Sally Jean Soldering Workshops

Yeah!!! I got a spot!!

When I first found out about Sally Jean having soldering workshops in San Diego I got so excited but I hesitated so that I could check the finances with hubby.

Boy was that a mistake!!

All the classes were full :-(

So, I put my name on the waiting list and then thought positive thoughts, prayed, thought more positive thoughts and POOF!!

Sally Jean added more classes!!

I told hubby, and he booked me a class.

I feel so lucky.

There might still be a few spots available.

She just announced the added classes today.

Check here

It would be so fun to be able to meet some of you lovely ladies in person.

Good Luck!!

Tussie Mussies

I have always been enamored by Tussie Mussies (or cones).

I love them.

I have always wanted to make them.

I finally did!!

First, I was inspired by Halloween. I love this German Silver Glitter.I added a vintage Chandelier crystal to the bottom and some velvet ribbon and a chenille stem.

Then, of course I had to make a pink fru-fru one.

I took a piece of vintage floral wallpaper and framed it in this premade silver frame.

I think it turned out sweet. I had to line the back edges with velvet ribbon because they stick out away from the cone and you could see the glue.

I didn't want any nasty bits showing.

I accented my Tussie Mussie with some vintage lace, vintage velvet flowers, and vintage rhinestone chain. Voila!!

I don't know why I waited so long. These were so quick and easy.

I guess sometimes we make things seem bigger in our heads than they really are.

If there is something you've been wanting to do for a while, do it!!

You'll probably be surprised at how great it works out.

Have a super weekend,

Cari

A Christmas Treat in August

A few weeks ago Michelle from lifeonthisgoodday hosted a Christmas in July blog party and had a wonderful giveaway. I was lucky enough to win one of your fabulous prizes (She gave 3 different items away).

Look at the amazing goodies I got. See the vintage doll head pick?

She was even nice enough to contact the winners to find our their color preferences. Isn't she just the best!! She is such an amazingly talented artist and such a sweet and wonderful person.

So, anyway, after I won, I couldn't wait. I got so excited!! I checked the mail everyday full of anticipation. It came yesterday!! Yeah!!

25 for Christmas Day!!

I was able to calm myself enough to grab the camera and take a few pictures.

This is how beautifully packaged it arrived. I did not want to open it, but, I sooooo wanted to open it. Well, of course, I opened it!!

Love, love, love the Reindeer!!

Look how sweet it is all set up. I GASPED!! Even my daughters swooned a bit which is saying something because it's not always easy to impress teenagers.

Look at the yummy ribbons, some crotchet lace, and some velvet rick-rack.

So, I was torn about taking it all apart but, I had to show you everything. Then, I packaged it all back up, put it back in the cellophane bag, and thumb tacked it to my inspiration board whole. Right in front of where I sit. I am just not ready to use it yet. I'll probably grab little bits out at a time and try to make the initial package "look" last as long as possible.

Thanks again Michelle!! YOU ROCK!!

make sure you check out her blog and store. Yummy!!

Back to School

Well, summer is officially over for me. Boo hoo!!!

Three of my babies went back to school yesterday.

Despite the look on my sons face, he is actually pretty excited to be there.

I got super duper lucky this year and got 2 of the most amazing Elementary school teachers ever!! My youngest daughter also got a rockin Jr. High schedule. All the classes she wanted and one of her best friends in EVERY class.

But, boy am I going to miss those crazy kids while their at school.

But, we had lots of fun this summer.

Here's a peak:
This is where we spent MOST of our time, even though it hasn't been anywhere near as hot as our summers usually are.

We spent tons of time here too. Disneyland is our favorite place and our one GIANT splurge during this time of doing without so many other things. We really love visiting the old cartoon room. Check it out if you get a chance. It's on Main Street, and it's a great way to wait out the crowd when a parade ends.

This was the other place we spent a lot of our time this summer. We usually go to Corona Del Mar with Daddy. But, this year I took the kids to the Balboa Pier area. More Boys!! Hey, that's a big consideration when you have a 16 year old girl. The lifeguards would put up a sign with arrows, and on one side were the "Skimboarders" and the other side "Swimmers". We would sit right on the line so the little ones can play on the waters edge and my oldest could check out the hotties at the same time. Everyone was happy!! (Which is really rare!)

We also did lots of "Free Movie Tuesdays"

Well, that's a wrap on our summer adventures.

We did lots of fun stuff but the best part was just being with the kids.

Now, on to crafting un-interrupted!!

A Fabulous Swap Opportunity

Harley at KoalaFuzz is hosting a 13 Days of Halloween Swap

She has rounded up some sponsors to donate prizes for her swap.

How exciting!! So, if you sign up for her swap, you not only get to have a fabulous partner and lots of goodies swapped. But, you also get the chance to win a fabulous prize from one of her sponsors.

Well, she found me on etsy and asked if I would be willing to donate. Of course, I said "Yes!".

Here is the little item that she asked if I would donate.

So, if you like what you see (heck, even if you don't), hop on over and sign up and check out the prizes from the other sponsors. I think some of them are offering discounts in their stores to participants. I know I am.