rose"...

These are some of the lovlies I stuffed inside the box for my swap partners to enjoy...

Vintage found items...

Well that's all there is, I hope that Alison, Linda, and my daughter enjoy them : )

Hugs,

Catherine

First day of summer, grey skies, I dream....

2010-06-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

How to Dress like a French Woman:

-First and foremost, throw away uptight.

-Of course, own one of everything in black, plus know the fashionable color of the season, and have it in your wardrobe too: This year it is gray with hints of floral pink.

-Dare to wear red gloves.

-Stuff your pockets with confidence in your beauty, walk knowing you are worth a billion dollars.

-Smoke without shame.

-Wear matching sexy, jamais boring, ni basic white, undergarments.

-Ditch the tennis shoes and socks.

-Have a "day" perfume and an "evening" perfume, make it your calling card.

-Dress for the occasion, wear leather pants to the grocery store, and always have champagne in your refrigerator.

-Celebrate your femininity, breasts are more than two lumps.

-Add a twist to the ordinary: Jeans, lace top, leopard print high heels. Do not be afraid to express yourself.

-Sit straight, hold your head up, guard your tongue, and admire other women.

je reve

Catherine

A little roadtrip...

2010-06-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

And we are off, on a little weekend mini vacation...

Hitting the road, bright and early

Summer is where the girls go barefoot and their hearts are just as free as their toes...

And so my sweet friends, is it not time to pack up your bags and and visit the beyond?

XOXO

Catherine

Summer fun...

2010-06-14T16:07:00.000-07:00

Over at Big Picture Scrapbooking, Claudine Hellmuth is offering a class titled, @ Home With Claudine Hellmuth. I just signed up. I love her style and I have been unable to find an in person class in my area so I thought this would be a perfectly delightful.

And Kara is also offering a summer class, "Summer of Love"...two weeks filled with journaling and photography. Oh my it sounds so tempting : )

And if that is not enough, Shimelle is also offering what looks to be a delightful class with phtography and scrapping. Oh my what am I to do...lol

Would enjoy hearing about your creative summer plans. Do you go on creative hiatus, do you take classes, create special projects with your little ones. Oh the joys of summer...

Catherine

XOXO

The Farm Chicks Antique Fair, part 2

2010-06-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

A little peek at some of my sweet found treasures...

A very old daily journal, which had not been written in. I adore the texture and character of the book cover. It is very delightfully soft and supple as well.

The inside pages are worn around the edges and the paper is aged beautifully.

Oh I do enjoy vintage button cards. Just look at these adorable pink trimmed sweeties.

Look at the beautiful pink satin ladies glove box I found. Won't it be just perfect to hold my vintage found items? I am little by little trying to find vintage containers to hold my art supplies. Today I was most fortunate.

A closer look at this amazing piece of pink milk glass circa mid 1940's or 50's. I want to learn a little more about this as I understand it is becoming quite a collectable. If you have any information please share with me.

A close up of an old piece of chenille fabric I found. I love the flowers.

And here is a close up of the amazing vintage wallpaper I found at Heather Bullard's shop. Good find, I think.

Oh my, look at this 1948 edition of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine. It if filled with wonderful old photos and advertisements, oh my heart be still...lol.

Hope you have enjoyed my little show and tell today. I must say I did get overwhelmed by the large crowds and was not at my "shopping" best. But as you see I did manage to find a few special finds.

Thanks for visiting...

Catherine

The Farm Chicks Antique Fair, part 1

2010-06-07T18:31:00.000-07:00

The adventure begins...

On Saturday, I arrived one hour before the gates opened and stood in line with close to 1000 other crazy antique hunters. Just a few friends getting together.

The Antique Fair is held at the Spokane Fair grounds and filled three entire buildings with vendors.

A friendly little hello as we enter the gates

As I walked into the entryway I was greeted by this vintage milk truck with delightful clouds hanging overhead. A great photo spot.

Just look at this lovely lace covered chandalier. Wouldn't that be fun to make?

I was drooling over these beautiful pink, white and cream horse ribbons. When I took one of Teresa McFayden's E Zine classes she did a wonderful altered horse ribbon project. Pretty, pretty.

Loved this old suitcase filled with vintage sheet music, flowers and lace. Yummy!

The fair was wonderful, although as crowded as Disneyland in August. The crowds were so dense I could not move at times. But everyone was sweet and made the best of a difficult circumstance.

Hope you will visit me again as I shall return and share the delightful treasures I manged to find and bring home with me...stay tuned.

Catherine

Une belle aventure....

2010-06-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

A little road trip....

"What began as a little sale in a friend's barn in 2002, became The Farm Chicks Antiques Show with antiques, vintage objects, handmade goods and is now held annualy with visitors coming from all over the country. "

So tomorrow morning we will pack up the car and head on over to Spokane. Am pretty excited, couting my pennies and making a list of potential treasures I might find. Hoping for a sunny day but we have had buckets of rain in the Pacific NW, but hey a little rain won't keep me away.

Petite Inspiration Box Swap - Paris Edition

I just signed up for Heather's new swap and thought you might like to join in as well. Hurry up and visit her blog as the sign ups end soon.

XOXO

Catherine

Thinking of Paris....

2010-06-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

the macaron

In September I shall spend three glorious days in Paris, yes I did say Paris, and I am already day dreaming of all things French. Paris is one of my most favorite places in the world and I have had the good fortune of visiting several times but it has been about seven years since I have visited the city of light. Far too long, mes amis!

I luv travel guide books and usually carry several...lol. On one particular trip I carried Suzy Gershman's Born to Shop Paris book, and based on her recommendation, I discovered Laudree Tea Room and the amazing confection called macaron. My first taste was sheer bliss and was the beginning of a long term love affaire.

What is a French Macaron? Unlike its American cousin, which is spelled with 2 O'S and made with coconut, the French Macaron is made with almonds, egg whites and sugar. It consists of 2 delicate pillow like almond merinque wafers which sandwich a luscious flavourful filling.

Oui, je reviens

Catherine

memorial.

2010-05-29T09:15:00.000-07:00

adj.

1. commemorative;

2. preservation of, or contained in, the memory

Decoration Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.

Today, as I prepare to enjoy this holiday weekend filled with friends, dancing, and camp fires; I pause and bow my head to give thanks to the men and women who have served our country and protected our freedom...

XOXO

Catherine

Hello, it's been awhile...

2010-05-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

As I was getting ready to leave for Virginia I thought it would be fun to make a special little "happy" for my sweet daughter. Since I would be with her in May I thought a Tussie Mussie might be just right. Now as I understand it, the Victorians assigned an odd name to a bouquet holder. An ornate silver accessory was created with the intent to safeguard a woman's tender hands from the thorny rose. Well my creation is not ornate silver but wonderful vintage blue flocked wallpaper. Adorned with pink gathered crepe paper, old lace with light blue scallops, delightful vintage ear bobs and finally vintage seam binding for the ribbons.

I choose to stuff the Tussie Mussie with a beautiful handmade vintage doily that belonged to my mother. I also added some German Scraps, Marie Antoinette style, vinage siloutte playing cards, a vintage milk cap in shades of blue and one special handmade rose to round out the goodies. I carefully wrapped it up and put the package in the mail so it would arrive at my daughter's house while we were there : )

It is good to be back home and into normal routines but I must say my heart is never quite full when I am away from my wonderful grandchildren. But thankful, I am for two glorious weeks in May.

XOXO

Catherine

Greetings from Virginia...

2010-05-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

Words are failing me, as I write about my wonderful Mother's Day with our sweet daughter and two of our delightful grandchildren. Daughter and I awakend to this beautifully set table. The china belonged to Carmela, my husband's mother.

The grand munchkins wrote out the menus for our brunch and even included lovely art work.

Grandpa is the chef and is cooking the yummy sausages and bacon for our repast

While grandson fixes coffee for his Mama

And now the party is over and Mama takes to the couch with Sophia for a little relax time

And look at this cutie patootie Grandma has her arms around, sigh

Simply could not have been a more lovely morning...

I only wish all of my chick a dees could have been here as well. But for now they are spread all around the world. But in my heart they were with us as well.

XOXO

Catherine

Carry Me Back To Old Virginia...

2010-05-03T13:50:00.000-07:00

Tis off to Virginia we go to visit our daughter and family. We have been "summoned" or should I say "cordially invited" by Sophia and Greyson, to attend Grandparents Day at their school. We were in Romania last year at this time and missed their special event, so a promise was made... and off we go.

We plan to return middle of May so please excuse me if my blogging is infrequent to none as I plan to spend as much time as possible with the munchkins...

I am working on my "Week In The Life" project, though, and hope to have some pages ready to share soon :)

XOXO

Catherine

2010-04-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

My goodness this is a class project from Creating Keepsakes University Provo 2007, I think, taught by none other than Tim Holtz. I always liked the concept but could never commit to which photos I wanted to use and should they be black and white or color??? So I just put the project on a shelf and moved on. Well I stepped up and completed it yesterday, yahoo!

You start with a basic Ikea wood frame, this one has a mirror in the center and then proceed to do a paint wash and then adhere various collage elements which you create. Fun, fun, fun.

A closer look at the collage elements...

Yes siree, one more project of old finished. Hope I can keep the creative juices flowing. Am also working on my Week In My Life Photos and will begin to share those soon : )

Enjoy the moment

XOXO

Catherine

Still scrappin and catching up...

2010-04-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

This really is one of my all time favorite photos. It is a picture of my sweet grand daughter, Sophia Maria, with me.

I again am using papers and embellishments from a Cocoa Daisy's December 2009 kit of the month. And I must admit this is also a scraplift from their designer gallery...lol

This is not a layout but rather a piece of wall art, which was one of the projects at Creative Escape 2009 with Paula Cheney and Deb Crouse using 7 Gypsies products. It is multi-dimensional, but is difficult to see in this photo.

I choose an old photo from my wedding day and on the little bottle put the word, kiss

It feels good to be using up my stash that has been accumulating and finishing projects from prior events. My hope is to keep the momentum going. I am so grateful to have stumbled upon scrapping and telling the stories of my life.

What stories are you collecting and telling...

XOXO

Catherine

Back to scrappin...

2010-04-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

My daughter, Born To Fly, recently wrote a wonderful post, Back To Basics, about the joy of creating scrapbook pages regarding life's little moments. I am fortunate to have a talented and artistic daughter who enjoys scrappin as I do. I enjoyed her post because I had been lamenting to her that I needed to get back to paper scrappin. While I luv all the altered art projects I make, my first true love is creating scrapbook layouts which capture the moments and stories of my life. Soooo on Tuesday I began scrappin....

Page One: Our son works for the Department of State and in April 2009 we spent a month in Romania visiting him and our sweet Grandboys : ) but I never slowed down long enough to document our journey, other than our travel blog, thus this seemed like a great story to document.

Page two

The two page spread: with papers and embellisments from Cocoa Daisy's July 2008 Kit, featuring Ali Edwards' favorite products...LOL. Can you believe it, 2008 and I still have the full kit unused. Another commitment I have made is to use up my stash and quit buying new product!!! Felt so good to get started again.

Would love to hear about what you are working on...

XOXO

Catherine

Today's Photos...

2010-04-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Thought it might be fun to share some of the photos I have been taking for the "Week In The Life" project I am undertaking. I must say this project requires concentration and diligence with your camera. Actually good practice for me, as I tend to get lazy about lugging my camera around with me...lol.

“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... it remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything.”

Aaron Siskind

XOXO
Catherine

life.

2010-04-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

n. animate existence; vitality; union of soul and body; period between birth and death; an essential to the maintenance of life; the story of life.

Today, morning... I begin.

Yes, it's time, Ali Edward's is beginning her "Week In The Life" project and I am going to play along. Actually my sweet hubby is also joining in as well :)

This is a wonderful opportunity to capture and document your story with words and pictures. I would so love to know more about my parent's daily lives. How did my mother spend her day? What filled her hours? What did she feel? And so I think this project is indeed worth the effort, to take the time, and capture one week in our life.

Hey, I have a great idea, why don't you pop over and visit Ali's blog get the specifics for the project and join me in this endeavor. Come on you can do it....

XOXO

Catherine

Lovely, lovely, simply lovely...

2010-04-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

Lace and paper and birdies, oh my...

I just received my second "MatchBox" from Suz and it is deliciously lovely. Visit her blog, to see her gorgeous photos of the three beautiful boxes she created for her swap partners.

Is this not the most adorable sweet pink box you have ever seen? Look at the little feet and drawer knob.

And here is a peek at some of the charming goodies she sent as well...lace, fabric, vintage paper, and look at the cloth covered buttons.

More beautiful vintage music and wonderful Marie Antoinette inspired cards.

A lovely vintage hankie, reminds me of a Paris flower cart, and yet more tags.

Thank you, ma cher ami Suz, for making such a special lovely for moi.

XOXO

Catherine

Eeeek...I have been wanting to tell you that

2010-04-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

...yes, I can hardly believe it, but I am going to Mykonos, Greece in September! Now as if that is not wonderful enough in and of itself, I am going to attend an event sponsored by Cocoa Daisy, which will be an amazing scrapbook getaway with Ali Edwards, Jenni Bowlin and Karen Russell. My hubby and I will fly over to Istanbul together, then visit Athens and Santorini. He will then head home but I will remain on the beautiful island of Mykonos for an additional week, oh joy.

Well that's it for today, but I will be back soon to share another adorable "Match Box" that just came in the mail. You won't want to miss it...too cute for words!

So glad you dropped in,

Catherine

Happy Mail...

2010-04-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love going to the mail box and finding "real" mail? In this day of texting, e-mail, and social networking it seems that handwritten letters, notes and sweet packages are fading away. So it is extra wonderful when you have friends who take the time to create for you : )My sweet "Match Box" swap partner, Pam, sent me this delightful box filled to the brim with vintage treasures. Isn't the sweet bird with her glitter hat, too adorable...tres chic.

My oh my can you believe all the lovlies Pam placed inside the box?

Just look at the vintage Bluebird button card. Have you ever seen anything more adorable?

Laces, little flower bouquets and two tiny bottles filled with glitter. How spoiled and special I feel by all of Pam's thoughtfulness. Thank You Pam!!

As always thanks for visiting with me today. I wish you "abundant sunshine" and "love"

Catherine : )

Easter Bonnet silliness....

2010-04-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

On Friday evening we attended a dance and we were to wear an Easter Bonnet (men as well as women)
I am a movie buff and so I thought about the old film, Easter Parade, with Fred Astair and Judy Garland. At the end of the movie Judy gives Fred a tophat all adorned with Easter finery and they then stroll the Avenue together. Soooo I found funny craft foam hats and decked them out. Mine with tulle, butterflies and a pretty feathered bird : )

For my sweet hubby I attached an Easter garland around the base, put a couple of feather plumes and then on top I adherded Easter grass and little yellow chicks. So silly.

We both wore tuxedos and had black canes to round out our attire. Yes, I do believe we were fit to stroll the Avenue...

Easter Parade

--Irving Berlin

On the Avenue,

Fith Avenue,

The photographers will snap us

And we'll find that we're

In the rotogravure.

Wishing you a most Happy Easter!

Catherine

Birthday girl am I...

2010-04-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

It takes a long time to grow young
--Pablo Picasso Every April 3rd come rain or shine I gain a year, just like turning the clocks for daylight savings time, you can depend on it : )

And so I say, as was spoken to Alice, "There are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents...and only one for birthday presents, you know.
--Lewis Carroll

So glad you choose to visit me today...
Catherine

The stiching continues...

2010-03-23T09:35:00.001-07:00

Day 5

The Sampler Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

I am having such fun with my little daily squares. I love incorporating little bits and bobs that I have been saving. The sweet little vintage flower buttons were just perfect as the flower tops and the Eiffel Tower charm was needed to honor my love affair with France :)

What little treasures would you add to your daily squares?

XOXO

Catherine

A little update...

2010-03-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

Petite Inspiration Box Swap - Nesting Edition

May Basket Swap

Isn't the arrival of Spring wonderful? And in the spirit of Spring it seems that blogland is simply bursting with wonderful swaps. I am excited to say that I have joined in the fun and will participate in two sweet swaps.

The first, Petite Inspiration Box, swap is sponsored by Heather at Speckled Egg

Visit her blog and take a look at her photos of the yummylicious Valentine Day swap she did as well :) All participants are put into groups of four with whom we will then swap our decorated match boxes which are also filled with delightful vintage treasures.

The second swap is hosted by Kari at Artsy Mama
This is a one to one swap with a partner. We will each create a basket filled with beautiful goodies to be enjoyed for May Day.

What a special way to welcome Spring, don't you agree?

And how about you, are you as excited for Spring as I am :)

XOXO

Catherine

Une Chatelaine...

2010-03-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

A what, you may ask... Well, back in the day, if you happened to be the mistress of a castle or a large fashionable household you more than likely wore a chatelaine. It is worn around the neck and usually made of fabric which contained "her lady's" needles and small scissors so she always had them at hand.

This is the one I just finished for my partner in a "Marie Antoinette" Mail Art swap. I used light pink silk, which was embroidered and another piece that was pleated or roushed. Embellished with satin ribbons, vintage roses and an old pearl brooch. The back is vintage creame felt with a small pink crocheted heart attached.

I still plan to tuck in some lace and then send it on it's way...

I have fallen in love with these and though, I am not the mistress of a castle I do believe I must have one :)

XOXO

Catherine

I stitch...

2010-03-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

Day 3

Who doesn't luv a sweet cupcake with a cherry on top?

Day 4

I simply enjoy swirls and I added some vintage pink tinted pearls as well.
Oh spring, where are you....

"I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze."

- William Wordsworth

Have a wonderful weekend, filled with SUNSHINE!

XOXO

Catherine

I begin...

2010-03-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sweet Amy has inspired her friends and blog readers to join her in 39 days of embroidery. I am a little late joining in because of our vaca but have decided to jump on board. Check out Amy's blog and see some of her beautiful stitching.

Here are my first two squares...

I became re-infatuated with stitching while reading Teresa McFayden and Pam Garrison's blogs. In fact I began stitching again and participated in a Silver Bella Sampler swap which was so much fun.

I love it that stitching is coming back in popularity :)

Why don't you jump in as well? Come on you can do it...

XOXO

Catherine

Back from holiday...

2010-03-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

A lovely time was had by all. Here we are, DH and me or is it I, at the top of the lift enjoying the amazing sunny day.

A little peek into the tiny hamlet of Panorama. A delightful place to visit. You can just barely see the hot pool on the left which came in so handy after a long day of skiing. We skied hard, ate gourmet meals, and played Scrabble with good friends...what could be nicer?

As fun as vacations are it is always wonderful to arrive back home and sleep in your own comfy bed, isn't it?

It is cloudy here today in the Pacific NW so I plan to get some serious crafting done. Am behind on several projects and swaps. Time to get serious :)

Have a wonderful day!

Catherine

PS
I have some fun projects and swaps to talk about...

Take a peek at my sidebar for some clues

More to be revealed over the next several days.

Swish....

2010-02-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Won't be blogging for awhile as I am heading out on a ski vaction. Will not have much access to a computer and hey, I'll be out on the slopes. All packed and ready to go. How do you like my ski ensemble? Can you even imagine skiing in that attire? Oh my!

Off to Panorama we go...and NO I will not be heliskiing, lol, just a little peek into my fantasy life :)

Ahhh, yes, hot coffee

See you in soon, a little over a week, home in time for the oscars.

XOXO

Catherine

Sweet baby blue....

2010-02-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

Was invited to a baby shower, which then inspired me to get back to card making. I love to stamp and make my own cards but of late have been busy with so many other projects that cards seem to have taken a back seat. A baby shower gave me the needed inspiration to sit down and create.

I used an illustration from a vintage 1924 nursery rhyme book, "On The ROAD TO MAKE BELIEVE" by Frederick J. Forster, which I was lucky enough to find one day when I was out antiquing.

My friend is expecting a baby boy and when I saw this sweet little illustration I could not resist using it as the base of the card. I added old vintage crocheted lace, which I sewed onto the cardstock, sanded the edges of the card to age it and then I added lots of rub ons. I particularly like the fingers and toes verbage. And finally added three blue pearls. Voila! A quick look at the inside of the card, quite simple. I used rub ons and then sewed on a little old baby button I had in my stash :)

So now for the silly part, I was sitting on the ferry on my way to the shower when I realized I had not taken any photos of the end result...lol. So I quickly grabbed my iphone and snapped a few photos, that is why the picture quality is not as good as it should be. The ferry was vibrating and moving, I was trying to hold the card and the iphone without jiggling, no easy task as it turns out. What did we do before cell phones with cameras???

Thanks for dropping in and I hope you are off to a good start this Monday, as a new week begins.

XOXO

Catherine

I am getting ready for....

2010-02-18T17:57:00.001-08:00

the Academy Awards 2010.

Yeah baby! I am a movie "nut" I love movies, always have...lol. My hubby and I are currently on a movie binge trying to see more of the nominated movies, actors, and actresses. With 10 best films this year the task is quite daunting.

March 7, 2010 is the date, be sure and put it on your calendar now, (wink) I still have much planning to do for the actual evening, what pajamas to wear, popcorn or chips? Red vines or Butterfingers accompanied by a delightful glass of chanpagne. Yes Champagne, it tastes wonderful with everything, say I :)

Will share more as we get closer but for now gotta go and finish watching "District 9", rented from Netflix. Saw "Crazy Heart" on Wednesday so you can see I am seriously working on this project. And yes it is affecting my crafting time...

So tell me, how about you, do you watch?

XOXO

Catherine

Will you be my Valentine...

2010-02-13T09:03:00.000-08:00

This year we are getting dressed up in our finest finery and going out for dinner at a charming bistro, La Fermata for Valentine's Day. A special evening with my "honey" what could be nicer.

How do you celebrate...whatever you do or don't do, I hope your day includes chocolate!

And no Valentine's Day can be complete without an homage to LOVE.
I, therefore, give you a few words written by none other than Miss Jane Austen...

Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett
"You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever."

Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurances. The happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. Had Elizabeth been able to encounter his eye, she might have seen how well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, became him; but, though she could not look, she could listen, and he told her of feelings, which, in proving of what importance she was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.

They walked on, without knowing in what direction. There was too much to be thought, and felt, and said, for attention to any other objects.

XOXO
Catherine

A preview...

2010-02-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

Well am almost finished with my Remains of the Day journal cover. I just need to add a wrap around tie for the cover. Am still on the hunt for the perfect ribbon or fabric to use. This is the outside of the journal, made with bits and pieces of fabric I already had. I have been trying very hard not buy anything for my projects but use up what I have already. The fabric scraps are left overs from my Silver Bella apron, so the journal cover has a very 1950's kitschy feel to it. My usual palette is soft pink, cream, blue thus this is out of my comfort zone. But I stayed true to my commitment to use what I have and I am actually pretty pleased with the end result :) Note, the exception will be the tie, I just can't seem to find what I want amongst my stash, so off to shop I must go.

View with front cover flap open and a peek at the inside fabric, which is oil cloth. Luv the print but would not use oil cloth again, too stiff. I want to use this as a travel journal so I also was very aware of making it travel sturdy and friendly. I need it to be flat and pliable.

Now I just need to finish up the signatures and bind them onto the cover and I will be ready to go.

Check out Mary Ann's class I have had such fun sewing the cover and the paper pages. As I said before I really have never enjoyed sewing very much, but this has been a blast.

XOXO

Catherine

Someone should have stopped me...

2010-02-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

ROFLOL...
I continue with Ali Edward's class, Yesterday & Tommorow, with the week six assignment focusing on documenting "change". So with change in mind I began browsing through our old photo albums and could not help but notice all the crazy hairdo's I had. Oh fashion how cruel thou art...
This is the first page of a two page scrapbook layout. Just check out these crazy styles: my shag, teased helmet hair, oh yes, big hair as well and how about the hippie chick with the round sunglasses and hat. My oh my, what was I thinking. Not sure this is the change Ali was referencing in her class but I have had fun making this silly page.

Do you have photos of you over the years with different hair styles? Would luv to see them :)

Enjoy the {View}
Catherine

Today's View...

2010-02-01T09:25:00.000-08:00

February 1st and this is My {View}...fog, grey, and dreary is today. The fog horn echos in the distance while a few brave winter birds float by.

Ah yes,

"February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March."

Dr. J. R. Stockton

Today I shall make chili in the crockpot and enjoy the spicey yummy smell as it fills the kitchen and spend time working on my "Remains of the Day Journal" What about you? How do you fill a grey winter's day?

XOXO

Catherine

A sewing machine, paper, and thread...oh my!

2010-01-27T09:33:00.000-08:00

Like so many in blogland I have signed up for Mary Ann Moss' "Remains of the Day" on line journal class. Now this is not your average ordinary journal, rather it is sewing vintage papers into a collage to create your journal pages. Yes I did say sew...lol. Check out Pam Garrison's journal, "sew beautiful".

Hello baby! This machine has not seen the light of day for years but has sat quietly on a shelf all but forgotten. I truly have never loved "machine sewing" and consequetly always found it to be hard work and challenging. But hey, who doesn't need a good challenge now and then?

Some pretty papers pulled out from my stash...vintage wall paper, sheet music, magazine pages.

A few pages I am working on right now.

And yes, that is little ole me stitching away. Who knew what fun stitching paper could be. Yes I am actually having fun. However, I did let myself get a little side tracked from my assignment for Ali's class. But I will continue to post my layouts as I finish them up.

What are you working on today? Would luv to hear about your projects.

XOXO

Catherine

My love story...

2010-01-19T10:10:00.000-08:00

As I continue with Ali's class I am now on week 5, Creating a layout without photos. The focus is on telling the story even if you do not have the pictures to put in the album. While I am willing to try each assignment this one is not my favorite. For me, the purpose of the scrapbook process is using my photos and telling that story. This exercise felt more like journaling one's memories. However, having said that, I must say telling my "love story" was a delightful experience and I do hope one day my grandchildren will enjoy it.

What do you think about scrapping without photos....

XOXO
Catherine

When I was just a little girl...

2010-01-18T09:01:00.001-08:00

In November I signed up for Ali Edward's class, Yesterday & Tomorrow at Big Picture Scrapbooking. By week three I was heading off to Silver Bella and then the holiday season hit and I did not finish up my classes...LOL. However, now it is a new year and a new decade for that matter and I am back in class ready to finish up the assignment.

This is the second page of a two page LO depicting some of my cherished childhood memories. I posted the first page awhile back. Truly enjoyed this assignment and the reflection of some of the wonderful moments of my childhood :)

Wishing you a creative Monday

Catherine

Haiti Earthquake Relief...

2010-01-16T08:36:00.001-08:00

Such devastation, my heart aches for the people of Haiti and once again the blogging community is not standing quietly but is making a difference.

Take a minute and visit Heidi Swapp's blog where she is talking about "an organization within Nuskin called “Nourish the Children”. Or pop over to Ali Eward's blog where she has a list of organizations all of whom are accepting donations as well.

Every little bit helps,

XOXO

Catherine :)

My apologies....

2010-01-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

Bad blogger award goes to moi....

I just returned home from a two month visit with DD and family and in the chaos of unpacking, making appointments, restocking groceries, etc blogging slipped to the bottom of my "To Do" list. I hope to be back on track by next week, hmmmm.

I have been revamping and cleaning my craft room to make room for all the treasures I acquired at Creative Escape and Silver Bella. I am also purging, making myself get rid of stuff that has been haning around and I never seem to use. And also my style and taste seem to change over time as well. I am putting all my not used supplies in a box and am going to pass it on. My room is a mess right now, looks like a bomb exploded with glitter no less...LOL

A couple of notes you may find of interest:

2010 Creative Escape teacher line up has been announced and oh my it is wonderful. Take a peek here and if you havn't signed up for the lottery better hurry as time is running out.

And Teresa McFayden is offering her newest E Zine, Paper Romance, it looks to be so inspiring.

Hope your 2010 is off to a wonderful start full of creativity...

"Sometimes you've got to let everything go - purge yourself.

If you are unhappy with anything . . . whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it.

Because you'll find that when you're free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.”

--Tina Turner

Back soon, promise :)

Catherine

In the words of Ali Edwards...

2010-01-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

My one little word for 2010 is LIVE
Many of you know that I am an avid movie buff and as I was thinking and contemplating what my word for this year would be I kept thinking about an old movie that I love, Auntie Mame. And there is a wonderful quote from the film which inspired my word choice....Auntie Mame: Oh, Agnes! Here you've been taking my dictations for weeks and you haven't gotten the message of my book: live!
Agnes Gooch: Live?
Auntie Mame: Yes! Live! Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!

I am also very inspired by Kolette Hall and her blog, The Art of Choosing Joy. I was lucky to meet her at Creative Escape and take her Gratitude Journal class and have not forgotten how she stressed focusing on the "problems" does not make you feel better, so why not focus on the good in our daily lives. While I believe and embrace this I sometimes can lose my way...lol The last couple of years have been challenging on many fronts for me and so now I say, "it is time to live."

I look forward to the banquet that 2010 promises to bring...
XOXO
Catherine

Bonne Annee mes amis...

2010-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

The second decade of the new millenium is upon us today, January 1, 2010.

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!
William Arthur Ward

Have a wonderful day and may each of you experience love and joy in this New Year!
XOXO

Catherine

Oh what fun we had...

2009-12-30T19:28:00.000-08:00

On December 29th my daughter, grandson and I headed off to Maryland to visit The Queen's Ink and participate in a class, Shabby Framed Collage, taught by none other than Jenni Bowlin!

Isn't the project delightful? If you ever have a chance to visit The Queen's Ink don't miss the opportunity. It is a fabulous store with amazing stamps, products and wonderful classes. And I must say I luv all of Jenni's products, soooo I had to do a little shopping as well...lol. Picked up some nice treasures to take home with me.

XOXO

Catherine

And what are you wearing for Christmas...

2009-12-24T07:33:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

XOXO
Catherine :)

Oh the weather outside is....

2009-12-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

Snow, snow and more snow! In case you missed the news, the east coast, in our case Virginia was hit with a major snow storm and we received about 19 inches of the white stuff. Now I live in the Seattle area where we panic if we receive a couple of inces. The whole city shuts down and we are all trapped at home. I have never lived in a place where it has heavy snowfall and this has been a blast. Truly a winter wonderland. It snowed and then it snowed some more.

Our two grandkids, Greyson and Sophia enjoyed the moment.

And Augusto is all bundled up for our walk out around the neighborhood. Look at the snowbank behind him, oh mercy.

And then the necessary work of shoveling out driveways and walkways. Corbin is shoveling like crazy but the snow keeps a fallin...lol

And yes, the obligatory snow fort is made with a wee head peeking out, oh the joy of youth!

My {View} is filled with white fluffy snow today

Catherine

Christmas past...

2009-12-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

Look at these sweet felt ornaments from day's gone by. I made these when we were living in San Francisco and our two children were still babies. My husband was putting in long hours at work and so I would sit in front of the fireplace sewing and creating ornaments for our tree. Then about ten years ago I was cleaning out our Christmas ornament box, I believed these treasures were old and needed to be given away, when what to my surprise, my daughter saw them and asked if she could have them for her tree. Thus they were passed on.

We are celebrating Christmas with our daughter and her family this year and when she unpacked the boxes with her family's ornaments out came these "old" handmade felties which now always hang upon her Christmas tree. As I was sitting on the couch watching her hang the ornaments she turned around and held up one of the old felties and said, "Mama remember how you were going to throw these away? Arn't you glad I rescued them?" As I smiled and said yes, my heart was full of Christmas joy. It is indeed the little moments that I cherish.

XOXO

Catherine

December Daily Album: days one, two, three...

2009-12-08T07:40:00.001-08:00

For a couple of years now I have been following Ali Edward's project of creating a December Daily Album to capture the 25 days leading to Christmas. This year I am using Carol Wingert's December kit as the base for my album, which I can then alter to make my own :) The beautiful cover is Carol's design...isn't it lovely?

Day One

Day Two

Days Three and Four...day four is tucked inside the envelope

Day Five....let it snow

Day Six...off to Mass to celebrate St Nicholas

The album is a hand sewn and assembled with velvet ribbon book and it is 6" X 9"

I love that on December 26th I have an album finished that chronicles our journey to Christmas.

PS...I took the photos befor adding my journaling, oops.

XOXO

Catherine

It just isn't Christmas without cookies...

2009-12-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite parts of Christmas has always been making beautiful homemade cookies to share with family and friends. I am particularly fond of this "old" classic and I hope you will try them this year.

All ready to pop into the oven

My sweet little helper, Sophia, who was the official jam tester as well.

Quality control specialist at work. Greyson is evaluating our team efforts :)

Now where did I put the milk or perhaps the champagne...

Have a wonderful day filled with yummies and as Buddy says (from the movie Elf)

"I thought maybe we could make ginger bread houses, and eat cookie dough, and go ice skating, and maybe even hold hands"

PS...don't forget to visit Jessi's blog so you can see a list of all the Cookie Exchange players and visit their blogs as well. Have fun and don't eat too much along the way :)

XOXO

Catherine

It's beginning to look alot like...

2009-12-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

I am playing along with Scrappy Jessi and her third annual cookie exchange. Hope you will drop bye for a yummy visit, December 3

I recently enrolled in Jessica Sprague's class, Holidays in Hand, and am going to attempt to follow the class promts during the busy holiday season. My goal is to stay focused on what is truly of value and important as I prepare for this Christmas season :)

December 1st, let the journey begin.

Catherine

Blessings to you and yours...

2009-11-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

May your Thanksgiving holiday be filled with love and joy and perhaps some yummy food as well.
Catherine

The preparations begin...

2009-11-25T05:56:00.001-08:00

Cinamon, allspice, cranberries wafting through the house, yes the smell of Thanksgiving is in the air. Pate brise to make for tomorrow's fresh from the oven apple pie and Grandpa's most wonderful apple crisp as well.

Today is preparation day and that means lots of cooking and double checking to make sure all the fresh ingredients are all accounted for.

Gratitude

Today I am grateful for the fact that our first grandson is home with us now from school. And that today is the last day of school for the little ones as well. Family together for that I am truly thankful!

With a little luck Cristina, Corbin and I may be able to sneak out and go to the movies to see New Moon, second on the vampire trilogy. What could be nicer :)

My {View} includes a fresh turkey, apples, and cranberries...oh my

Catherine

Today my focus is on....

2009-11-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

In just four days it will be Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays. It does not seem have all the stress of Christmas and focus of presents but rather a wonderful focus of "Gratitude" and "Thankfulness"
My plan is to keep a Gratitude List leading up to Thursday. Why don't you join in and let's do it together.

Tis a busy week but I am excited at the prospect of our family, some here, some in Romania sitting down at our respective family tables and enjoying our annual Thanksgiving feast.

Tomorrow thought I would share out traditional foods...

My {View} is full of autumal delights

Catherine

Aprons, aprons, aprons everywhere...

2009-11-20T05:11:00.000-08:00

On Friday evening at Silver Bella it was the amazing Vendor Faire, oh la la such finery to purchase. In addition to the faire Teresa also had an apparel theme for the evening, "One Hundred Aprons" where we were asked to wear an apron. It could be handmade, vintage, tres chic, kitchsy or anything you wanted. Today I thought it would be fun to share the aprons my daughter and I wore.. First, on Saturday we had a fabulous luncheon with keynote speaker Jo Packham, Editor in Chief of "Where Women Create" and I lingered after lunch for an opportunity to talk with her and she kindly let me take a photo of us together. Such a beautiful and humble woman! Oh yes, I am wearing an aqua polka dot apron with white anklets with trim and boyfriend jeans, hair is in a ponytail as well. My friend, Debbie said I must also have a daytime apron to wear as well. And so I did!

Now on to Friday evening and my wonderful friend Debbie made this enchanting pink and silver ruffled apron for me to wear. I was attempting to channel "Audrey Hepburn"...LOL

And finally my sweet daughter wearing her own creation an altered apron. She found a vintage German linen nightgown from the 1800's and redesigned it to include wonderful vintage flowers, lace, etc. I know I am her Mama but I thought it was stunning :)

Even as I still bask in the glow of Silver Bella I find I must shift gears and move on to the holiday season. Today will include shopping for Thanksgiving dinner. Can you believe Thanksgiving is next Thursday, oh my, pie to bake, fresh cranberry sauce to make....

My {View}

Catherine

Silver Bella, what a ride

2009-11-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

This was my first Silver Bella and what an amazing experience it was! To be surrounded by amazing women artists who "get it" how wonderful is that? I plan to post photos over this week but wanted to do a quick Embroidery Swap follow up... This is my amazing swap partner, Marilee of Rose Brier Studio

Here we are just after we exchanged our embroidery samplers. The one Marilee created for me is simply stunning and reflects so many of the things I love best. This indeed is a treasure.

A fun little snap shot of me with my daughter, Cristina of Sweet Pea Ink

and the fabulous Teresa McFayden the founder of Silver Bella and artiste extraordinaire.

Just arrived home and have caught a silly head cold...too much fun me thinks, lol.

Glad to be home but oh what fun I had....

Catherine

Tis off I am...

2009-11-10T11:18:00.000-08:00

Silver Bella here I come!! Woo hoo, it is finally time to go baby. Let the games begin...
Glitter and ribbon and glue oh my, it just makes a girl's head spin. I will take lots of photos and share upon my return :)

In the meantime please forgive my lack of posting as I will not have my laptop with me and will be in classes most of the time. Full report next week, promise!

Catherine

More Bella goodness....Spoiler alert Marilee (don't peek)

2009-11-07T19:51:00.000-08:00

I joined an "Embroidery Sampler" swap for Silver Bella. We were assigned a partner, filled out an interest questionnaire, and then went to work creating a 9.5 x 12 sampler to give to our partner at Silver Bella on Friday evening. Oh the excitement... I designed and created a free form sampler with lots of vintage bobbles included.

Little bits of vintage lace, look at the pears, they are from the 1930's. Fun whimsical stitches, pieces of fabric and an old broach.

Beautiful vintage lace panel from the 1920's adorned with a button from the same era. This was such fun and since I have not done any embroidery in awhile I had to knock off a little rust and practice some of the stitches. Was wonderful to get back in the saddle.

I am filled with anticipation and can't wait to give this to my sweet partner, Marilee.

Silver Bella sneak peeks...

2009-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

I have been working like crazy to get myself ready to head out to Silver Bella

Thought it would be fun to share some of the teacher gifts I have made. These are sweet little candy bar sliders. Each slider is decorated with vintage lovlies and when you pull the ribbon up comes a yummy Seattle chocolate truffle bar.

I need to finish wrapping one last swap and some hostess gifts before I can begin to pack up my tool kit/supplies.

Such wonderfulness awaits. Please come back to visit as I plan to share more of my swaps: fabric book pages and an embroidery sampler.

My {View} is Bella beautiful...

Catherine

Looky here, looky here...

2009-11-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

Hey there Jessica Sprague fans, check this out. Miss J is offering a free digital class, woo hoo. Just go over and visit her
I have already signed up and can't wait to see what she is up to. I have taken several of her digi classes and truly enjoy them. xoxo
Catherine

Candy, Goblins and Ghosts, oh my!

2009-10-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

So nice when Halloween falls on a Saturday night both for adults and the little "trick or treaters". We are off to a Holloween party at the Port Orchard Yatch club. DJ for dancing, costumes a must...lol and we are to bring Ghoulish appetizers.
I am bringing:
Guacamole Ghoul Eyes
1 ripe medium avocado
1 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
16 cherry tomatoes
8 pitted black olives, halved horizontally

Mash avocado with fork in medium bowl. Stir in jalapeno, lime juice, and garlic salt.

Cut off top 1/3 of each tomato. With serrated spoon, scoop out seeds; discard. Fill tomatoes with 1 rounded teaspoonful avocado mixture. Center olive half in each tomato to resemble the pupil of an eye.

Our group of friends has decided we are attending the party as a gang of pirates...aaarg mateys! If I am brave enough I will post photos to give you all a little chuckle in your day. :)

My {View}...includes pumpkins, falling leaves, blustery trees swaying in the wind

Catherine

Yesterday and Tomorrow...

2009-10-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

Am continuing to enjoy the BPS class taught by Ali Edwards, Yesterday & Tomorrow.

This is part one of my Week Three layout assignment. We were to scrap six childhood memories within a two page format. I have finished my first page. This is turning out to be an amazing class filled with reflection and then the action of putting words to the photos. What fun I have had going through our old photo albums and looking at all the old photos, so many faded as the years have gone by. I am enjoying the simplicity of the layout design. Rather than lots of embellishments and fancy papers these layouts are simple with the focus being the photos + words. This is a project well worth my time and I believe will stand the test of time for my children and grandchildre. I hope they will know a little more about me and single moments from my life.

Enjoy your weekend...
Catherine

Once again

2009-10-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

Prima is having a fabuloust give away!! Pop over here and take a peek. Don't you just luv these colors. You know I must admit have not been a fan or orange since the 60's baby but I may have to change my mind after looking these lovlies.

Enjoy your week end and here is hoping you find some orange in your {View}

Catherine

At the last minute I...

2009-10-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

signed up for an online class over at Big Picture Scrapbooking taught by one of my favs, Ali Edwards. The class is called Yesterday and Today and the focus will be on me, oh yeah. I shall be making one layout a week and by the end of class will have created 12 layouts. Thought I would share the two I made today, one digital and one paper "the old fashioned way". I am trying to listen to Ali's concepts so am not doing lots of embellishing and deviating from the class formula by choice. Pictures and words.....

I must admit I do so enjoy working with paper, glue and embellisments. I love the feel and the process of putting a page together.Creating digital pages are an entirely different experience, all done on the computer. So many choices for us now a days. Lovin the process...

Catherine

Les belle fleurs...

2009-10-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

I am so enjoying the Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group...
My latest swap was to make beautiful flowers out of ribbon, paper, or fabric. I choose to make mine with ribbon. I used Midori silk satin wired ribbon for my flowers. Thes are the flowers I made for the flower swap, they are now all in the mail and I can't wait to see what beauties I shall receive in return. Such a fun...

A delightful blue silver chiffon rose with green satin leaves await her majestyThree pansies composed all in ribbon and attached to another blue ribbon for display.

I wonder if Marie had pansies in her garden at Versailles? I have been fortunate enough to walk the garden at Versaille but do not remember seeing pansies.

""Just living is not enough," said the butterfly. "One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.""
Hans Christian Andersen

Catherine