Thursday, December 23, 2010

Through a Child's Eyes

My sister just emailed this to me and I cried.  It is so true and I wanted to share it with you.  Merry Christmas everyone!

A tough reminder:

We were the only family with children in the restaurant.
I sat Erik in a high chair and noticed everyone was quietly sitting and
talking. Suddenly, Erik squealed with glee and said, 'Hi.' He pounded his
fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eyes were crinkled in laughter
and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with
merriment.

I looked around and saw the source of his merriment.
It was a man whose pants were baggy with a zipper at half-mast and his toes
poked out of would-be shoes.
His shirt was dirty and his hair was uncombed and unwashed.
His whiskers were too short to be called a beard and his nose was so
varicose it looked like a road map.
We were too far from him to smell, but I was sure he smelled. His hands
waved and flapped on loose wrists.
'Hi there, baby; hi there, big boy. I see ya, buster,' the man said to Erik.

My husband and I exchanged looks, 'What do we do?'

Erik continued to laugh and answer, 'Hi.'

Everyone in the restaurant noticed and looked at us and then at the man. The
old geezer was creating a nuisance with my beautiful baby.
Our meal came and the man began shouting from across the room, 'Do ya patty
cake? Do you know peek-a-boo? Hey, look, he knows peek- a-boo.'

Nobody thought the old man was cute. He was obviously drunk.
My husband and I were embarrassed.
We ate in silence; all except for Erik, who was running through his
repertoire for the admiring skid-row bum, who in turn, reciprocated with his
cute comments.

We finally got through the meal and headed for the door. My husband went to
pay the check and told me to meet him in the parking lot.
The old man sat poised between me and the door.
'Lord, just let me out of here before he speaks to me or Erik,' I prayed. As
I drew closer to the man, I turned my back trying to sidestep him and avoid
any air he might be breathing. As I did, Erik leaned over my arm, reaching
with both arms in a baby's 'pick-me-up' position. Before I could stop him,
Erik had propelled himself from my arms to the man.

Suddenly a very old smelly man and a very young baby consummated their love
and kinship. Erik in an act of total trust, love, and submission laid his
tiny head upon the man's ragged shoulder. The man's eyes closed, and I saw
tears hover beneath his lashes.
His aged hands full of grime, pain, and hard labor, cradled my baby's bottom
and stroked his back. No two beings have ever loved so deeply for so short a
time.

I stood awestruck. The old man rocked and cradled Erik in his arms and his
eyes opened and set squarely on mine. He said in a firm commanding voice,
'You take care of this baby.'

Somehow I managed, 'I will,' from a throat that contained a stone.

He pried Erik from his chest, lovingly and longingly, as though he were in
pain.
I received my baby, and the man said, 'God bless you, ma'am, you've given me
my Christmas gift.'

I said nothing more than a muttered thanks.
With Erik in my arms, I ran for the car. My husband was wondering why I was
crying and holding Erik so tightly, and why I was saying, 'My God, my God,
forgive me.'

I had just witnessed Christ's love shown through the innocence of a tiny
child who saw no sin, who made no judgment; a child who saw a soul,
and a mother who saw a suit of clothes.

I was a Christian who was blind,
holding a child who was not.
I felt it was God asking,
'Are you willing to share your son for a moment?'
when He shared His for all eternity.

The ragged old man, unwittingly, had reminded me,
'To enter the Kingdom of God , we must become as little children.'

If this has blessed you, please bless others by sending it on. Sometimes, it
takes a child to remind us of what is really important.

Remember who we are, where we came from and, most importantly, how we feel
about others.
The clothes on our back or the car that we drive
or the house that we live in does not define us at all;

it is how you treat your fellow man
that identifies who you are.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Give Away

Hi Everyone,

I have two brand new Tim Holtz collage ATC stamps to give away.  They will go to the same person.  Just leave a comment here and I will draw a random name on Monday.  They are Tattered Sparrow and Time.  Here is a picture for you:

 Happy Creating,
Shirley

We have a winner of the two stamps!! Michelle of Plum Tuckered's Paper Plays. Congratulations Michelle!

CCC #24 - Rock Candy Distress Stickles P. 47

Hi Everyone,

You all ready for Christmas?  NOT me!  Almost though.  Here is tag #24 for the A Compendium of Curiosities challenge hosted by the lovely Linda Ledbetter.  If you haven't joined yet you really should.  So much fun and creativity to be had by all.  On top of that you have a chance to win some prizes.  Just click on the link  to the left.  Well what do you think of this one?  I like it.  I made a collage of paper from Tim's Seasonal pack and several of Tim's stamps.  The Santa is not Tim's but I just had to use it.  Love this one and it went well with the Rock Candy Stickles.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

12 Tags of Christmas - Day 12

Hi Everyone,

I have decided to skip again and than work my way backwards.  Here is the very last tag for 12 Tags of Christmas from Tim.  5 more to go for me to finish up.  I'm so sad this is over.  I looked forward to his daily posts of his wonderful tags. So much generosity for not only his time and creativity, there was Mario who gave us behind the scenes updates every single night on Tweeter, the numerous Sponsors that donated prizes for us to win and Michelle who works with Tim and Mario. I thank them all for everything. What a truly great beginning to December.  Tim inspired us to be creative in the midst of the very busy time of getting ready for the holidays.  Inspired us to take a little time for ourselves.  Thank you everyone!  Please let me know what you think of this page. I tried to make it like an old window with lights and decorations.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

Saturday, December 11, 2010

12 Tags of Christmas - Day 6

Hi Everyone,
Well I got my Day 6 tag finished up....we are on day 12!  Only 6 to go.  Does time fly or what.  Anyway, check it out and let me know what you think.
Happy Creating,
Shirley

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

12 Tags of Christmas - Day 3

Hi Everyone,

It took me awhile but I finally finished my "tag" 3. We are now on day 7 so I am one behind. Little bird is taking off with his house on a holiday trip, tree and all. Please let me know what you think. 
Happy Creating,
Shirley

Sunday, December 5, 2010

12 Tags of Christmas - Day 4

Hi Everyone,

Here is my page for Day 4...1 more and I will be up to date.  It is not too late for you to join in on the fun. Visit Tim here.  This is so much fun.  I highlighted the Santa by masking it and inking around the mask. I used Rock Candy crackle paint over the Santa. I like how it ages the picture.  Please let me know what you think.
Happy Creating,
Shirley

12 Tags of Christmas - Day 5...Yes I skipped ahead

Hi Everyone,

Here is my Day 5 page.  I decided to skip ahead and then go backwards.  I used flower soft for the hat. Since I am using grunge for the page I used the dabber where the face would be and then stamped on it. This is really getting me excited for Christmas although I think it will be here way to fast.

 Happy Creating,
Shirley

Saturday, December 4, 2010

12 Tags of Christmas - Day 2

Hi Everyone,

Here is my "tag" for day 2.  I'm not sure I like how it turned out. May do it over after I get caught up with the other two.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

12 Tags of Christmas - Day 1

Hi Everyone,

Here is my day 1 "tag" of 12 Tags of Christmas by the Tim Holtz.  Please leave a note and let me know what you think.  Now on to day 2....only 3 days behind now!  The book I am using for my "tags" is from Tim Holtz.


Happy Creating,
Shirley

12 Tags of Christmas

Hi Everyone,

I don't know about you but I  am beginning to feel like Christmas!  Tim Holtz is having his yearly 12 Tags of Christmas.  Tim is already on day 4 but I got a little sidetracked and decided that I would decorate my book first. So, here is the front and back covers of the book that will house my "tags". I will probably do full pages rather than tags for the most part but who knows!  Please let me know what you think.





Happy Creating,
Shirley

Monday, November 29, 2010

CCC #23 - Double Distress P. 40

Hi Everyone,

Here is my tag for week 23 of A Compendium of Curiosities challenge.  I used Tim's Snowman and Snowflake Alterations embossing folders along with three shades of blue distress ink, some Tim snowflake tape, perfect pearls mist and a little bit of bling.  Please let me know what you think.  It appears that this tag also can be included in the Simon Says challenge for this week since it is "Let It Snow". How cool is that?


Happy Creating,
Shirley

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Pennant Swap

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving.  Ours was great and the turkey delicious!  I am participating in a pennant swap at ATT (All Things Tim).  I finally finished them in the nick of time.  They are going postal tomorrow.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

Sunday, November 21, 2010

CCC Tag Book

Hello Everyone,

Today I made a book for the first 22 tags from the CCC challenges.  I did put a closer on it but as you can see it does not work to well since the book is  so fat.  I will have to figure out some other way. Right now it is the rubber-band.  Anyone have any suggestions for me?

Happy Creating,
Shirley

CCC #21 - Perfect Distress P. 38

Hello Everyone,

I am not totally caught up with the A Compendium of Curiosities challenge. Yippee!!  Here is my tag #21. I like this challenge.  I left it pretty plain so you could see the background.  Please let me know what you think.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

CCC #20 - Industrial Grunge P. 54

Hi Everyone,

Here is my tag for the CC challenge #20.  I am SO late on this one.  I think it turned out really well.  The ornaments came from Tim's Seasonal Grunge.  Please let me know what you think.
Happy Creating,
Shirley

Monday, November 15, 2010

CCC #22 - Alcohol Ink Splatter P. 52

Hello Everyone,

I am still behind on my tags for the CC Challenge but I just had to skip ahead and try this weeks challenge. I LOVE this technique. You absolutely must try it. Please let me know what you think. I used my Alterations Tag die for the tag.  Love it! I used Tim's stamp set Santa's Wish and a ribbon from the Lavish Trimmings and of course his alcohol inks. Now I just need to finish up my other two tags:)
Happy Creating,
Shirley

Saturday, November 13, 2010

CCC #19 - Extreme Masking P. 61

Hello Everyone,

I finally completed the CC Challenge #19.  Only two  more to go and I will be caught up. I really liked doing this one. Very cool technique.  You can learn all about it on p. 61 of A Compendium of Curiosities by Tim Holtz.  What do you think?



On to number 20.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

2011 Calendar Swap

Hello  Everyone,

At ATT (All Things Tim) we are doing a Calendar page swap.  You create a 6X6 calendar page and get back an entire year of wonderful work created by 12 different people.  I am so excited to see what I get back.  Here is the page I created for my month of December. Please let me know what you think. I used Tim's Snowman Alterations die and snipped off his nose so I could get a front view. I really love how he turned out.  Most everything used is from Tim Holtz.  You can see a lot of his new products.


Happy Creating,
Shirley

ATT Monthly Mailers

Hello Everyone,

At a group I belong to All Things Tim, we do a monthly mailer swap taking one of Tim Holtz technique challenges  from 2008 and current month.  You can make whatever you want you just have to use the technique from his challenge.  I participated in this for the first time in October and just finished my November tag.  Please take a look and let me know what you think.  Here are the links to the challenges if you want to try them yourself.

November Technique Challenge

October Technique Challenge


 

Happy Creating,

Shirley

Sunday, October 24, 2010

CCC #18 - Dabber Resist P. 37

Here is my tag for challenge 18, yippee  I am getting it in on time!  I have to admit this was a challenge for me.  For some reason when I wiped off the distress ink from my little snowmen it would take on more of a brown tinge.  I used Tim's new Seasonal salvage stickers again.  On the words I used the Sepia Accents from Ranger.  Same as the glossy accents just not clear.  Let me know what you think.

 Happy Creating,
Shirley

Tag with Claudines new stamps

Hi Everyone,

Here is a tag I created with Claudine Hellmuth's new Studio stamps.  I really like these although I made a couple of mistakes on this first tag.  I shall be getting more sets that is for sure.  I used the long stamp on the ribbon and it worked really well.  This one is the Nature Set.  The saying is from Wendy V.  Let me know what you think.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

CCC #17 - Fragment Charms P. 64

Hi Everyone,

Here is my (LATE) tag for challenge 17.   I used Tim's new facets, Seasonal salvage stickers, his beautiful new ribbon and lace chain.  Also sprayed everything with the Ranger perfect pearls.  What do you think?

Happy Creating,
Shirley

Sunday, October 10, 2010

CCC #16 - Wrinkle Free Distress P. 33

Hello Everyone,

Here is my second tag for the challenge.  The challenge ran two weeks so we are allowed to submit two tags.  I think it turned out pretty cool.  The tree is done with the Wendy's "Clearly for Art." and Tim's Alterations tree die...Love it!  I think the second picture shows the form a little better.  The stamps are from his Retro Halloween stamp set which I just love.  Let me know what you think.



Happy Creating,
Shirley

Friday, October 8, 2010

CCC #16 - Wrinkle Free Distress P. 33

Hello Everyone,

Here is my tag for CCC.  I am so excited to share this with you.  I made these flowers and leaves using the new Wendy V. Art Parts "Clearly For Art".  It is clear that you can cut, color, stamp and the very cool thing is that you can heat it up and mold it however you want.  It you don't like it, heat it up and it flattens right out again.  I love it!  The stamps are from Wendy V.  I used Tim's Alterations Tattered Florals to cut the flower pieces and his ink of course.  The background is with the distress ink pads (check out p. 33 for details) and the alcohol ink for the flower and leaves.  Also used his one of his wonderful buttons as the center in the big flower.  Let me know what you think.





Happy Creating,
Shirley

Saturday, September 25, 2010

CCC #15 - Alcohol Ink Agate on Grunge P. 53

Here is my tag for CCC #15.  Yippee I am getting it in on time!  Ok, this tag has the NEW Rosette die from Tim Holtz...I love it!  To make this rosette I used grunge paper. Yep sure did and it worked out great.  I cut out the rosette with the die and than....well, you will need to check out P. 53 to see what happened next.  I love how the tag turned out.  Let me know what you think. 




Happy Creating,
Shirley

CCC #14 - Masks Basics P. 58

Hello,

Here is my tag for the CCC #14.  I have to admit that I have had masks for a very long time and for some strange reason (and I have no idea what that is) I have never used them.  Can you believe that?  They are so easy to use and they look so COOL!  That is all I can say.  Check out Masks Basics for more details.  Here is my tag, what do you think?  I kept it pretty simple so I did not hide anything.  I added stickles to the heart.



Happy Creating,
Shirley

My 1st Little Tag Book

Well, I did it!  I made my first little book.  I think it turned out pretty good.  This was for a very special person, our group mom over on ATT (All Things Tim).  I also added a tag for her in the book.  Everything but the pearls, a  little dangle, book rings and the actual tags are from Tim Holtz.  Let me know what you think.


  
Happy Creating,
Shirley

Monday, September 6, 2010

CCC #13 - Grungepaper Flowers P. 65

Hello Everyone,

OK, this is a record for me.  Having my tag completed on the day the challenge comes out is a record setting event.  These flowers have had the works. They have paper, embossing, inking and the blue one even has stickles.  Let me know what you think.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Free Alterations Texture Fades

Hi Everyone,

I purchased an extra Checkerboard & Cracked Set texture fades and I would love to give them away to someone that leaves me a comment here on this post.  I will draw one lucky winner tomorrow evening about 8PM eastern time.

Good Luck and Happy Creating,
Shirley

Comments are now closed...thank you for playing.

CCC #7 - Tinted Vision Fragments P. 55

Hello Everyone,

Last post for today...I think!  Here is my tag from CCC #7 Tinted Vision Fragments.  And the adorable child pictured here with the Easter Bunny is my Granddaughter Maddie.  This was pretty cool.  You need to check out page 55 of Tim's A Compendium of Curiosities to see how to do it.


Happy Creating,
Shirley

CCC #8 and #9 - Inking Grunge P. 39 and Distress Crackle P. 42

CHello Everyone,

Almost caught up posting my tags:)  Here is CCC #8 and #9.  The large label is the grunge (Tim's alterations die Baroque) and inside the frame which is also grunge is my distressed crackle window.  I love the crackle.  The stamps are from Stampin'Up.  Let me know what you think.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

CCC #10 - Distress Stickles P. 46

Hello Everyone,

Here is my tag for the CCC #10 Distress Stickles. I added the distress stickles with my finger over the embossed tag. You can see the glimmer in person but it is hard to tell from the picture.  Let me know what you think.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

CCC #11 and 12 - Blended Batik P. 36 and Chipped Enamel P. 44

Hello Everyone,

I am SO behind on posting my tags and doing them.  This tag is actually two challenges in one.  The background is the Blended Batik technique from page 36 and the Ornate Plate is the Chipped Enamel technique from page 44.  Please let me know what you think of the tag.


Happy Creating,
Shirley

Note: I changed my tag a bit.  I decided to go will all the black gems.  Which is better?

Saturday, July 24, 2010

CC Challenge #6 - Multi-Medium Collage P. 66

Hello Everyone,

I finally have my tag finished for the latest A Compendium of Curiosities challenge.  Not last minute as normal with me, actually a day early!!  Miracles never cease do they.  I really like how this turned out.  I used paper from Tim's Retro Grunge paper stack.  Love it! Also used one of his Alterations dies Heart Wings.  I cut them out using Grunge board.  Also used his Admit One die and a couple of stamps from his 100th Anniversary collection.  A little tip for you.  If you take a scissors to the paper and work it like you would do to curl a ribbon, the paper gets soft and you can peel it apart.  I used Claudine's Multi-Medium for adding the paper to the tag and the heart.  Also used it to add glitter to the wings and the crown.  Works wonderful!  Let me know what you think of my tag this week.

Happy Creating,
Shirley

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Class @home with Claudine

Hello everyone,

I am taking a class @Home with Claudine Hellmuth. It is a Big PictureScrapbooking. I am having a great time trying out Claudine's techniques.  I have not been able to complete the projects yet but those will be coming soon.  Here are the pages I have done so far.