Karen's Monday Musings

I have to say, since I began blogging, running an etsy store, and stretching my creativity, I never really planned to take on anything else in the realm of techie biz. In fact, I resisted ~ dug my heels in ~ pulled back ~ and downright balked at the idea of anymore "postings."

But, at the urging of girlfriends, I gave in to Pinterest. Girlfriends are always right!! Now, I'm a junkie, downright addicted, and depressed when I no longer have time to "pin!" For those who are unfamiliar with this concept, it's really very simple. You wander through bloglandia, websites, retail stores, etc. online ~ see something you absolutely love, want to make, or just use for inspiration and you pin it. This is the all-inclusive, all-in-one-place, easy access, virtual filing cabinet! You can find me and my "boards" at http://pinterest.com by searching Karen Hess.

My Style Pinboard

Pinterest allows members to invite people to join, so let me know if you're interested in becoming a member and I'll send you an invite! This is one place where it's cool to "steal," or re-pin, from other people's boards! LOL

We're looking for new patio chairs and I "pinned" ones that I found at K-Mart

I just knew if I didn't "pin" them up, I'd forget where I found them!! Saves a lot of time, grief, and frustration.

This has been one busy, busy week in the studio with deadlines approaching for swaps. I'm going to post some "teaser" pix but can't show you the real deal until next Monday, when my partners are in possession of their goodies. My sweet friend, Mary in Cape Cod, and I decided to do our very own Patriotic Swap so here's a bit of what I'm sending Mary...

Another swap I just sent off was to Andra in Georgia. We participated in Amy Powers at http://inspireco.blogspot.com Birthday Box Swap (see button on side bar). Here's a teaser of what I sent Andra...

Complete unveilings will take place next Monday!
And while I'm on the subject of swaps, here's my bonanza from sweet friend Tiffany, "The Cranky Queen, for our R.A.K swap! Oh, and she's anything but cranky!

Every day I tell myself how blessed we are to have such a fantastic family and ever-growing circle of friends. This past week Ron received this in the mail from Kenny Lyons, a childhood friend, who lives in Florida with his beautiful wife Jinn.

I tell ya, this slogan is SO my sweet hubby! And he's been MVP in my book for a lot more than just 7 times!! With Father's Day next Sunday I told him I would cruise ALL the aisles at Home Depot with him. I think he secretly wishes he owned a hardware store...hmmm, I don't think he's alone in that wish!

As I sit here on Sunday night at 7:56, getting this missive ready for coffee in the morning, I got to thinking about something. It's 93 degrees outside. If you don't live in the West you might just be asking yourself, "What the heck do those people eat in the summer?!" So, I thought I'd share with you what we had for dinner Sunday night .

a fresh, crisp green salad

some grated cheese

homemade taco meat ~ no package stuff here

ahhh, the finished plate!

Before I leave you, I want to share how my week began. This is from Jeanie Callaghan at All My Art ~ http://jeanieatc.blogspot.com And when it arrives, I will share the pix! Mosey over to Jeanie's blog and see all the fantastic door tags which were created. These ladies are amazing! Have a simply stunning, spectacular, and inspiring week my sweet friends! Thank you for spending some Monday time with me.
xoxo
Karen

MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011

Door Tag Challenge WINNER!

The winner of my first-ever blog challenge is:

Karen of Karen's Monday Musings

Congratulations, Karen! As soon as you send me your address, I'll have your prize package in the mail.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated.

This was so much fun! We'll have to do it again!

I am amazed that working in the studio, with space to spread out and move around, is SO productive! In fact, I find myself behaving like a real grown-up...planning out my projects...hitting the punch list...working until a set time, then "closing shop" and going back to the house. WOW! Those untouched projects hiding out in the closets just might get finished this year!!

Speaking of this year, in 19 more days we'll be officially 6 months away from Christmas...YIKES!

Me, doing what I do best...giving instruction!

Which brings to mind my Junk Drawer Advent Calendar that's "nearly" finished...

And I seem to remember a "12 Days of Christmas" Swap that I signed up for....hmmm, need to follow up on that one.

Speaking of swaps, it dawned on me as I sat to write this blog, that I "owe" you some photos on those swaps in which I'm involved.

This is the Whimsy Pocket I sent my partner, Michelle, in California. The swap was sponsored by Tee of The Altered Paper at http://creationsbytee.blogspot.com/

the Pocket

The goodies

Here's the fabulous Pocket with fabulous goodies that Michelle sent me!

So, I thought...maybe you'd be interested in the "how-to" of making this container ~ so cheap, so easy, so convenient for holding so many things, especially craft goodies, candy favors, party favors, etc.!

Quick Tutorial on Making A Whimsy Pocket:
1. Cut a toilet paper roll 3 inches long.
2. Glue bottom & use cloths pins to clamp until dry.
3. Cover with decorative paper & adhere with glue.
4. Embellish!
5. Fill with whatever you wish! Enjoy! Share!

Here are the tags I made for my former students...the "homework heros" who I had lunch with 2 weeks ago:

front

back

And here's the "Music Matchbox Swap" from my Flickr group "Monthly Matchbox Swap 2011" I sent this to Gail, using a Beatles theme for my creations

the matchbox

mini accordion book with Beatles covers

all the goodies were named after a Beatles song

BIRTHDAYS:
We have a lot of birthdays in our family in June

~ our brother Rich turns 60 on the 26th,

Cousin Dianna celebrates on the 10th,

Aunt Jeanne's got a birthday on the 8th (but I'm told the MONTH of June is her birthday!),

and friends are all over the calendar ~ Turner twins on the 14th,

Betty B. and Judy H. are celebrating right now!!! Happy Birthday, girls!!

Our Jordie is the 15th and Ron B. is the 12th. So, all of you birthday babies need to make your day, YOUR DAY, and eat cake, wear a party hat, have some ice cream, be silly, and let everyone you meet know it's your birthday!! Of course I've been busy with getting some cards out so I'll show you a couple (but can't tell you who's getting what!)

lovely images from Lisa's Altered Art

close-up of the butterfly

And here's another one...

help from Lisa's Altered Art, Paper Whimsy, and Graphic Fairy

A FIRST:

I'm so excited because I got my very first custom order for invitations. Good friends are hosting their annual Season Premiere Party for True Blood. With help from Done4YouPages and some blood red Stickles in just the right places, I think I pulled off some pretty "haunting" invites! Take a look...

MORE CREATIONS:

Some for Father's Day, or dad's birthday ~

Well my dear family and friends, that about does it for this week. The week ahead looks to be a very busy one and I know I'll have lots to share with you next Monday. Before I go, Ron and I want to send hugs and kisses to Chiara and Chris, who got engaged last Saturday {sigh}!! An absolutely darling couple and we are thrilled beyond words for them!

Blessings and love to all of you, especially all those birthday babies! Have an absolutely awesome week and let me know what you're up to!

xoxo

Karen

P.S. I found a great craft that's adorable and "sew easy!" Thank you to Madison at http://madisonavenue2011.blogspot.com/ for letting me post this. Visit her and say "hi" and that you saw her bracelet right here.

trendy chic recycle week! day #3 toilet roll cuff bracelet