I've Been Tagged

I'm in shock! For the first time since I began this blog (my first), I have actually been tagged for a Meme. How special do I feel right now?!?!? (I'll answer that for you...VERY!)

I was tagged by my friend Deb over at MamaFlo's Place with this Meme (thanks so much Deb!) that will let you in a little on who I am behind the curtain of the blog.


Four jobs I've had
Paralegal
Paramedic
Radio Disc Jockey
Seedy Motel Manager (LOL...but I am serious...very Bates Motel-ish)


Four movies I can watch over and over
Forest Gump
Steel Magnolias
Erin Brockovich
Super Troopers (that one's my husband's fault, I swear!)


Four places I've lived
Hope, Arkansas (born and raised)
South Padre Island, Texas
Portland, Oregon
Hamilton, Alabama


Four TV shows I love
Brothers & Sisters
Eli Stone
ER
Saving Grace


Four places I've vacationed
Las Vegas, Nevada (my favorite city!)
Memphis, Tennessee
New Orleans, Louisiana
Seattle, Washington


Four of my favorite dishes
Fajitas (or anything Mexican, for that matter)
Sushi
Tuna Salad (on bread, on crackers, stuffed in a tomato...doesn't matter, I love it!)
Fruit...any fruit!


Four sites I visit daily
Entrecard
Etsy
Craftster
Today's Creative Blog


Four places I would rather be right now
Las Vegas
On a houseboat on the lake
The beach
Cashing a multimillion dollar winning lottery ticket! *smile*


Four bloggers I am tagging
Jean9 @ Lapidary Queen Wannabees
Kendra @ My Insanity
Stealthie @ Life in a Small Town
Kim @ Simply Crafting

I hope you're all having a great Wednesday...mine has been quiet, for a change. I'm working on my Cricut project and hope to have it done tomorrow to share with y'all (thanks for asking about it, Kendra...I really am loving it but would never buy a single cartridge if I had known then what I know now about the SCAL you mentioned.)

I also forgot to mention that for my birthday I got a gift card from my MIL & FIL (the best inlaws anyone could ever want, btw) and I used it to buy a lightbox for taking pics of my Etsy stuff and things for my blogs. How cool is that? The pics are looking much better but I really want to be able to capture the brilliance of the Swarovskis so that's something to work on.

Anyway, enough babbling...I need to get to work on my Wordbook project.

Happy Crafting!!!

Peace & Love,

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Projects and More

Crafty Blog of the Day: Sheree's Alchemy
Sheree has the most enviable fabric stash in the universe! I am uber jealous
but there is a silver lining, she has regular giveaways of bits of her fabrics!
If you sew or just want to check out a great crafty site, check her out
...and drop a comment and tell her Barb the Craft Junkie sent ya!

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I really did have intentions of posting twice yesterday but I had no comments so I decided that since no one was reading that there really wasn't any need to post that 2nd promised post.

Yea, I get a little down when no one says anything...I'm sensitive like that, I guess.

But I decided tonight that it is probably because I've not been good about noting my favorite blogs lately, either. Why should I expect anyone to come and see me if I'm not out there visiting and commenting the way I should?

The nerve of me! Pfft! (Uh huh, I can be a bit self centered sometimes but I'm working on it. LOL)

Anyway, I do want to share one thing I made that I was talking about in my last post.

My oldest daughter is in nursing school and next week is the end of the summer semester so all the students are giving gifts to their instructors. Savannah, my daughter, was elected to pick out something for the head of the Nursing Program, their main instructor...and she asked me to make it for her. All the girls are pitching in to pay for it but Savannah said she knew I'd come through with something beautiful for her very picky top dog instructor.

This is what I came up with...a Memory Bracelet made with glass beads, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. (My lighting does nothing to capture the sparkle of the crystals...it really is very pretty.)

What do you guys think?

I sure hope she likes it. They say she's very persnickety (another of my Southern colloquialisms LOL) and they are all worried since she is the big gun for their program.

The way I see it (and this just could be me), it's a gift...what's she gonna do, say it sucks? LOL Well, I certainly hope she doesn't even think that!

I'm busy lately playing with my Cricut and learning how to do cool things on it. I'm in the process of my first "real" project with it...something like this one but I'm doing the word "Family" to give my inlaws with pics of the hubby, me, the girls, the Chadster, and Noah, the grandboy. (This one was done by JustDucky.)

Although we've not been family for that long in the grand scheme of things (2 1.2 years), they are wonderful to me and my girls & Noah. They have truly become the parents I haven't had since my Mom and Dad died so long ago (17 & 21 years ago, respectively). I adore them and just wanted to do a little something to show them how much we all love them.

I should be done with it tomorrow and will post pics as soon as I'm done.

I'm sorry that I havent' been reading and commenting the way a good friend does. I'm still working through some depression issues but I am getting better.

Thanks for bearing with me!

Now, I'm off to read, catch up and comment some of you guys!

Happy Crafting!!!

Peace & Love,

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Goin' for a Two-fer!

I'm starting to get my crafting mojo back...thankfully!

I actually completed a few things over the weekend that I want to share. One I forgot to take pictures of because it was a last minute request from my daughter that needed a gift for a babyshower...an I got less than 2 hours notice.
(Aren't kids a joy..even the grown ones? HA!)

I managed to make a killer-bee cute onesie that said "Princess" on the front in pink lettering with a little star tipped wand that was scattering sparkles and had a pink bow tied on the handle. Then I put the baby's name on the little hiney area (Aniyah, prounounced: Uh-nI-uh...okay then) and Savannah says it was the hit of the shower. So I guess I pulled that one off pretty well, huh?

I will share the others with you this afternoon. I am actually extremely proud of some of the things that have come from this side of the funk.

Yea, I know what you're all thinking...two posts in one day? Yepper...it's gonna happen.

This craftin' Momma has got the mojo rollin! YEA!!!

Oh, and if you are a Cricut user and are tired of buying all those freakin' expensive carts, check out my link over in my sidebar. I am loving my little toy but it was going to be expensive to do much with it....that was, until I found this program. Click my link (yep, I earn a little if you buy through me but a girl's gotta try to earn a living some way, right?) and check it out. It really is fantastic and I truly won't ever buy another Cricut cartridge...in fact, I'm going to sell the ones I already have since I no longer need them.

And last, before I rush out the door for lunch with the hubby, thank you all for the wonderful, warm, birthday wishes. Not a great one in the grand scheme of things but now that it's passed, I am starting to feel better.

Maybe it was just the birthday blues.

Whatever it was, I do hope it's gone for a very long while. Thanks for being loyal friends, readers, and fellow crafters.

Happy Crafting!!!

Peace & Love,

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Happy Birthday to Me Contest Winner!

TO ME!

We have a winner in our contest, boys and girls! YEA!!!

It really didn't take long to figure who had the most points according to the rules. With points that far outnumber the others, our winner is:

Jean9 who has faithfully commented on every entry (except the last one) since the announcement of the contest, subscribed to my feed, along with posting about it on her blog at:


Thank you so much, Jean9, for becoming such a great reader and friend! That's what blogging is all about, at least to me! Be sure to drop an email to me at : craft4therapy(at)gmail(dot)com and let me know your word/name and color choices, your preference of a toggle or lobster clasp, not to mention the size in length that you prefer and I will begin work on your bracelet.

I'm so excited!!

Now, for the birthday bonus...

Anyone who purchases anything from my Etsy store today, before midnight tonight...Buy any one item and get a second item of your choice (equal or lesser value) FREE!!! Yep, you heard it right...buy one, get one free! You can go ahead and check out after purchase but put the words "Happy Birthday" in the memo section with your item choice for your freebie and I will include BOTH in your order (I'll cover the shipping on the 2nd item).

This offer is good for today, my birthday (until midnight), only! And the only place I'm announcing it is here, on my blog. So it really is a special offer for my loyal and wonderful readers. Just my way of saying thank you.

I hope you all have a wonderful day!

I look forward to hearing from you, Jean9...thanks again! And thanks to everyone who participated.

Happy Crafting!!!

Peace & Love,

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Is it Me?

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Hi all.

I apologize for NOT doing what I promised to do and post pics and results from my adventures with my new Cricut (pronounced Cricket) machine.

You see...not only have I had a horrid stomach virus but it has slowly worked its way through our household (and who takes care of everyone who's sick? Yep, that'd be me!). Now the youngest daughter is in the process of moving back home, the grandboy's daycare is closed this week while the owner goes on vacation, and...well, I have just been slacking from feeling ill and just feeling overwhelmed.

I have been playing with the Cricut and have tons of projects in the works (which I will post, I swear) but I can't ever seem to get enough time to finish anything lately. Maybe it's summer, maybe it's me...I dunno. I just know that I'm having a bit of a rough spot right now.

In the works I have a baby onesie (too cute!), many pieces of jewelry, some auto jewelry, 2 t-shirts, a cool box (don't ask), and three different picture frames. See? Oh yea, and a bench that is half-way refinished. I almost forgot about that.

*sigh*

I also have my contest ending this week so I need to print out all my comments since announcing the contest, do a spreadsheet, plug in the points for each comment, add in the points for everyone that have written about the contest and advertised it, etc., so we will know who the winner is Thursday morning.

Keep commenting, they will all count up until midnight Wednesday.

Also, please keep being patient with me...I go through spurts of depression (and this might be one, I'm not sure) and it often leaves me a little lackluster but I always come out the other side refreshed and ready to go.

Happy Crafting!!!

Peace & Love,

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New Toy

Hi Y'all!

Long time, no write, huh? Sorry about that but life around this neck of the woods has been busier (and more stressful) than a one-armed paper-hanger, as the old saying goes.

I have lots to share with you guys but never enough time to do it. In addition to the new babies, Jasper and Juno (I have GOT to share the pics of them and their little doggie tags I made them), we also got a new (to us) car and then I came down with a stomach virus.

Yea, talk about busy!

But I did get out and about a little this afternoon to have lunch with the hubby and stop by Wally-World to pick up some meds that doc had called in for me....and whaddaya know, they got in something that I have been absolutely DYING for.....

A Cricut die cutting machine! OMG, have I ever been wanting one of these! So, I grabbed it while I had the chance (and before I could change my mind, too. LOL)

I just walked back in the door from town (that's what we say here in the south when we get home from anywhere) and I have sooooo many ideas on things that I can make with the help of this little baby that I am chomping at the bit to get busy with it.

I promise, scouts honor, that I will be back later this evening or, at the latest, first thing in the morning to show you what I have managed to create with my new toy...as well as a crafty site of the day. (Boy, I have been slacking, haven't I?)

Be looking for it, okay?

Oh, and I will post pics of the boys, the new car, AND the purse I made a week or two ago. Just lots of goodies to share with everyone.

Thank you all for being patient with me and not giving up on me...life has a way of getting in the way sometimes. I just wanted you all to know I appreciate your constant friendship and encouragement...not to mention your notes.

Much love to you all!

Happy Crafting!!!

Peace & Love,
Craft Junkie

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Busy Bee

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, contrary to what my absence for the past few days might lead you to believe.

It's just been such a very busy time around our little homestead. This has certainly been a week of changes for us...we sold our gas-guzzling, land-yacht Cadillac and bought a much more economical to run PT Cruiser (with 5 speed transmission which will keep my kiddos from asking to use it since neither can drive a stick shift lol), and we happily adopted not just one but TWO gorgeous, precious and lovable puppies.

This is my youngest daughter, Shelby, holding the boys, Juno on the left and Jasper on the right, while I filled out paperwork at the Humane Society. They are puppy-mill rescue full blood Maltese babies and are just over 12 weeks old.

Darlings of my life, I tell ya. I just love these little guys like you wouldn't believe...and they're so good, too! Already dang near housetrained already, choosing to use outside every time we go and only once have either had an accident in the house. YEA!

How can you not just adore those precious little furballs? lol

Just with those two happenings, I have spend the entire week doing paperwork, running here and there to finalize things, picking up puppies, going to the vet (45 miles away, no less), doing all my regular running for the hubby and the daughter and grandboy...then a dear friend of mine calls yesterday and is passing through on her way to Florida and wants to know if it will be okay if she and her 3 kiddos stop and spend the night.

Sure, c'mon by...we'll be here.

Whew, it's been a busy week.

But I'm still here and hoping to have the busy-ness behind me for a while so I can get back in my studio and begin crafting again. It's been a very productive time personally but totally unproductive creation-wise lately.

I just thought I'd check in and say hello to everyone and remind you once again about the contest. If you don't know about it, be sure to click the icon in the top of my left sidebar and read all about it.

I hope everyone is doing well. Jean9, thanks for being such a wonderful friend and checking in on me. I adore you more and more all the time.

Take care everyone and I will try to post something craft worthy this weekend!

Happy Crafting!!!

Peace & Love,

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Peaceful Holiday & Beaded Anklet

It's Sunday and the house has been quiet for the past three days but the peacefulness is over...the daughter and grandson are back home after a holiday trip to Arkansas to see family for the weekend. I love them but they sure do make the house very LOUD. lol

I did manage to get some things created during the hiatus from noise.

I've been thinking about an anklet lately so I decided I'd create one. I wanted to do one in melony colors but I didn't have any of the beads I wanted to use in pinkish color so I settled for a super shiny silver with shades of blues and greens...sea glass colors. Reminds me of the beach.

I have it listed on my Etsy already.

I also finished another rag quilt purse as well as a matching long wallet to go with it. They are in the washer right now, so I will post pics when I get them dried and read for show. lol

I hope everyone has had a nice, peaceful holiday weekend.

Be safe, don't forget about the contest....oh, and Happy Crafting!!!

Peace & Love,

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Happy July 4th and Thank You

Although I have been crafty the past couple of days, I'm not here to share the new purse or wallet that I made (in a day or two I will, though).

I have lots of new projects and ideas to share with you all in the coming weeks and just want to take a second to tell everyone who visits here often and comments how much I appreciate it. It makes crafting even more fun for me because I'm able to share it with others who appreciate the creativity and effort involved. I may not be hammering out high dollar gold jewelry or designer gowns but it's still MY art and to be acknowledged and appreciated is something makes each of us feel respected.

Thanks, more than you know.

I really just dropped in to wish all my US friends a happy July 4th (even though it's late in the evening) and to tell you all, wherever you are, to have a wonderful and crafty weekend.

Be safe, don't forget about the contest....oh, and Happy Crafting!!!

Peace & Love,

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Sea Salt Scrub

Crafty Blog of the Day: Maternal Spark
There is so much crafty (and motherly) goodness at Maternal Spark
that it's just one of those blogs that you have to venture over and
check out to understand. Be sure to look at the cool cupcakes from a
couple of days ago...and be sure to drop a comment
and say Barb the Craft Junkie sent ya!

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Bath and body things are not normally in my crafting bag o' tricks but I realized that there is this one little something that I've been making for years that others might be interested in...so time to share!

There is a well known beauty and skin care company (I won't mention any names cause they are uber freaky about someone stealing from them or selling their products without purchasing from them...but it's pronounced "R-Bon", catch my drift?)....anyway, I bought this very cool body scrub from my old boss's wife and fell in LOVE with it. But the $28.00 price tag was a bit steep for me and my dollar store mentality...so I decided I could make it myself and began experimenting.

After many failed (and some really smelly attempts), I finally came up with a great and cheap replacement for the high dollar stuff that I like just as well (if not more, since it is wayyyyy cheaper.)

The benefit of it is that I never have dry skin on my arms or legs nor those flaky elbows or knees anymore...ever! Even my feet (and I have diabetes so my feet are of big concern for me) are soft and no longer have ugly, cracked dry skin around my heels. This stuff is a miracle potion for skin, if ever there was one. It literally makes you glow (just don't use it on your face...trust me on that one. lol)

Now, let's get you some made up, okay? And if you need a nice gift for teachers or a friend, make them a nice one in a pretty jar, or even a set if it's a good friend, and they will thank you forever!

Ingredients:
A Jar to put it in, of course
1 cup of coarse sea salt. (It's gotta be sea salt...your grocer will have it and it's not expensive...I pay under $2 for a 2 cup container.)
1/8 cup of extra virgin olive oil, the lighter the better
4-8 (up to you) capsules of vitamin E
2+ tablespoons of water
1-2 drops of essential oil (I love lavender for night-time as it's very relaxing and use citrus for morning because it's rejuvenating and wakes me up...but your scent is up to you and you don't have to scent it if you don't want but why skip it? I don't know why you couldn't add a bit of your favorite perfume and experiment with it to layer your favorite scent that way...but I'm babbling, aren't I?)


In a large glass bowl (cause the scent will permeate a plastic bowl), dump your cup of sea salt. Over the top of the mound of salt, drip your olive oil around (or walnut oil or I have used coconut oil and it is lovely and very moisturizing, but most of us have olive oil in the kitchen so just go with what you have for your fist batch...even baby oil will work.)

Now, add your vitamin E oil by piercing the capsules and squeezing the oil out onto the salt then add 2 tablespoons of your water. I use regular tap water cause heck, that's what I'm bathing in so I might as well, right? Now, add your first DROP of essential oil. Now, using a whisk that you don't plan on using for food anymore or else that you're going to boil the tar out, begin working the oil, water and "scent" into the salt. Mix very well and then look, feel and smell. is it really dry? Continue adding water by the tablespoon until it seems every granule is coated. Is it strongly scented or very faint/light? Adjust the scent to your liking by adding another drop and continue mixing.

Once mixed to your liking, try it on your hands. Wet them, then add a small amount and scrub like you are soaping up, rinse and dry. Nice huh? Yep, I told ya!

To use, I shampoo then use my regular body wash to get clean and finish off by scooping out a little of my sea salt scrub (which, btw, are kept in glass jars in my shower but I keep the jars in rubber drink koozies to keep them from breaking in the shower) with my fingers and begin scrubbing those dry areas and then rinse. It makes my skin silky smooth and leaves a light scent on my skin so that I seldom wear perfume anymore, either.

Let me know how it works out for you and what kind of fabulous scents you come up with, too.

Take care & happy crafting!

Peace & Love,

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