Nothing Else Matters...

The final day of Marit's Top2000 Blog Party!

Wow, that went by in a rush!!! 

I was going to do Eddie again, but

I surprised myself by choosing a Metallica song instead.

This is for my girl KG...

 

 *     *    *    *    *

 

And an ATC for Frantic Stamper using the Paris Tower Stamp

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2013!

Blue Monday

Day 6 of Marit's Top2000 Blog Party!

A song from my days of clubbing!  

Oh, I felt so alternative listening to New Order!

heh!

I don't think they called it "alternative"back then!!!   

 Most people just thot you were weird

: .P

I think this is the longest song I know!!!

Sometimes "I still find it so hard, to say what I need to say..."

*     *     *     *     *

Oh, and another card made using a Frantic Stamp 

and some Graphic 45 papers.

Psycho Killer

Day 5 of the Top2000 Musical Blog Party!  Eek!!!  

Yet another song that reminds me of my past!  

Back in the day, I had no idea what the song was about.  

I just really liked to sing 

"fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa fa far better, run run run run run run run away"

And then there was True Stories...

David Byrne is so interesting!

Did you know that he has a blog??? 

Lots of social commentary there.

*     *      *      *      *

Just asking the question of myself  : .)

*     *     *    *    *

Thot I'd also include a couple of things I did for Frantic Stamper ...

This is made with Frantic's Medallion #3 and white embossing powder.

Another reminder : .P 

Simple, simple Tim Holtz's Classic #1 Set and black ink!

Let's Dance!

Day four of Marit's Top2000 Party over at her blog!

Another song that evokes great memories for me is 

David Bowie's Let's Dance,

so of course its my choice for today! 

Let's sway under the moonlight, 
this serious moonlight...

: .)

Take a Chance on Me

Day three of Marit's Top2000 Blog Party!

I've always loved ABBA!  

I especially loved ABBA's music as part of the movie

Priscilla Queen of the Desert.  

I realized there was a shift in my perception of myself 

when I related more to 

Meryl Streep and Christine Baranski's characters 

instead of the ingénue (Amanda Seyfried) 

in the movie Mamma Mia! 

where I also enjoyed ABBA's music.

I love Erasure's version of the song...

*     *     *     *    *

: .)

Ray of Light

Day two of Marit's Top2000 Party over at her blog! 

Madonna's Ray of Light was my song choice today. 

Madonna and I have a long history together : .)

So many of her songs are featured in the highlights of my life...

 

My girl here is holding the universe in her hands...

: .)

I hope you had a great day yesterday!!!

I can't help falling in love with you...

Marit's started the Top2000 Party over at her blog!  

I like to make an entrance, so I'm fashionable late... 

(Not really, but it sounded good, yeah?! LOL!)  

Actually, I went across the street at 6 am to see when Starbucks was gonna open, 

locked myself out of my house.

I wasn't able to get my spare key 'til my friend got up. (Two hours later!)

This was coupled with my garbage disposal breaking down yesterday,

NO WORRIES, RIGHT?!

I did get in a great walk and watched the sun come up.  

*     *     *     *     *

Today from the list, I chose UB40's "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You"...

This song reminds me of my first love in high school...sweet!

oh and hey,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

: .)

Before the Music Ends

Not sure how to start this post considering the tragedy that occurred yesterday

of babies (and adults) being senselessly murdered in Connecticut. 

What the hell is going on in our world??? 

Peace be with all the families affected...

*     *     *     *     *

In other news, Scrapping the Music has decided to close down the challenge blog.  

With the year end, we say goodbye to the 5 1/2 years of inspiration. 

I've  enjoyed and appreciated all that participated during my run on the design team.  

There was some fabulous work created.
I'm so happy for the friendships made.

I also appreciate that STM helped me to express my feelings via art, 

in times where I couldn't find words.

There is related good news. 

Michelle has established a flickr group

to help motivate your musical muse... 

Art Inspired by Music

This will be a casual and fun place to post musically inspired work, 

have discussions, concert reviews and photos.  

Please join the group!!!

Here's my final Scrapping the Music piece based on Harry Connick Jr.'s song  

When My Heart Finds Christmas, 

which Patricia hooked me up with last holiday season.  

When its over, it isn't really...Keep the faith.

Scrapping the Music - Try Everyday by Transistor Radio

The newest challenge is UP at Scrapping the Music! 

The song is Try Everyday by Transistor Radio and the challenge is 

by special request by the musician himself!!!

Please go check out the story behind the challenge, 

it tells of the how the artist's came to find to Scrapping the Music!
You can also see how the design team was inspired by the song!

[Synchronistically, Sharon Wheat is one of my very favorite artists

and I've had the pleasure of meeting her in real life!!!]

The title of the song was my inspiration.

 It made me think of this blog's name, 

"Trying to Grab Some Happy..."

which I try to do every day!

The photo is from HAPPY HOUR at 

Clark & Lewis on the Willamette River, downtown Portland

where my girlfriend's husband ordered 

EVERYTHING 

on the happy hour menu! 

Boy was I happy!!!!

: .)

 

So inspired!  I hope you are too, come and play along!!!

Flower Power

I wanted to make this mirror, which I saw on Addicted2Decorating.

(Link to the DIY on the photo below.)

Then, I got an idea...

I had to do something with all those Starbucks stoppers I was collecting!

(I just love that Mermaid!)

Particle board ring/wreath from Michaels, hot glue, gold craft spray paint, mirror...that's it!!!  

It does need a hanger.

Easy peasy!

Migrating Souls

My friend Nyla posted this picture along with a little blurb about
Dia de los Muertos on on my Facebook wall...

She presented a little challenge about me making "a much cooler" monarch and soul courier...

So, I accepted the challenge 

and turned this,
with a little inspiration from Tim Burton & the Corpse Bride:  

Into this...

: .)

When Halloween and Dia de los Muertos Collide

This layout is made using the Authentique Glowing Collection available at Frantic Stamper.

13 ATCs of Halloween - Feast of the Dead!

Darkness falls across the land,

the midnight hour is close at hand,

creatures crawl in search of blood,
To terrorize y'alls neighborhood...

The foulest stench is in the air,

the funk of forty thousand years,
& grizzly ghouls from every tomb,

are closing in to seal your doom.

And though you fight to stay alive,

your body starts to shiver.
For no mere mortal can resist...
The evil of the thriller!!!

ah hahaha!!!

o.k. this isn't exactly an ATC.

 I wanted to use a Tim Holtz embossing folder and 

my Grateful Dead art stamp (mfg. unknown).

The bats are Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers.

Happy Halloween!!!

13 ATCs of Halloween - 2

A vampire's kiss...

oh Edward!  how you sparkle!

; .P

Fangs - Inkadinkadoo Clear Stamps - Creepy Face Set
Alphas - Martha Stewart
Stars - I think this is an All Night Media stamp

13 ATCs of Halloween - 3

Death Grrl!

Death Girl Stamp - Unknown

Make Me Immortal - A Stamp in the Hand

13 ATCs of Halloween - 4

hee! hee!

Singing Skelly - Unknown

Web - Rubber Stamps of America 

Thinking of all my East Coast friends!!!  
I hope you stay safe & dry!!! 

13 ATCs of Halloween - 5

PunkerBell!!!

Even Tink dresses up for Halloween!

(Some people object to changes to their favorite iconic images, 

but I think its so clever, LOVE!)

You can't see this, but she has tiny Smees on her socks!!!

There are a ton of sources for this image, its been edited many times, so I have no idea who the orginator is for credit...

Alphas - Zettiology

 

13 ATCs of Halloween - 6

 Prepare yourself for the zombie apocalypse!!!

Heads - Daniel Torrente for Stampotique

13 ATCs of Halloween - 7

Oh BATS!!!

Bat - Meer Image

: .)

13 ATCs of Halloween - 8

This gallery is where you see paintings of some of our guests...

As they appeared in their corruptible, mortal state!

Hurry back...Hurry back! 

Be sure to bring your Death Certificate if you decide to join us...

Make final arrangements now...

We've been DYING to have you...

Jolee's Boutique Stickers
Dialog from Disney's Haunted Mansion ride

13 ATCs of Halloween - 9

What do Hello Kitty, Elvis, and Madonna have in common?

Big Elvis - Penny Power for TooMuch Fun Stamps

Little Elvis - unknown, maybe RubberBabyBuggyBumpers

Elvis Quote - Vegas Stamps

 

Madonna & Quote - Stampa Barbara 

Absolutely nothing...heh.

13 ATCs of Halloween - 10

Bats - Hero Arts

Ballerina - Edward Gorey for Kidstamps

 

Melanchollarina

: .)

13 ATCs of Halloween - 12 & 11/Making Vino

If you read Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books 

(on which HBO's True Blood is based), 

 you'll understand ATC #12,

This explains the sightings... heh.

Elvis - Penny Power for TooMuchFun Stamps

Cat - Judikins

Dare - Alice in Rubberland

ATC #11 has one of my most favorite stamps on it...

 Turns out this is a Grateful Dead skeleton, I did not know! : .)

Will he magically fix this broken heart???

Skeleton - Not sure who's the mfg.
Alpha - Zettiology Rubber Stamps
 
*     *     *     *     *

I love drinking wine.

I'm really interested in knowing the process of making wine.

My co-worker Barbara, her sis and brother-in-law, 

and a group of friends comprise

Dragoncrest Wines.

Today I was invited to participate in the their grape crush...

Its hard and messy work, but I had so much fun!

There was a lot of wine to drink too, 

sips of cabernet savuvignon, cab franc, pinot noir.

We started by toasting the grapes with champagne...

Empty barrels.

Barbara in front of the crusher/stemmer.

 Lots of Chiefs, contemplating the work to be done...

First grapes out of the crusher.
Picture three people huddled over this chute,
 picking stems and leaves out of the crush as fast as they can.
My back hurts just typing that!!!

BUCKET!!!

Barbara supervising the Chiefs!

I got a bottle of Dragoncrest Zin to bring home!

I'm so special & sticky : .P

13 ATCs of Halloween!!!

So yeah, I had intended to do 13 ATCs of Halloween, but predictably, I'm a day late!!!  

Counting backwards, here's thirteen!  

That's a hand carved grim reaper from Tyggereye's etsy, 

but I don't know if she has a shop anymore.  

Isn't he cute tho'?!

TRICK OR TREAT!!!

Scrapping the Music - Iridescent

This round's challenge at Scrapping the Music is brought to you by me!

I chose the song Iridescent by Linkin Park...

Every time I hear Iridescent, I think of my friend Esther.  
I couldn't choose just some of the lyrics to work with 
because I feel all of them apply to her situation, 
so I typed them out and printed them to use in the background.
(Inspired by the first piece I did as a participant at Scrapping the Music 
and Van Gogh's Starry Night.)

My piece is in honor of her and the challenges she faces every day, battling breast cancer.  

The prompt this week is "what song brings out the rebel in you?"  (Right, just a little juxtaposition!)

What immediately comes to mind is Rebel Yell by Billy Idol!  

Or maybe one of the songs from the Transformers or Matrix series of movies.  

Recently, my rebel moments occur when I hear this song on the radio...

Pound the Alarm, by Nicki Minaj.   

EXPLICIT!  Lots of bootie shakin' going on here!  

Its the music and the bass beat that moves me!  

I always hear it in the car on my way to or home from work, 

& I just have to bop in my seat! 

Yeah, come by, check out the Design Team's work, and play along!!!

Get Spooked!

Finally getting around to my holiday decorating!  

Geez!  I guess better late than never, right?!

I think this is a funny example of "staging".  

I'm forever MacGyvering backgrounds that have serious structural integrity issues.  

You think you've got it going on and then this happens...
The glass pumpkin, of course looks fantastic in this shot!

Here's that Halloween card from my previous post, 

I added the dancing skelly, I think it just makes it better!!!

I had a grand idea to paint this wreath Dia De Los Muertos style, 

but time keeps ticking into the future and 

I've pretty much run out of it to get this project completed. 

There's always next year, yeah?!

Its still pretty cool in its natural state!!!
I better not forget to turn it off at night,
I'd hate to "surprise" myself  the next morning
with red glowing eyes in the dark!

Final Day of the Frantic Stamper Precision Die Blog Hop!!!

 Today is the final day of the the Frantic Stamper Design Team blog hop

celebrating Frantic Stamper's new line of precision dies! 

These dies are really easy to use:

• no measuring needed 
• hundreds of layout possibilities by combining dies,
• the square "punch-outs" can be used to create layered elements, mosaics, etc.,
• the square "punch-outs" can be cut diagonally to make easy corners,
• you can turn the square dies on the bias for neat "diamond" effects,
• they're great for the "highlight" technique,
•  and they're great for making shaker cards!!!

 *      *      *      *     *

 WELCOME!!!

If you have arrived here from the Frantic Stamper blog,

moving along, please visit Lis Whiting's blog next.

If you like to dance to the beat of your own stamping & creating, 

you can visit the other design team members at your leisure:

Lis Whiting's blog...Made for Paper

Jennifer Willis' blog...Outside My Window

Kathy Berger's blog...Paper Fanatic
Sharon Jeff's blog...Just Me and Them  
Frantic Stamper blog 

Ultimately, make sure you visit the Frantic Stamper blog 
as Fran is offering Blog Candy for this hop; 
either Set #1 or Set #2 of the square dies, 
Winner's choice!

You'll need to leave a comment over at the Frantic Stamper blog
about one of the items you see during your hop
in order to be in the drawing for the give-away.
 

The winner will be chosen randomly from qualified entries 
on Thursday morning, 
and will be notified via the blog sometime that day.

Card details: Magenta Bee Collage, 
Frantic Stamper's Precision Die, Series #3 Quad Size Square, 1",

and Frantic Stamper's Precision Die, Series #3 Double Sized Rectangle, 1".

: .)

Frantic Stamper Precision Die Blog Hop!!!

WELCOME!!!

Today is day number 2 of the the Frantic Stamper Design Team blog hop
celebrating Frantic Stamper's new line of precision dies! 

As mentioned previously, these dies are really easy to use with
cutting systems similar to the Big Shot:

• you don't have to measure
•  there are hundreds of layout possibilities by combining dies,
• the square "punch-outs" can be used to create layered elements, mosaics, etc., as well as
cut diagonally to make easy corners, 
• turn the square dies on the bias for neat "diamond" effects,
•  and they're great for making shaker cards!!!

 *      *      *      *     *

If you have arrived here from the Frantic Stamper blog,

moving along, please visit Lis Whiting's blog next.

If you like to dance to the beat of your own stamping & creating, 

you can visit the other design team members at your leisure:

Lis Whiting's blog...Made for Paper

Jennifer Willis' blog...Outside My Window

Kathy Berger's blog...Paper Fanatic
Sharon Jeff's blog...Just Me and Them 
Frantic Stamper blog 
 

Please make your way back to the Frantic Stamper blog 
as Fran is offering Blog Candy for this hop; 
either Set #1 or Set #2 of the square dies, 
Winner's choice!

After returning to the Frantic Stamper blog 
leave a comment 
about one of the items you see on the hop 
to enter the give-away. 

The winner will be chosen randomly from qualified entries 
on Thursday morning, 
and will be notified via the blog sometime that day.

Card details:  Frantic Stamper's marble background stamp, 
stamped with VersaMark watermark ink,
 a Frantic Stamper cameo,
and a bit of white tulle

: .)