Hi there friends!

I have been so sick!  The "funk" finally caught up with me.  You know the one... many of you have had it.  It's not the flu,  but you still feel like yuk.  Sneezing, itchy eyes, you think you have allergies.... then the fever and headache!  NIQUIL take me away!!!!!!

Well that's where I've been.  I've not been able to craft or anything, but I did get a new X-ACTO knife and I love it!    I always had trouble holding the regular kind. They always wanted to slip out of my hand.  Not this beauty!  Now I want to cut everything! hahaha

About a month ago, my friend Teresa and I went to a quilt show in Orlando.  It was a great "girls" day out!  We took a few pictures of the quilts we liked, talked & admired the quilts.  Here are a couple.  I love cats so you know I liked this one.  And the other one, I thought of my mom.  She is a taylor, and there were always sewing machines (I only have 3 myself), fabric, notions and more around. I learned to sew on a sewing machine before I went to first grade. I guess my love of paper and colors isn't too far off from fabric.  (I still love fabric - our secret...right?)

HAVE A BLESSED DAY!! 

And thanks for stopping by.  When I feel better, I will share some things I get made... I want to try some HEARTFELT CREATIONS flowers!

My New Obsession - mini albums

I have wanted to make mini albums for ages!!  They are so detailed and beautiful.  Then add photo's and journaling and it is a one of a kind, completely custom album.

And my friend Lauren, who does some AMAZING albums, came over before Christmas and helped me get started on a Christmas one. But being the procraftinator I am, it is still a work in progress.  But THANK YOU LAUREN! One day when it's done...you will be proud of me!!  But in the meantime, I'm still learning all I can!

Maybe someday Lauren will let me share some pictures of some of her mini albums. And when I get THIS one done, I will share with you.

Front page:

Spine:

Flat out:

Back of album:

I had also been looking at the mini albums in my friend Kathy's craft store, CREATIVE HANDS  - in Spring Hill, for ages.  I told her when she does another class - I'm in!  She does a different technique than Lauren does. 
And ME being ME,  I want to know as much as I can!!

So last week was the class.  There were 5 of us and we worked on our albums and chatted and just had  F U N.  That's what crafting is all about!  Right??

And without further delay, here is my album from last week.  Using Graphic45 PORTRAIT OF A LADY paper, and many different brands of embellishments.  I hope you like it!

This is Kathy:

Front page:

 

Back of album:

Thanks for a great day Kathy!

And thanks to all who stop

 by to check out my blog! 

Have a great day!

Look what I accomplished over the weekend!

I am slowly but surely getting back to my card making.  I know making 2 cards from a Paper Pumpkin kit doesn't sound like much, but believe me, it is.

Thanks for stopping by.  And have a great day!

WOW - let's catch up!!

Hello!!!!

Well, it's been a long time since I posted. There is so much that has changed in my life.  I tried to go over my page and update the best I can. 

During this time,  our son Brad (Brad-Tom) passed away August 27th, 2017.  He was 37 years old and we still don't know "what" caused his death.   My heart breaks everyday that I don't see him, hear his voice or get a funny text from him.  I will post more later as I can.  I'm still grieving. And probably always will.  Thank goodness for FaceBook though.  It has helped me so much.  But I will share a photo of him that warms my heart. 

Also,  our 2 cats Sibby and Pita adopted us.  Both homeless, helpless little sweetie pies... We lovingly refer to them as Brad's sisters. He thought that was so funny and called them his sisters too.  They have been such a blessing and comfort to us.  I know God sent them to us, He knew that I (especially) would need them. 

Sibby (the Tortie) found us first, she just showed up one day.  Skinny and needing food and love, we took care of her.  We had her less than a year, and then Pita came. 

Gary was driving home from the Vet with Sibby, and there she (Pita) was in the road.  Gary almost ran over her.  She was  only a couple of weeks old, eyes barely open and only weighed a few ounces.  Needless to say, he brought her home. He did try to find someone that might be missing a kitten. But nobody wanted to claim her. We bottle fed her for a while until she could eat soft food. Both had health issues we had to get cleared up and we had both of them fixed. 

Sibby was having no part of  Pita at first... then in about a week,  just took her and treated her as if she was "her baby."  To the point of letting Pita nurse (Sibby had been fixed and had never had a litter) and then weening her... it was very special. They have a strong bond and still sleep like this very often... when they are not sleeping on Gary or myself. 

Here are some things I've done in making cards in the last bit....

Well,  I'm not going to try to put you into overload.  Just wanted to say hello, hope you are well, and catch you up a little on what is going on with me.  Until next time.... I pray you are blessed beyond measure!!

BIG hugs!!  Tona

Hello fellow stampers and card, scrapbook creators!!

Good afternoon and hello from Brooksville, FL where it's warm and kind of rainy.  Sounds like a GREAT day to get this blog going again. 

I've decided to blog twice per month instead of several times a month, because as you can see, that just doesn't work for me.  So, that being said...let's get down to business!!

Speaking of business.... Yes, I'm still a Stampin' Up! demo and still love their products!   I do use other products sometimes too.  Feel free to ask me about anything.   I'm a crafter... I love to share.

I've updated my side bars with links to my Stampin' Up! site. And notice the one that says Paper Pumpkin.  I love this little monthly kit!  Here is last months kit:

 

Thanks for stopping by....   :)  Leave me a comment and say Hi!
    

WOW!! Long time - No blog!!

Good morning (or good afternoon or night depending on where you are) !!

It's been FOREVER it seems, since I blogged last.  But sometimes "life" gets in the way of doing what we would like to do!

I have gone back to work full time as an operator with a large hospital in the Tampa area. I enjoy it a lot. But 40 hours a week (sometimes more) can kick your behind when you are my age!!  Still, I am enjoying it. After being a 911 operator for many years... this position is a breeze!

I'm still creating cards & crafting.  Just not as much as I would like.  I'm also still a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, but I haven't held a class in about a year.  For many reasons.... but it's ok.  

I'm still struggling with getting my craft room organized.  I think that us just going to be one of my life long struggles.  I need professional help!!  At one point hubby & I were planning a remodel, but we had a couple of set backs, and its on hold for now. 90% of my crafting supplies are boxed up in my storage area, so I'm limited on what I have to work with.  But I'll post some photos of some things I've been working on...Maybe you will get the urge to create something too!!

Thanks for checking in with me & have a blessed day!  Go check out the new Stampin' Up! products & don't forget to check out the weekly specials,  clearance & retiring list!

http://tonawandayost.stampinup.net

hey did you think I had forgotten about you?

Being honest, I kind of have..... I went back to work full time and getting adjusted to full time and days off etc have been making me CrAzY!    I'll get it all sorted and in a routine, but it's a task!! I've not been doing much in the card making department.  I just haven't had time. 

BUT the new SU catty is coming out soon and I can't wait to see what is in store!   

Also, the retired list is out.... so check it out at
http://tonawandayost.stampinup.net/


place your order soon,  many things are selling out fast!!!

Last but not least....HAVE A BLESSED DAY!!