tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37705968550476583092024-03-13T13:23:28.778-07:00Sunday ViewLaura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-77653962181151776422016-11-15T12:40:00.002-08:002016-11-15T12:40:48.167-08:00Memories of HomeThe last three years have been packed full of work and challenges. In addition to full-time job, I tutored dyslexic students after work a couple of nights a week and also pursued a second degree in communicative disorders. I had very little time to pursue my creative passions. By December of last year, my husband was in touch with a company that had an opening for a composer/sound designer. After years of being self-employed, he was ready for a change, and on the morning of New Year's Eve, the on-site interviews were being planned. By mid January, he had been hired, and he moved to Reno in February. I stayed in our California house to finish my degree, let our son find a place to live, and tie up the loose ends of life. What I hadn't planned on was doing a cosmetic remodel of our house to get it ready to be leased, which I headed and worked on. Finally after 8 long months apart, I moved to Reno with my husband just before Halloween a few weeks ago. With newfound time to relax and restore, my creativity has now found release. All those things I've saved, packed, and moved are becoming new creations! Here is one of them.<br />
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Notice that it says "Reuse this package." I really took that to heart!</div>
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The front of the box has a window and cellophane. I pulled out my stamps from </div>
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Character Constructions and went to town:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHmlRnvFn7E/WCtwk9rsczI/AAAAAAAAGEU/exZtWD9HFfYu5zYI_63iy7nJXX2KmacrwCLcB/s1600/box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aHmlRnvFn7E/WCtwk9rsczI/AAAAAAAAGEU/exZtWD9HFfYu5zYI_63iy7nJXX2KmacrwCLcB/s400/box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the thoughts on back of the box. For me, creating is play.</div>
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"Follow your own path."</div>
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"To find your creativity, allow yourself to think like you did as a child."</div>
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Here is the finished result--a shaker box that can be put on a tree or placed in a Christmas setting.</div>
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The advent house and deer are stamps from Character Constructions' Vintage Christmas collection. I'm so happy that I overlooked comments of "hoarder" and saved this box!</div>
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Are you a box recreator?</div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b> Laura</b></span></i></div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-38357421069115178262016-11-13T21:03:00.002-08:002016-11-13T21:03:41.123-08:00Reindeer Games<a href="http://www.characterconstructions.com/" target="_blank">Character Constructions</a> has just released some adorable reindeer stamps in the Vintage Christmas collection. Making cards and ornaments with these images is contagious, and of course, we <i>have</i> to name the deer! Today for your viewing pleasure is the elegant Christy Vixen:<br />
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Are you playing any reindeer games?</div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Laura</b></span></i></div>
Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-39638527645080684862016-11-07T01:17:00.007-08:002016-11-07T01:30:59.367-08:00Christmas "Altoid" TinHi friends! For the past 6 months I have been remodeling our house in Southern California and packing our belongings to move to Reno. It has been lonely, grueling work, and I am so happy to finally be finished and to be with my husband once again. When I arrived in Reno ten days ago, some new Christmas stamps from <a href="http://www.characterconstructions.com/" target="_blank">Character Constructions</a> were waiting for me. I just had to take time out from unpacking to make something with them.<br />
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I stamped and colored the santa from plate 7 of Vintage Christmas and </div>
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mounted him on a mint tin from Whole Foods.</div>
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Next I stamped and colored the car from plate 6 of Vintage Christmas and</div>
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added it to a chipboard box that I covered with Christmas paper.</div>
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Have you started making cards or crafting for Christmas?</div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-61208300592595979102016-08-16T12:54:00.000-07:002016-08-16T12:54:00.861-07:00Beckoning Fall with Character ConstructionsI'm so weary of this blazing summer heat, relentless Southern California sun, and overly humid days. I can't wait for fall! To get a jump on my Halloween crafts, I made these little gift bags. Two bags for a dollar at Target, some <a href="http://www.characterconstructions.com/" target="_blank">Character Constructions</a> stamps, and a friend made a hot summer day whisper "Fall, come soon. We are waiting for you!"<br />
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All stamps are from Character Constructions' Bird and Bee Paperie Collection.</div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> Laura</i></span></div>
<br />Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-42570011566996066642016-07-13T19:40:00.003-07:002016-07-13T19:42:39.746-07:00Chalkboard Greeting Cards in the Stamper's SamplerOne of the nice things about the difficult task of submitting 25 pieces of art for the guest artist audition is that there is plenty leftover to publish in subsequent issues! Such was the case with this chalkboard art, which is published in the Summer 2016 issue of <a href="https://stampington.com/The-Stampers-Sampler-Summer-2016" target="_blank">The Stamper's Sampler</a>. I love chalkboard art and had a lot of fun making these quick and easy cards. The stamps are from <a href="http://www.austengallery.com/stamp-plates/" target="_blank">Oxford Impressions</a>,which is on hiatus until Fall. Thank you for stopping by!<br />
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-3165816224821106332016-04-16T14:32:00.000-07:002016-04-16T14:32:16.720-07:00More Pages from My Guest Artist Article in The Stampers' SamplerWith the magazine out, I felt like I could finally post my article. I truly appreciate the warm encouragement and kind comments that so many of you fellow "creatistas" and friends have left me here and on Facebook. While being published is an honor, it also leaves one feeling quite vulnerable. It's hard for me to look at my work in print, as I find that I am critical of the details and also feel that I should have done more. This guest artist issue was no different. I had so little personal time and energy to create the pieces with life craziness at the time, but I didn't want to pass on the opportunity. So I truly do appreciate all your sweet comments!<div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-89206685482572306702016-04-13T21:25:00.000-07:002016-04-13T21:25:04.839-07:00Napolean Button Card Made with Character ConstructionsI love vintage button cards, especially when they have wonderful graphics! This love inspired my Napolean button card made with the Paris Flea collection of stamps from <a href="http://www.characterconstructions.com/" target="_blank">Character Constructions</a>. Can't wait to have loads of play time to play around with more ideas!<br />
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<br />Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-80899164523712244862016-04-09T12:27:00.000-07:002016-04-09T12:42:30.084-07:00New Stamps from Character Constructions: Paris Flea!Enjoying a rainy day inside, I took some time to create this doll from Character Constructions' newest collection, Paris Flea. All the plates are just wonderful, so there will be many more dolls and projects to come! Hope you are having a lovely weekend!<br />
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-6697331585280404472016-03-23T09:44:00.002-07:002016-04-07T13:15:05.146-07:00Guest Artist for The Stamper's SamplerA little sneak peek of the culmination of a 12-year goal (dream). The mask is from <a href="http://www.characterconstructions.com/" target="_blank">Character Constructions</a> Cirque Collection. The Stamper's Sampler will
be out April 1 at Barnes and Noble, Michael's, JoAnn, and some others.<br />
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<a href="https://stampington.com/the-stampers-sampler/The-Stampers-Sampler-Spring-2016" target="_blank"><img alt="https://stampington.com/the-stampers-sampler/The-Stampers-Sampler-Spring-2016" border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-edmFxRZE9kA/VvLHRAORapI/AAAAAAAAF3g/3ZT2wZG1uaY8PeLK8KqdTStzGL-9vg7Cg/s400/guest%2Bartist%2Bpic.jpg" title="" width="310" /><span id="goog_2011106826"></span></a><a href="https://stampington.com/the-stampers-sampler/The-Stampers-Sampler-Spring-2016" target="_blank"><span id="goog_2011106827"></span><img border="0" height="282" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0E403e3OmQg/VvLIN0GojtI/AAAAAAAAF3s/VkZR5aE3MywGbfxCdsT45Jj-Jglt_FBcA/s400/guest%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-41465334998723707332016-03-09T09:14:00.004-08:002016-03-09T09:24:46.447-08:00Character Constructions Collages<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sometimes you plan and work an<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">d <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">dream but </span></span>think the dream could never come true. Well <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a</span> dream come true is around the corner for me on April 1 and it's no April Fool's joke!) The spring issue of <i>The Stamper's Sampler </i>is part of that dream come true. Another dream come true is to be a member of the Character Constructions design team. I have admired the work of Catherine Moore for more than 20 years and appreciate the artist and her kindness as much as I appreciate her work. Recently she created a space for my art on her <a href="http://www.characterconstructions.com/guestart/lauraturner.html" target="_blank">Web site</a>, and I wanted to share the first "collage" with you. Please visit her site for the full slideshow, which just might give you ideas for making your own dolls from her wonderful stamps. <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I never in a million years believed <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">my <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">art dreams would come true. Keep dreaming and planning and working and <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">maybe </span>yours will come true too<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span> I h<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">ope they d<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">o!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Laura</i></span></span></b> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.characterconstructions.com/guestart/lauraturner.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.characterconstructions.com/guestart/lauraturner.html" border="0" height="404" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O0_GZ7_c1M/VuBZrBsaMtI/AAAAAAAAF2s/T-gt32FRYAw/s640/catherine%2527s%2Bmontage.PNG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-44265391328823632142016-02-26T17:08:00.002-08:002016-03-09T09:24:17.934-08:00Winter Issue of The Stamper's SamplerIf you ever find yourself in a creative rut, try one of The Stamper's Samplers challenges, like their "tempting templates" or a theme or color challenge. I find that limiting the scope of possibility helps me focus and produce something much more quickly than if I have no constraints at all. Most recently I created some pieces for a bird challenge, which are published in the current issue, Winter 2016. The goal was general, any style of birds, and I added the additional constraint of keeping with a red and blue color scheme. The stamps are all from <a href="http://characterconstructions.com/" target="_blank">Character Constructions</a>. The paper is from the <a href="http://www.frenchgeneral.com/" target="_blank">French General</a>. Does having a prompt or a limitation help you create?<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i></span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Laura</i></span></span></div>
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<br />Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-9093763510822017102015-12-06T08:27:00.000-08:002016-02-28T11:30:04.823-08:00Christmas Decorating <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What a wonderful, challenging, and busy year it has been. I am now five units away from a second degree, and because I believe you can't turn down opportunities when they come, I took on a new student, a new design team, and recently auditioned to be guest artist for a magazine. In September our plumbing pretty much exploded, and we had an expensive, messy, and time-consuming repipe. Then in October, my 93-year-old mother-in-law took a turn for the worse and passed on Oct 29, which necessitated two quick trips from California to Mississippi. I haven't started decorating this year! I like to enjoy Fall and then begin celebrating Christmas near December 24 and continuing through January 6 - Epiphany. I also take off two+ weeks of work starting around the 19th, and that's when I really get into the Christmas spirit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So for Cousin Cathy, who has asked about my Christmas crafting and decorating, I am reposting last year's decorating. Hopefully I will find the energy and desire to do it again this year!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's filled with santas that my dear mother and I collected through </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the years. I celebrated her with each piece I unboxed and placed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These great vintage lights and boxes were a surprising find from </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">weekend thrifting with my friends Christel and Heidi. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The centerpiece for my kitchen table with vintage ornaments and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">beaded garland and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Tom and Jerry cups.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A display of my cards and decorations I put together with thrift shop finds:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A few years ago I discovered <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_and_Jerry_%28cocktail%29" target="_blank">Tom and Jerry punch bowls</a>, and </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">it </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">has been a love thing ever since:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You might say that I'm quite addicted. Christel </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">found this chocolate brown</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> set for me at the the thrift shop last weekend. I LOVE it, especially against </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the light oak of my mother's favorite piece of furniture. (I have </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">more Tom and Jerry pieces, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">but that will have to be for another day, lol!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a creche that I created from a TJ Maxx find and an image from an </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">angel calendar. The figures are hand-carved from Austria--a gift throughout </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">many years from my dear sister-in-law:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I did my Christmas tree in red and gold with a few House of Hatten ornaments:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">House of Hatten was around 15 or more years ago. My mom and I </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">collected these together--another reminder of the fun we used to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">have with our after Christmas shopping.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not House of Hatten, but I just love these snowballs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another view of the tree:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christmas in the City. What haven't I collected? Lol!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWelubduSAw/VJji9n1vk8I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/bzG2cX57TZg/s1600/dickens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AWelubduSAw/VJji9n1vk8I/AAAAAAAAFQ8/bzG2cX57TZg/s1600/dickens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the sideboards in my family room. I have a lot of these! lol! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The decorations are minimal as the hand carving and stained </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">craftsmenship of the past. My paternal grandmother's clock is a focal point:</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K_tb2kSIzIM/VJsEHF3fv1I/AAAAAAAAFTw/nhfLk9MkphA/s1600/IMG_9568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K_tb2kSIzIM/VJsEHF3fv1I/AAAAAAAAFTw/nhfLk9MkphA/s1600/IMG_9568.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess I should have started with the entry first,but I spend </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBDo9r_6L5w/VJj9RULwHwI/AAAAAAAAFSA/KKLz0FtLCy0/s1600/door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBDo9r_6L5w/VJj9RULwHwI/AAAAAAAAFSA/KKLz0FtLCy0/s1600/door.jpg" width="382" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The chalkboard door hides a closet that used to house our furnace, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">which now resides in the attic. This little closet makes a nice pantry. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really do have to improve my chalkboard lettering!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYUGlf-3_Ho/VJj9R0abdFI/AAAAAAAAFSE/N0Db2NKuGDs/s1600/door2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iYUGlf-3_Ho/VJj9R0abdFI/AAAAAAAAFSE/N0Db2NKuGDs/s1600/door2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These vintage silverplate pieces are thrift shop finds that I painted with </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The tree in my craft/tutoring room full of vintage ornaments and </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_FhhRQvV0_o/VJjjIVpI3mI/AAAAAAAAFRo/9SD5ds7DO-A/s1600/white%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_FhhRQvV0_o/VJjjIVpI3mI/AAAAAAAAFRo/9SD5ds7DO-A/s1600/white%2Btree.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a great way to celebrate a good and busy year! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wishing you peace and joy throughout the holidays and all through the new year</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Laura</i></span></div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-31581719156610269792015-10-27T10:18:00.001-07:002015-10-27T10:20:12.255-07:00Time for Some Halloween Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For me, Halloween is about laughter and playfulness on a crisp fall evening. I love the excitement of the little pirates, princesses, nerds, bumble bees, and skeletons rushing to my door for a handful of sweet treats. And later come the older kids who are so happy to be appreciated and recognized for their costume's cleverness and creativity.<br />
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My way of celebrating my favorite season and holiday is to create. I made a variety of
pieces around the theme of vintage Halloween games that was recently published in the Summer 2015 issue of <i>The Stamper's Sampler. </i>I hope that you enjoy these pieces and that they will inspire your vintage and Halloween muse!<br />
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These cards were made with two of my favorite Character Constructions sets from the Bird and Bee Paperie collection:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvCx4FLsB1I/Vi-szaFgG6I/AAAAAAAAFyE/LKbWbqBWVYQ/s1600/lt88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvCx4FLsB1I/Vi-szaFgG6I/AAAAAAAAFyE/LKbWbqBWVYQ/s400/lt88.jpg" width="242" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ACCRCrg2Qw/Vi-s0zVlKVI/AAAAAAAAFyM/amqm-NlZHug/s1600/lt99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ACCRCrg2Qw/Vi-s0zVlKVI/AAAAAAAAFyM/amqm-NlZHug/s400/lt99.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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I made this little ball game using stamps from Oxford Impressions with a special bonus pearl for extra points. Are you old enough to remember these? I am (but just barely)!<br />
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To complete the theme of Halloween fun and games, </div>
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I made a noisemaker using stamps from Oxford Impressions: </div>
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Thank you for stopping by to visit. Wishing you and yours a happy time of </div>
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fun and games this Fall! <span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Laura</span></span></i></span></div>
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<br />Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-12929069894878923392015-09-18T21:59:00.003-07:002015-09-19T09:56:05.152-07:00Autumn Art Doll with Character ConstructionsWhat a crazy time I've been having since I last posted! With major plumbing repairs and too many other things I won't bother to bore you with, I have been in a slight creative slump. So I felt very rejuvenated yesterday to receive the Autumn 2015 issue of The Stamper's Sampler featuring my art work on a couple of pages. For this issue, I took the challenge of using one stamp in a variety of ways. My stamp of choice was The Beekeeper's Tea Plate 6 from Character Constructions. (The dress is from plate 4 and the sentiment is from Bird and Bee Paperie plate 3. I hope you enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWtoxPEjKOM/VfzqYVGglcI/AAAAAAAAFuk/UlZ1ZecyzKA/s1600/fallcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWtoxPEjKOM/VfzqYVGglcI/AAAAAAAAFuk/UlZ1ZecyzKA/s400/fallcard.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Thank you for stopping in!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Laura</span></span></span></b></div>
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<br />Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-5905053213020437322015-06-20T13:28:00.002-07:002015-06-20T13:28:34.496-07:00Fourth of July with Character Constructions<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for stopping by. I finally finished this doll after working on it in bits every evening for the last little while. Who knew that a cheap plastic trophy cup would turn into this??? The stamps are from <a href="http://www.characterconstructions.com/" target="_blank">Character Constructions </a>Cirque and Bee Keeper's Tea collections. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoEJypG1o-k/VYXMPHk4OaI/AAAAAAAAFqw/HIYLMAK4pCw/s1600/fourth%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uoEJypG1o-k/VYXMPHk4OaI/AAAAAAAAFqw/HIYLMAK4pCw/s640/fourth%2Bgirl.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What about you? Do you craft or decorate for Independence Day?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Laura</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-13777250701619837192015-06-02T22:33:00.004-07:002015-06-07T13:10:54.585-07:00Fourth of July Decor with Character Constructions<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks for stopping by. I took time out of my crazy schedule to honor my design team commitment for Character Constructions stamps. And I must say that, oh, I just LOVE <a href="http://can%20i%20say%20in%20love%20that%20matt%20walsh%20is%20an%20idiot%2C%20speaking%20%22authoritatively%22%20about%20what%20he%20does%20not%20know%21/" target="_blank">Character Constructions Stamps</a>!!! I start with a slight idea, and the stamps seem to just morph into a project. They take me on a journey more than I plan how to use them. For the debutante below, I used a plate from the Cirque Collection and mounted her on a box that I covered with a Revolutionary War letter I found and modified from Google image search.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WHFuxNDc31c/VXMu31-F0SI/AAAAAAAAFps/lwfJkO-i_UU/s1600/patriot%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WHFuxNDc31c/VXMu31-F0SI/AAAAAAAAFps/lwfJkO-i_UU/s640/patriot%2Bgirl.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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The rhinestone embellishments are bits of vintage Czech glass that I purchased in Port Costa (near San Francisco) last weekend at Wendy Addison's <a href="http://wendyaddisonstudio.com/" target="_blank">Theatre of Dreams</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8prz_Rr6Y8/VXMu4Hwy8wI/AAAAAAAAFp8/mNUxsG7wpQk/s1600/czechglass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8prz_Rr6Y8/VXMu4Hwy8wI/AAAAAAAAFp8/mNUxsG7wpQk/s640/czechglass.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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This next piece was inspired by a turn of the century award medal and ribbon that</div>
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I admired in an antiques mall in the quaint old town of Petaluma.</div>
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I used Character Constructions Bird and </div>
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Bee Paperie Plate #2 for the image:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8VLCkMWQmns/VW6NcT0HzRI/AAAAAAAAFo4/sklipqK2nI8/s1600/pennant1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8VLCkMWQmns/VW6NcT0HzRI/AAAAAAAAFo4/sklipqK2nI8/s640/pennant1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5HZ57T0IexY/VXMv8lne5KI/AAAAAAAAFqM/50_KvZKO5Go/s1600/patriotswan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5HZ57T0IexY/VXMv8lne5KI/AAAAAAAAFqM/50_KvZKO5Go/s640/patriotswan.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
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I am delighted that these pieces have such an authentic vintage look. </div>
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I can't wait to see what other stamps I can use for Fourth of July!</div>
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I'm joining these fine blog parties:</div>
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<a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2015/06/are-there-charms-in-your-future.html" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants</a></div>
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<a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2015/06/share-your-cup-thursday-152.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday - Mrs. Olson</a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Laura</span></div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-32424589988716262052015-04-25T14:08:00.003-07:002015-04-25T14:12:48.248-07:00Feeling Like the Queen Bee!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wowwee!!! We have had the craziest bout of illness around my office since January!!! Every other week we were passing around some new virus, ugh! The recycled air must be like working in an airplane. I was just about to buy a diffuser and some essential oils, which I probably still will do, but I think the round of illnesses has ceased. I feel fantastic--better than I've felt in months!!!!! HURRAY!!! I am feeling like the Queen Bee!!! :-)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNoRwpBea3Q/VTwBVz77tEI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/7Yn3GyjGk_s/s1600/queenbeetag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UNoRwpBea3Q/VTwBVz77tEI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/7Yn3GyjGk_s/s1600/queenbeetag2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
Another project made with the new "Bee Happy" stamps from<a href="http://www.austengallery.com/stamp-plates/" target="_blank"> Oxford Impressions.</a><br />
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I hope you are having a wonderful and healthy weekend and feeling like the Queen Bee yourself!</div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Laura</i></span></div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-23296342367186920422015-04-20T19:19:00.000-07:002015-05-07T07:26:16.999-07:00Bee Happy!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just in time for Spring is the wonderful new collection of <a href="http://www.austengallery.com/stamp-plates/bee-happy" target="_blank">Bee Happy stamps</a> from </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.austengallery.com/stamp-plates/" target="_blank">Oxford Impressions, Austen Gallery</a>! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysh07HwVKlg/VTWyHrNSMOI/AAAAAAAAFfA/BK7J4kqyoR4/s1600/stamp%2Bsheet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ysh07HwVKlg/VTWyHrNSMOI/AAAAAAAAFfA/BK7J4kqyoR4/s1600/stamp%2Bsheet.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I just love them all. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Between work, my student, getting sick, and having to study, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I managed to put together this card. I can't wait to make more.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's another little piece I made using a tin can. I love upcycling cans this way. Perhaps I will give a gift in it. Hmm....</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1FrfDV1qi8/VThFFsKbduI/AAAAAAAAFfk/RCKWbxhW_VI/s1600/bee1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N1FrfDV1qi8/VThFFsKbduI/AAAAAAAAFfk/RCKWbxhW_VI/s1600/bee1.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0i8kCz_u74/VThFCXKeh8I/AAAAAAAAFfc/W6SOZJnXutc/s1600/bee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0i8kCz_u74/VThFCXKeh8I/AAAAAAAAFfc/W6SOZJnXutc/s1600/bee2.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi_cxg-VGGk/VThFI4QNhaI/AAAAAAAAFfs/nc9jR9SZfRg/s1600/bee3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi_cxg-VGGk/VThFI4QNhaI/AAAAAAAAFfs/nc9jR9SZfRg/s1600/bee3.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oxford Impressions stamps come as a solid sheet of red rubber that you cut and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">assemble. You get so many stamps at a great price when you do it yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For my tutorial to mount the stamps, <a href="http://sundayview.blogspot.com/search?q=mounting+stamps" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am linking up with parties from these great blogs:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Charm of Home</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-tisket-tasket.html" target="_blank">Ivy and Elephants</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2015/04/inspired-by-springtime-simple-and-sweet.html" target="_blank">Rooted In Time</a></span></div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-61521450870237057972015-03-31T19:06:00.000-07:002015-03-31T19:07:52.861-07:00Washi-Covered Easter Eggs<div style="text-align: center;">
I wanted to "color" eggs this year in a nontraditional way, so I pulled out </div>
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my favorite washi from Tim Holtz, tore it into small strips, and covered some </div>
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wooden eggs. I also painted a few with blush-colored acrylic paint and flecked </div>
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dots on them. I plan to do a tutorial on the weekend for this quick "decoupage" project.<br />
Do you have a favorite technique for "coloring" Easter eggs?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-om3VqJAyZ7A/VRtRsTqMJVI/AAAAAAAAFdg/6DWgsdAmRec/s1600/bask2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-om3VqJAyZ7A/VRtRsTqMJVI/AAAAAAAAFdg/6DWgsdAmRec/s1600/bask2.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Laura</span></i></div>
Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-47464230052739363492015-03-14T17:36:00.004-07:002015-03-14T17:36:44.862-07:00Tin Can Crafting<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It seems that as I create more, I become more creative.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some days, everything I see morphs into something else. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That makes it really</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> hard to get rid of anything that can become </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">something useful or pretty--</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">which is pretty much everything...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Does this happen to you????</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since last Thanksgiving, when I made a lot of Southern casseroles with</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> canned things, like creamed soups, I have been saving tin cans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now this was driving my husband absolutely nuts, and it pretty much got down to, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"If you don't get these out of the kitchen, I'm throwing them ALL away!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well since I had found this holder at Goodwill, which was the perfect size for my cans, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">I couldn't part with them. So I picked a few of the <i>most special</i> ones to store, and humored him by throwing some away. (I also had to prove to myself that I wasn't a hoarder!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My plan was to spray paint and then decoupage flowers on them, but that was more mess than I really wanted to deal with, so I just kept storing the cans. Then a couple of days ago, I </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">found these <a href="http://fourcornersdesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/unconventional-gift-wrapping-part-1.html" target="_blank">paper-covered cans</a> on Pinterest that I adored. I knew they would be </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">quick to make and no mess! So I set to work with decorative paper and washi. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did spray one lid and glued a knob on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb_rq2HhdqI/VQSwWNjtX_I/AAAAAAAAFcc/fWK_E2w7C9k/s1600/cans2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb_rq2HhdqI/VQSwWNjtX_I/AAAAAAAAFcc/fWK_E2w7C9k/s1600/cans2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wow! I am so happy with how they look in my holder:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was SO quick, simple, and SO rewarding! Amy, of <a href="http://fourcornersdesign.blogspot.com/2014/12/unconventional-gift-wrapping-part-1.html" target="_blank">Four Corners Design</a>, the originator of this craft made covered ones as gift containers. She added a little bit of shredded paper and nestled the gift inside. A little washi on either side would secure the lid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you try this yourself, be sure to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">open the cans with a Pampered Chef can opener, which does not leave a sharp edge - pretty amazing actually.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now off to make more!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Laura</i></span></div>
Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-52063649789010942242015-03-05T06:54:00.002-08:002015-03-05T06:54:33.526-08:00Pin Money<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's hard to imagine that there was a time when woman didn't have money of their own. Some resorted to selling eggs or taking in sewing or laundry, but often that money went for shoes for the children or other necessities of life that couldn't be afforded otherwise. More fortunate women might be given small amounts of money on a regular basis, sort of like an allowance, that they could use for non-essentials, like hair ribbons, barrettes, gloves, and trinkets. Many called this money, "Pin Money." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I first heard of this term from my mother-in-law, Katie, who kept pin money, and I have heard a few older women speak of it as well. The term is believed to have originated in the time of Henry the VIII:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333330154419px; line-height: 16.6666660308838px;"> Catherine Howard, wife of Henry VIII., introduced pins into England from France. As they were expensive at first, a separate sum for this luxury was granted to the ladies by their husbands. Hence the expression "<a href="http://www.sacklunch.net/personalnames/P/PinMoney.html" target="_blank">pin-money."</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the 1940s and 50s, special banks were made for pin money. The one below is pretty typical for that period:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">I love the idea of keeping a little money tucked away just for little treats, so I decided to make my own bank for pin money from a Trader Joe's cookie tin. I have been obsessed with the "Cocoa Baton" packaging for a while (yeah, it's true). When they came out with this tin, it was a LOVE fest! (Did you ever buy cookies for the packaging???)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I coated over most of the print with a coat of gesso and then pulled out </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">my Character Constructions Cirque stamps and went to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I just love making doll skirts from cupcake papers:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2xmjmcL4U4/VPftO_B9jXI/AAAAAAAAFbI/OoopeCMFCsg/s1600/can4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2xmjmcL4U4/VPftO_B9jXI/AAAAAAAAFbI/OoopeCMFCsg/s1600/can4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This will hold a lot of change from hubby's pockets!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What will I buy with my pin money?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe some new perfume, or new pair of earrings...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I really enjoy just having it around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What about you, do you save pin money?</span></div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-91452552153146386202015-02-14T12:04:00.003-08:002015-02-14T12:06:52.825-08:00Love is in the Air!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Happy Valentine's Day!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I have always loved the romantic sweetness of Valentine's Day.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>For me it doesn't have to be just for lovers,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>but it can be a day to celebrate love for family, friends, and just life in general!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>One of my loves, of course, is paper crafting.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I have loved paper as long as I can remember--even as a young girl.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Paper crafting is more fun today than ever</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> with the great range of stamps, tools, and supplies.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I made this Valentine doll yesterday using <a href="http://www.characterconstructions.com/" target="_blank">Character Constructions </a>stamps from</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>the Cirque collection. Her skirt is made from cupcake holders, and </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>the "Be Mine" heart is cut from a box of those candy Conversation Hearts. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_a5wgIPpaxk/VN-pKojqT5I/AAAAAAAAFZ0/WjNs7KU9_34/s1600/valentine%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_a5wgIPpaxk/VN-pKojqT5I/AAAAAAAAFZ0/WjNs7KU9_34/s1600/valentine%2Bgirl.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Wishing you all a very sweet and lovely day!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Laura</b></i></span></div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-83718909949364255882015-01-29T22:17:00.000-08:002015-01-29T22:17:08.478-08:00Who Stole Your Heart?<div style="text-align: center;">
The big day for celebrating love is almost here!</div>
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I adore the romance of Valentine's Day.</div>
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Doesn't she look a little guilty?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTjvS0sYuiY/VMsg_8eVtvI/AAAAAAAAFZM/3kwAY94xaUM/s1600/valentine%2Bcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTjvS0sYuiY/VMsg_8eVtvI/AAAAAAAAFZM/3kwAY94xaUM/s1600/valentine%2Bcard.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
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I'm just loving this chest of drawers stamp from Character Constructions. </div>
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Are you busy making Valentines? <br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Laura</i></span></div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-16310164592237716282015-01-25T21:23:00.001-08:002015-01-25T21:23:06.089-08:00A Valentine Card with Character Constructions Stamps<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In the middle of a not-so-creative weekend, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I had a Valentine's card rolling around in my head.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This Character Constructions plate reminds me of</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i> my grandmother's chest of drawers.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Did she have love letters tucked away inside?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I wonder...</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CuAcxoaBHY/VMXNdE7oZiI/AAAAAAAAFYg/TqOgheIQL9I/s1600/loveletters2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CuAcxoaBHY/VMXNdE7oZiI/AAAAAAAAFYg/TqOgheIQL9I/s1600/loveletters2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2dTKjvU4-8/VMXNgBhSxNI/AAAAAAAAFYo/DPWae82nLF0/s1600/loveletters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2dTKjvU4-8/VMXNgBhSxNI/AAAAAAAAFYo/DPWae82nLF0/s1600/loveletters.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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The chest of drawers is from The Bee Keepers' Tea, Plate 15 and the love letters and French words are from Queen of Tarts Plate 6. Both stamps were designed by Catherine Moore of <a href="http://characterconstructions.com/" target="_blank">Character Constructions.</a></div>
<br />Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3770596855047658309.post-77698698342141894522015-01-21T22:01:00.002-08:002015-01-22T20:38:08.281-08:00Eat, Pray, Love<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whew! What a crazy week I'm having!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It will be much better after next week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I won't bore you with the details.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll just say that I'm looking forward to February!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the middle of working on Halloween submissions,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(yes, already)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I needed a break to start some Valentine's projects.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here is my first Valentine card using Character Constructions stamps:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KB_fIL-Iuw4/VMHP6MzWlrI/AAAAAAAAFYE/igXClaETm1w/s1600/valentinedoll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KB_fIL-Iuw4/VMHP6MzWlrI/AAAAAAAAFYE/igXClaETm1w/s1600/valentinedoll.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These images and colors are so soothing to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Her dress and apron remind me of my grandmother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And if I could, I would certainly wear a bird nest in my hair every day</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> (with my pearls of course)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When life gets a little crazy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I need to be reminded to take comfort and pleasure in </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">simple everyday activities:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Eat</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pray</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I haven't read the book, but now it's on my list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wishing that you too will find something of pleasure in each new day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Laura</b></i></span></div>
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Laura Turnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12466304353436423257noreply@blogger.com2