Cute Milk Carton Holder

I was asked to make a box to hold some  small bottles of lotion and fragrances.  As I was looking for the pattern of the boxes I made last year I came upon this cute Double Milk Carton Holder made by Debra Flowers.  I think I will need to change it to hold taller boxes but the way she made the box to hold just two items will be just right for my project.  I love creating 3D items and this will be a fun one.  Debra’s instructions is for the holder only:

Cut:   6  1/2  X  4  ¾

Score:  1  ½  ON ALL 4 SIDES

For back handle:

Cut:  3  ½  x  3  ½

Use small oval for hole, and round corners on one end, then just glue inside

Stampin Up Milk Carton Die

I will come back with my version of this cute box in the next couple of days.  See you then.

Busy busy busy!

So as you have noticed I have not posted for a while.  I have had several changes in my life lately.  In February my father in law passed away then a great friend passed away.

Then my husband had to decide what to do about his employment.  His employment was changing from straight swing shift and was about 3 miles from home to straight graveyard and about an extra 3 hours of driving each day. He decided it would cost us more money for him to work than to just retire early.

I also have had my granddaughter and her mother move in with us, our house is full but I would not have it any other way. 

Since my father in law passed we have inherited many many boxes of stuff and furniture so I have been trying to find places for them.

It has been awhile since I really have been able to create but I have been keeping up with all the new stamps and embellishments.   The sad thing is that I have bought some fun new supplies but have not really had the time to play with them…..hopefully next week I can enjoy them.

I did however make my daughter a thank you card that I had fun doing especially after I found that she loves owls. I hope all the wonderful mother’s enjoy their Mother’s Day tomorrow.

Getting Back To Normal…Whatever That Is

Getting back to normal but what is normal?  I feel that we all go through life wondering what our normal is.

I have decided that I will always have a house full of yelling, laughing, fighting grandchildren living under our roof  and that it seems is our new normal.  What would my life be without my grandchildren and dogs and a dirty house be?

As I look  back on my life and thought I had some really hard trials over the years, I know that we are never alone when we go through life’s trials and knowing that I have my family and friends around me everyday that I can go through whatever life brings me.  I know that some of the little trials I have had are nothing compared to some of my friends and family.

My life right now is wonderful and my goal for this year is to be as positive as I can.  It is real easy to get into the habit of telling everyone that asks how I am doing and I start saying this is going on or that was going on….basically I was always telling others about my problems that I have not given others the chance to tell me how they are doing.

 I have a wonderful husband that loves me, children and grandchildren who adore me and a goofball for a dog that makes me laugh.  My house will always be in chaos but that is my normal and I would not change it for anything else.

 Whatever trials I may have I know others are going through harder trials than I can ever imagine and to those going through these rough times please know you are in my heart and prayers every night.  And for the picture you see all I need to do is look at the serene look of it and it makes me calm.  I love all my family and friends more than you know, Dahlene

Helping a Friend #2

Several weeks ago I decided to help a great friend with some all occasion cards so she can give them away for Christmas.  I did this one for the Birthday card but I added some bling inside the swirls which made it look so much better.  I have more to add soon.  I hope you have a wonderful New Year.

Thanks Dahlene

Helping a Friend #1

I have a very good friend that actually got me interested in paper crafts about 10 years ago, when she had a Stampin Up party back then and I was hooked.  She called me last week to ask me a question about a gift to make to give to another friend.  I told her that I would love to help her make some new cards that she could not make herself as she does not have the die, cricket or punches I have and I thought she might like to play with some of the supplies that I have.

I decided to get some of the card bases printed and cut so that part will be done when she comes and then I thought to make good use of the time we will have that it would be a good idea to have some cards already finished so that I can give her some ideas to choose from.  This is one of the cards that I made…I will show the rest in the next couple of days.  I hope you have a great day, Love Dahlene

 

Get Well Soon

Last week I had some time away from kids and decided to make some Get Well cards.

I really like the way they turned out.  I printed the sentiments on both the inside and out.

I decided that I need to start using my supplies that I already have on hand before I get new toys.  I forgot about this Happy Healing stamp set from Stampin Up.

Silent Night Holy Night

As I was going through my email today I came across this beautiful card made by Jen del Maro.

I love the colors and how elegant the card is.  I have been doing Christmas cards and I can say I am finally done.  I also have been making gifts to give to my neighbors and friends…I guess I am trying to be on top of the rush of Christmas.  I am also trying to get on top of my house cleaning Yuck!

I do have to say I love this time of year when it gets dark and cold outside.  I tend to snuggle in front of my “fireplace”…LOL it is one of those Amish electric fireplaces but it really looks and feels like a real fireplace.  I get into the mood to cross stitch and make cards actually this time of year I seem to do more of everything I like to do.

I hope your Thanksgiving is a great one,

Love you Dahlene