One week to Houston!

Well a week and a day officially. My friend Carmen and I signed up for a class to take at CKC, the bad thing about it, it starts at 8:30 am! WHAT IN THE HEEL WERE WE THINKING? The class is making an acrylic mini album. I love mini albums but have difficulty letting things hang off the pages, even though I know that is what makes them look so nice. I am hoping the class will get me over that fear, phobia, or whatever it is. Carmen asked the other day if I had started packing and I told her "no! That would require me doing laundry". Actually I have a mental note of what I want to pack as far as clothes. If I need scrappy supplies I am sure Carmen will let me know what to pack.

The pool is almost crystal clear now, just a slight hint of cloudiness. My daughter, one of her friends, and I went swimming the other night. The water FELT AWESOME!! I just kept rubbing my legs in amazement of how soft my skin felt. I like that the pump turns itself off and on. The only problem I seem to be having now is keeping the filter clean. With all the dryness we have had I keep getting a lot of dead leaves and dirt from the alleyway in the pool and the pump system sucks it up. Luckily the filter is easy to rinse and reuse so I don't have to go buy a new one every few days.

I did make a layout the other day and I will try to get pictures done tonight and get it posted tomorrow. I might try to do another one tonight, will have to look through my pictures.

Finally Did A Layout! Tim Holtz as subject

I finally got something crafty done! I am simply amazed it happened. Okay the only reason it happened is because I have to wait for the acid stuff in the pool to start working and I can't get in it yet so I was stuck trying to find something to do.

Of course you guys recognize Tim Holtz, Mr. Grunge himself! I got to see him in action at the GASC last year.

Supplies used:
Cricut - Expressions; Stamped cartridge; Printing Press cartridge;
Patterned paper - Tim Holtz Retro
Cardstock - various
Stampin Up - marker
Brads - Eyelet Outlet; Basic Grey
Inks - Cat Eye Chalk Ink; Tim Holtz Distress Ink
Floral Wire









For the name I used Stamped and I used Design Studio to hide the contour on the burnt orange cardstock and then layered the letters on top. I strung the tags on floral wire and gave it a little twist at the top. I also added a few of the Tim Holtz mini staples on a few of the tags. I forgot to take a close up shot of the "king of grunge" but it was done with Printing Press. Both Stamped and Printing Press are retired now, and I am so glad I have them! I love these fonts!

If you have rewards points and like Printing Press it is available for 800 points, just click HERE to see.


The book flowers are some I had made a few months back and I actually used them because I was too lazy to look for something else to embellish the page with.

I have plenty of scallop circles punched out to make some more of these flowers but I haven't gotten around to making up a stash of them. That might be something I can do next week when I feel like making something.




For those who are wondering about the pool update...well it was very cloudy so I had to add some acid to bring down the PH level. The instructions say to wait 24 hours to see if the pool clears, I am not a patient person and I want it clear LAST WEEK. But I am trying to be good and do as instructed *okie figures that needs to be written down on the calendar*. I certainly hope the pool is good to go by this evening as my friend Nancy is coming over to swim. I am going to make some shish-ka-bobs on the grill, at least that is my plan. Dang that means I need to go to the grocery store after going for my platelet donation! UGH! I hate the grocery store!!

I THINK I AM IN LOVE!!

Okay this is two hours after the salt water gizmo has been running. The pool is cloudy but it is not green anymore! So far so good! Will take pictures and post this evening to see if it turns clear for me!

As promised I am posting some pictures of the pool and how it is progressing with the new filter system.

One thing I did learn was that it doesn't do it instantaneously! *okie is such an instant gratification kinda gal*. So these pictures are taken before I started running the pump, which has to run 24 hours before starting up the salt water part of the gizmo.



















These pictures are of after the pump has been running all night. I know there doesn't look like a large difference but there really is. All the scum floating at the top and the leaves were gone, with the exception of maybe just one or two. My old pump would have required several skimmer rinses and probably a few filter rinses as well. This pump is extremely more powerful than the original one! However, the water of course is still green, but a lovely Cricut shade of green don't you think? *okie cracks up laughin*



















For the size of pool I own, I had to add 160 lbs of salt to the pool. It said to disperse evenly *okie really wonders where the manufacture thought people could get a gigantic salt shaker to do such a thing* and I did the best I could by using a bucket and tossing the salt out across the pool. Well I did that until I accidentally tossed the bucket too! The odd thing is that the bucket sunk but then this morning it was floating at the top of the pool! Anyway for the last bag of salt I had to disperse by hand. I got the salt at Walmart and it was right at $6 a bag I believe. I may still have to get the other cleanser thing that I saw, something about baking soda *okie is beginning to wonder if she has a pool or a cake in her backyard* cleaner, I think....okay I didn't really pay attention but I know there is something else I can add if it doesn't start to clear up.

Hopefully tomorrow morning I can post some pictures of a much nicer looking pool!! Everyone keep your fingers crossed!

Questions about my pool

I have had a few questions about my pool on here and on facebook so figured I would just make a post about it.

I bought the Intex Above Ground Pool in May of 2006 from Walmart. My pool is 18' x 48" in diameter. It isn't too large but isn't too small either. Cleaning has generally been very easy. I am looking forward to the saltwater filtration system and will let you guys know how that works out as soon as I get it going. Matter of fact I will take pics of the pool before I hook it up, it is really green right now, and then after I get the filter going so we can see together how well this thing works....let's keep our fingers crossed! HA HA HA

Setting the pool up is fairly easy. I did have some dirt hauled in to help level the ground. Luckily my ground was pretty level. Now with that said I do need to prop up some of the posts again because the poles will sink with time. I have small patio blocks under my posts to keep them from sinking to much. Right now I think the pool might be off by about two inches, last year it was only an inch. Once the ground is level the pool is very easy to set up and put together. It is also easy to take down if necessary.

I did store it in the shed for a few years but it has been up for the past two winters here. Now with me living in town I don't get the winds like some do so I haven't had problems with it being blown away. Also, Oklahoma generally doesn't have bad winters so I wasn't too worried about it. Wouldn't you know it that the last two winters we have had ice and snow! But luckily it withheld and didn't have any problems.

Overall I would have to say the pool was a very good investment! I love to spend time in the water and I enjoy my friends coming over and having cook outs and relaxing in the pool. Also I think it was good for my daughter and her friends to enjoy.

Hope that answers questions you guys might have about the pool.


**EDIT**
I drain my pool about half way for the winter and just leave it uncovered.

I really need to make something!

But I have yet to craft a thing! I did actually get some pictures out and some paper and try to design a layout. The pictures are of Tim Holtz when I saw him at GASC last year in Arlington TX. Maybe I can get the layout done soon. Every time I start to work on something I go off and do something else, what else....well I really don't know!

My pump for the pool is suppose to be in today so I will be busy with that so not sure when the crafting time will come.

I have my trip set for Houston, tickets in hand and just need to figure out if I want to take anything scrappy or not. I am thinking NOT! I figure Carmen and I will just have fun visiting and if I feel the need to make something I can just use her stuff *okie hopes Carmen isn't reading this*. I am really excited to see my friend. We haven't seen each other in a year in a half, although we talk on the phone or text almost daily.

Oh I didn't win the dang TV Saturday night but the good thing is I have another shot this Saturday night. I got this getting the ticket thing figured out. I just have to sit at a table where people are playing big and let them win the tickets for the table. I was able to accumulate 4 tickets for next weeks drawing.

Oh has anyone seen the envelope with my birth certificate in it? I can't seem to find the thing. I had it on the cruise and I know I made it home with it but haven't been able to find it. I got an application filled out for a passport, just in case I decide to go over a border in the future, but I really need that dang birth certificate!! I have also misplaced my social security card *okie glances at Lucy and wonders if Lucy is behind this thinking she can keep okie from leaving her again*. Hmmm, not sure where those things could be but I really need to find them!

Ya think a day bites, only to find out...IT DOESN'T!

And yesterday was one of those days! Not that it was a bad day, and actually it turned out a really good day...so guess it didn't bite at all *okie confuses herself so easily*.

I had finally gotten the pool cleaned out and had been filling it up. In the afternoon it finally got full enough for me to turn the pump on and guess what...it didn't work! C R A P O L A!! I had already planned on getting one of those salt water contraptions today to hook up to the pump but since the pump is out I will be ordering the combo thing. Found one almost $100 cheaper on Amazon.com than what they sell for on the Intex site.

I have my flights set for Houston and a friend of Carmen's was very generous and arranging the flights for me at no cost to me! *okie knows she is really blessed in her life*. So guess things are all set for Houston!! I didn't want to take the thunder from Carmen but I am also excited to finally meet some long time Cricut friends, Laurie and Lori!! No telling who else I might see at CKC. Maybe I should go incognito and just sneak up on folks *okie thinks she really likes that plan*.

I haven't gotten any more crafting done but I did get 81 prints sent to Walgreens today! They have a code of SOAKUP where you can get 30 prints for $3. My total was less than $9 including tax. At least I will have some pictures to scrap!! Good thing since I guess I will need to get some layout kits together because I think I have a crop to go to in Norman at the end of next month. I am not sure about the details and don't really care since Linda, aka LGuild, will just tell me where to be and when. And ya'll know I always do what Linda tells me *okie gives a huge eye roll*.

I got a busy day ahead so guess I better get going. I have a doctor appointment this morning, then have to go to the office for a bit, order the pool pump combo, pay some bills, run errands for Naomi and go visit her for awhile. Tonight I have a date with one of my girlfriends to play some Texas Hold Em and depending on how late we stay out I might not have a post for tomorrow!! *okie won't mention that it probably really won't happen depending on the drink special of the night at the casino*.

Cat with Ladybug - Penny Black Stamps

Of course this is my favorite cat!! Oh come on ya know it would be with that cute little ladybug sittin on his tail!

Supplies used:
Penny Black "In the Garden"
Making Memories patterned paper
Cardstock - Stampin Up, Paper Studio
ProMarkers
Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust
3/8" swiss dot ribbon
Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Memento Ink (for stamping images)
button
twine








I didn't use harsh reds for the ladybug, and I am thinking they were dusty pinks. Maybe the same as the flowers. I was going to use a true red color but with the color of the polka dot paper I thought the softer ones looked better than something bright and harsh. On the cheeks of the cat I used dusty rose. That gave him a nice little blush on those fat cheeks.








For the corner of the card I matted my yellow cardstock and patterned paper and then marked 1.25" inside from the bottom right hand corner. I measured 2 and 3/8" up the right hand side and marked and then cut then so it made a diagonal cut off the corner of the mat. This allowed me to just fold the kraft carstock back onto the card so the polka dot triangle could be attached. I hope that made sense.

The pieces of the polka dot were cut at 1.5" x 2.75" and then cut diagonally to get the triangle piece. For the piece on the front I cut top right to bottom left, and then vice versa for the little corner on the inside of the card. I didn't want to use a full sheet of the lovely polka dot on the inside of the card since polka dot is my favorite and that is why I just did a little triangle at the bottom. I used my atg gun to hold the flap back onto the front of the card. I used a tapestry size needle to use the twine and sew the button onto the card.

Well that is the last of this set of cards! I certainly hope I can think of something else to make this week!

Cat and Watering Can - Penny Black stamps

This is the same image that was used on Monday's post but just looks a little differently since the butterfly was added and the corner flowers were omitted.

Supplies used:
Penny Black "In the Garden"
Making Memories patterned paper
Cardstock - Stampin Up, Paper Studio
ProMarkers
Sakura Gelly Roll Stardust
3/8" swiss dot ribbon
Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Memento Ink - Rich Cocoa (for stamping images)

I didn't mention in the this weeks posts, but I have in previous posts, that I use the Memento Inks with the ProMarkers. I did try Stazon *okie suddenly gets the urge to grab her Stazon ink pad and give it a little sniff* but it smeared when I was coloring. Enfys of GOING BUGGY suggested the Memento Ink to me and I haven't had any problems with it.


Of course the cat was done using the same method as mentioned on Monday, along with the same colors. I think I forgot to add that I did use Cool Grey 2 for the shadow under the cat images. The flower was done in the same pinks as the other cards as well, and the butterfly too.

For the collar I used gold on the buckle and the cornflower and pearl blue for the collar part. The buckle didn't allow for, or need shading. On the blue part I just used the darker blue on the edges and then filled in with the lighter blue. Sometimes it is harder to do shading in small areas.


The mouse was done using vanilla and I believe caramel. I did the watering can with some cinnamon in the brown shaded areas and then used on the collar.

I cut the watering can out after I got it colored and then pop dotted it in the corner. I hate mice but I have to admit this little sucker looks cut peeking out at the cat. Although I am wondering why the cat isn't trying to eat the mouse. I know my cats sure would have been on his azz! *okie smiles a little as she remembers her beloved boys Simon and Sebastian*.

Father's Day - Card, Box and Cake!

ProvoCraft is going to help you out! Here are a few neat fast projects from ProvoCraft that you can make if you are in a hurry but want something that looks great....

FATHER'S DAY CARD













Materials:

• Cricut® Expression Personal Electronic Cutter
• Cricut® Father’s Day cartridge
• Blue cardstock
• Brown cardstock
• Printed cardstock (2 different coordinating sheets)
• Adhesive
• Dimensional tape
• Ink
• Paper cutter

Instructions:

• Using paper cutter, cut blue cardstock into a 6” x 10” rectangle then fold in half.
• Using paper cutter, cut printed cardstock into a 5 ½” x 5 ½” square
• Using paper cutter, coordinating printed cardstock into a 5 ½” x 1” rectangle
• Using Cricut® and Cricut® Father’s Day cartridge and brown cardstock, cut 3 ½” Father’s Day
• Using blue cardstock, cut 3 ½” Father’s Day layer
• Ink all edges
• Adhere layers of Happy Father’s Day
• Using dimensional tape, adhere to card.

#1 DAD BOX

Materials:

• Cricut® Personal Electronic Cutter
• Cricut® Father’s Day cartridge
• Black cardstock
• Blue cardstock
• Printed cardstock
• Adhesive
• Dimensional tape
• Paper cutter
• Box 6” x 4”

Instructions:

• Using printed cardstock and paper cutter, cut four squares 5 ½” x 3 ½” and one square 5 ½” x 5 ½”
• Using coordinating printed cardstock and paper cutter, cut four squares 5” x 3” and one square 5” x 5”
• Using Cricut®, Cricut® Father’s Day cartridge and black cardstock, cut 3” Poker, Can, Money and Pool Balls. Cut 5” Background2.
• Using printed cardstock, cut 3” PokerLyr, CanLyr, PoolballLyr, MoneyLyr. Using printed cardstock, cut 5” #1Dad
• Adhere mats to top and sides
• Adhere layers of all cuts and attach to sides
• Using dimensional tape, adhere #1 Dad cut to top of box

FATHER'S DAY CAKE

Materials:

• Cricut Cake® Personal Electronic Cutter
• Cricut® Martha Stewart Crafts™ Seasonal Cake Art cartridge
• 10" x 5" Cake
• Gum paste: brown, teal, aqua, light aqua
• Buttercream frosting: turquoise
• Food gel: brown
• Toothpicks
• Sugar glue

Cartridge Cuts:

• Seasonal Cake Art cartridge
• eight Fit to Length 5" star borders
• eight Fit to Length 4.5" star banners
• seventeen 1 ¾" circles with stars inside
• two 1 ¾" best dad phrases
• sixteen ½" stars
• 2 ½" starburst
• 2 ½" and 1 ¾" layered stars
• 1 ½" and 2" star wreaths

Designer Hints:

• Cut all images from gum paste, using pictures for color references. Remove excess gum paste from cutting mats and images. Save brown stars from borders. Let gum paste dry so that the cuts can be removed from the mat without being distorted.
• Layer borders, banners, and stars together as shown using sugar glue.
• Layer borders and banners to cake as shown.
  
• Layer best dad phrases together. Stand phrase on top of the cake as shown.
  
• Paint toothpicks with food gel. Let dry. Attach toothpicks to backs of stars. Place on top of cake as shown.
  
• To decorate cupcakes, brownies, or cookies, cut similar icons at desired sizes. Layer together and place on top of the goodies as shown.