The Apron Chronicles

After doing my post about Susan, I noticed on the Sizzix website that she had a blog about baking/sewing/crafting at http://mymothersapronstrings.blogspot.com/ . I read a few of her posts and was so reminded of a really wonderful outing for Mother's Day 2006. There was an exhibit at the Dallas Women's Museum called The Apron Chronicles http://chronicles.apronmemories.com/ and we decided to have a Mother's Day Outing for lunch and to see this exhibit. It was such a good day... my Mother had Chronic Lymphocetic Leukemia, which she battled for over 23 years. She passed away just a year after this outing and since it was such a good day for her, it is one of my most precious memories.

This first picture shows sister Jean, Mom, sister Joy and daughter Sharon at the Old Mill Restaurant on the State Fair grounds which was by the museum. We had a wonderful lunch with Elvis!

We put on aprons when we went through the exhibit and everybody loved it!  We got stopped and asked about our aprons and it was just such a fun time.  Afterwards we went outside and took pictures.  We were all laughing so much...I thought Mom would fall over laughing.  I still love the memory of her laughter.....

My daughter, Sharon, took this last picture and we decided to "flash" her by raising up our aprons.  By this time, Mom was laughing so hard, she was crying.  What were we laughing about so much?  I don't have a clue.  All I remember is the laughing.

 

Flowers with Susan Tierney-Cockburn

Here I am at CHA with another one of the Rock Stars of my crafting world, Susan Tierney-Cockburn http://www.sizzix.com/shop/susan-tierney-cockburn  .  She is a total phenom with fowers and can turn paper into the most beautiful creations.  They look so real, not at all like my clumsy attempts.  Everything she does is so exquisite and REAL looking.  Not only is she talented but she is encouraging and so very nice.  She took time out of her very busy schedule to talk to us..not just business but to actually TALK.  She is a true gem and if you ever get a chance to meet her, you will be amazed at her kindness and talent.

Here's one of her creations...a FABulous wreath.  EDIT:  after going through many of Susan's blogposts, I found this one on this wreath with closeups:  http://mymothersapronstrings.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-touch-of-spring.html?showComment=1364324857177#c3669722531435856127

Here's my daffodil...which by the way, my little grangirl absconded with once she saw it

Here's the box and flower we made in the class.  We also got a kit with the rose and wheelbarrow cuts to do but I am so slow that I didn't get around to doing it in the class.  But it's on my desk, ready for me to finish.  Also, Sizzix and Susan were TOTALLY generous hosts....as they gave us....for free....the Susan's Garden Tool kit (amazing!), the Flower Seed Pots and the Seed Packet Envelopes.  WAHOOO!!!!  We were also given a container of a wonderful glue for these flowers called Crafter's Pick-The Ultimate.  This was such a fun, fun class and Susan has inspired me to try more 3-D flowers.

Easter card

Here's a card I made for Easter using a stamp set by Inky Antics called Swirly Easter Clear Set .  The scrapbook store I go to (PS Scrapbooks in Allen) had sample cards done with their stamps so I copied the one they had and tried to do the same type of coloring technique.  I had fun doing it and will be doing more with Inky stamps.   I made my own gathered ribbon by putting a swipe of double sided adhesive on the back and just pleating it.  I love how the sentiment jiggles on an action wobble.  I used Prismacolor pencils and a gelly roll clear star pen on the flowers and for some jiggles in the grass.

More Rock Stars from the Crafting World

Here is a picture taken at CHA in Anaheim, California in January.  These are some of my favorite Rock Stars of the crafting world.   Left to Right:  Melissa Cash ( http://inkclinations.blogspot.com/ ), Me, Vickie Dutcher ( http://allidoisstamp.blogspot.com/ ), Joy Hadden ( http://piecesofjoyhadden.blogspot.com/ ) and front: Sharon Fitzgerald, owner of The Cat's Meow ( http://www.catsmeowstamps.com/ )

And here's another FABulous Rock Star who is so talented!  I first met her at the Cricut Stampede held in Frisco, Texas in 2011.  I wasn't able to take one of her classes but was so impressed with the projects done and loved how she interacted with people, showing us her Stamp Maker and just talking and greeting people.  Every time I have seen her at other CHA events, she is always so charming and takes the time to talk to everybody.  I hope to some day be able to personally take one of her classes.  

Edit on 01/09/2014:  Teresa, her husband and her family have been going through some very difficult situations lately and I ask that you keep them in your prayers.  http://teresacollins.typepad.com/teresa_collins/2013/12/update-he-is-home.html

Water painting card using Watercolor pencils

I recently took a card class at Scrapbook Expo in Grapevine, Texas that was given by Melissa Frances Designs...she did not give the class but her very capable assistant did, and it was fun!  My watercolor technique definitely needs some work but it was so much fun and something I will be trying in the future.  My sister and I have met Melissa Frances at CHA and numerous crafting shows...she is so very sweet and such a talent and we spent a lot of time at her booth, talking to her and looking at her wonderful products (and yes, buying some!!).  That is only one perk of being able to attend the scrapbook/cardmaking shows...getting to personally meet the "Rock Stars" of my crafting world!  The darling little girl images are from the Melissa Frances line called "Pearl"