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Thursday, January 10, 2013

CropChocolate's New Year, New Design Team Blog Hop

Hi!  Welcome to CropChocolate's "New Year, New Design Team Blog Hop".  You should have arrived here from Jenni's blog.  If you stumbled across this blog hop, please feel free to go back to the beginning to Amber's blog to join us.  The blog hop will run from 8am MST January 11 to 8am MST January 14, so you  have plenty of time to follow along and meet our new Design Team members.

So "What is the 'New Year, New Design Team" blog hop all about?  Well, for this DT's term instead of Amber introducing each member on CropChocolate, she thought having a blog hop to introduce us would be fun.  

Many of you already know me from the last Design Team's term . . . but I think I have come up with a few things (7 instead of the 5 Amber requested) that you probably didn't know and I would like to share with you what I submitted.

But before I get to those, I want to say how honored I am to have been picked again to be a part of CropChocolate's Design Team.  Once again, I am both excited and nervous.  There is a lot of talent on this term's DT . . . I am in awe at how great they are and I think once you see their work, you will be, too.

As I said earlier, many of you already know me from the last Design Team's term, but I did manage to come up with a few fun things that you may not already know about me.  :)

(1)  I am the oldest of 4 children in my family and I was born on Ellsworth Air Force Base.  Yes, I was an Air Force brat for the first five (5) years of my life.  The picture below is of me with my other 3 siblings at Thanksgiving this year. . . I am the 2nd in from the right (I think I got that correct. . . I am the one next to my brother on the inside.)


(2)  I used to ride a Honda Hurricane 1000 . . . I was told it was quite a site since I am only about 5'2" and around 100 pounds.  But I didn't let that stop me.

(3)  I met my husband during the Drake Relays in 1992, but we can't agree as to where we met.  He says it was at Peggy's and I say it was Wellman's.  The only thing I can think of was that maybe we were introduced at Peggy's while I was distracted because someone had spilled a drink on my dress.  I do remember meeting him at Wellman's because I heard that little voice say "This is the many you are going to marry.", but I didn't believe it at the time since he has walked in with another girl.  But whichever place it was, we never went out with anyone else after meeting each other. :)

(4)  My husband proposed to me in Winter Park, Colorado, 40 feet in the air on a ski lift.  And the brat had the nerve to drop the ring right after he proposed and before I could say "Yes" . . . all the while saying, "That's okay, I like this ring better" and pulls out another ring.  Come to find out, he had planned to do that and the ring he dropped was a bubble gum machine ring.  Like I said, "Brat". :P

(5)  My husband says I should get stock in a sock company because I wear holes in the heals of my socks within days of buying them . . . okay, not quite days, but very quick-like.

(6)  My favorite movie is "Ice Castles."  Yes, it is an oldie, but a goodie. :)

and (7)  You can tell the mood I am in by the color of my eyes . . . they change color from blue to green to gray.

Now  I would like to share my project submissions.  We were to do one project that was "reflects me as a crafter and explain how it does" and an "out-of-my-box" project and tell why it was "out-of-my-box".  


Originally, I was going to use a layout I did titled "I Do" because it showed how I had progressed as a crafter and how I was willing to try new things on my projects and layouts.

But a few years ago at a family gathering, one of my aunts did a cross-stitch picture and framed it with an old barn window, so I filed it away as "try someday".  So when the DT Announcement came, I thought it would be the perfect time to try it since I had yet to do so, but wasn't sure how to go about it.   Plus, I was going to be able to  use it for my Nov DT project.  Our Nov. theme is "what am I thankful for".   This few months, I've been learning "new" sounds after being deaf for 5 years . . . and I started thinking how thankful I was that I had  had my sight and other senses during that time.   So I decided to do a project that not only has color, but had texture by using chicken wire, burlap, embossing folders and other scrappy supplies. :)

Well, since I ended up with 2 frames while working on a crackle technique, I decided to do another project that showed how I had progressed as a crafter while at the same time working on something that was "out-of-my-box". 

My "reflective of me" project was titled "Pumpkin Patch" because of the 9-patch of pumpkins.  I felt it was "reflective of me" because it did show how I had progressed as a papercrafter in just the last 4-6 months, and how I took a chance using distress ink, crackle medium and Making Memories paint to give my "frame" an antique crackled look.  Here's a link if you would like instructions


Since I used the "Pumpkin Patch" wallhanging as my "reflective of me" project, I used the other for my "out-of-the-box" project.  I decided to call this one "Memories". 

Once again, this project is reflective of how I have progressed as a crafter by incorporating several different mediums into one wallhanging (wood,  wire, burlap, paper, paint, stain, etc.).    BUT it was also my "out-of-my-box" not only because I had only worked with wood one other time, but because I had also worked with so many different mediums at once which I had never done before due to being unsure how to go about it.   I had wanted it to be like a layout, but using burlap & wire as the background instead of paper.  

With this project, I used Walnut Stain distress ink and Black Soot distress stain on the wood to get it that dark espresso color, not brown, but not black. Then I took an emery board from a distressing kit from CC and distressed the edges of the frame.  I painted the chicken wire silver because every place was out of the galvanized, only had the green coated.  Then I basted the burlap onto the wire.  I basted the burlap instead of using hot glue because this way if I get tired of the picture, I can take it off (put it in a scrapbook) and do another one . . . or next year's Christmas picture of the Clayton grandkids. :)   Here's what it turned out to look like:


Well, I hope you have learned a few new things about me and enjoyed my two projects.  As much as I didn't want to, I did give the last project "Memories" to my mother-in-law . . . I had liked it so much that I wanted to keep it even though I made it with her in mind.  She loved it and is trying to decide which wall to display it.

Oh, one more thing . . . BLOG CANDY.  I will be giving away some blog candy. In order to be eligible, please become a follower (if you aren't already) and leave a comment that you have done so.  I will draw a name from the comments and, if I get over 80 followers, I will give another blog candy for every 5 after that.  Meaning, at 80 I will draw one more name, at 85 another name, at 90 another name, etc., etc., etc.

Thanks for stopping by.  Next on the blog hop, you will go onto the A-M-A-Z-I-N-G Jasmine.  If you get lost or lose your place, below is a list of the blog hop order. :)


Blog Hop order:

Kathy - http://upinthenightwithkat.blogspot.com/  --You are HERE
Jasmine - http://wildflowerford.blogspot.com/  --  Go HERE next

44 comments:

Miwa

I look forward to seeing what projects you come up with, Kathy, because they're ALWAYS fantastic! Your fun fact about your hubby's proposal made me laugh out loud - at least it was very memorable!

Julie Odil

Your projects always amaze me, my friend. I'm excited to see what this term brings. Love your fun facts. Love the engagement/ring story. Brat is right!

Chris

Love both of these project Kathy.
I love your interesting fact!Your hubby must be a fun guy!

by belle

I always love seeing your projects and hearing your stories!! Looking forward to another term!! Of course I am already a follower...

Paula-Scrap Addict

Great framed art! and, of course, I've been a follower for a long time :-)

Jasmine

I love, love, love these framed projects Kathy! Great job! So looking forward to working with you this term...I hope you are getting the rest you need right now, get that eye healed up, I miss you online!!

Mom2Two (Jenni)

Love your projects! Completely need to do one or both! Can't wait to work with you again!

LauraEva

WOW girl!! Amazing projects!!

Scrappy Canuck

These projects are beautiful! Have a fun term on the team!

Anonymous

WOW...those projects are beautiful. I am a follower now! You have given me great inspiration!

Rox-Ann

Great job loved learning more about you Congrats!

mommyx2

Awesome projects! Love the pumpkins. I'm definitely a follower. So happy you are doing better!

mommyx2

Awesome projects! Love the pumpkins. I'm definitely a follower. So happy you are doing better!

Michelina

Great getting to know you Kathy! Love your projects! Can't wait to see what you come up with next! :0)

Scrappin' Diva

Kathy, it's great to get to know you a little better. Love your projects - they are beautiful!

Laura

Hi Kathy, glad to know you're getting better every day. I can't believe you rode such a big bike, I'm sure that was quite a site!
Your projects are just beautiful. I'm going to have to try something like out soon.
Thanks for sharing.

Shona

OMGosh ! That framed picture is a gorgeous piece of art! I just love it !!

Sheri

cute projects. love the pumpkins.

MomCleo

Hi Kathy, glad that you are getting better and you were a good sport with the fake ring! :) I love the framed picture project, such a cool way to display it....

Mamarazzi Scraps

Love both projects! The burlap ones is my favorite (as I'm a bit partial to espresso as a color...still haven't found the money to furnish our room in the color, but the kiddo's room is done in that color because of my love for it) and because I've recently been attracted to the use of burlap even though it makes me itchy and gets ALL over when cut. Thanks for sharing and I hope your hearing continues to 'show' you new things! =D

NinaN

Hi Kathy!!!! I can't wait until you are all healed up and ready to join in on all the fun again!!

Love your projects!!!

Once Upon A Delight

Hmmm a biker. Well I wouldn't have guessed that. I am a little afraid of bikes, but they do look like fun. Love your projects and glad to see that you are getting back on more often. Glad your eye is healing well.

Lucy E.

Enjoyed your facts! Your projects are awesome! Can't wait to see what you create this term :) Welcome back! I am a follower.

Brittany Kohl

Hi Kathy! I've missed seeing things from you! Love your projects, and can't wait to see what you do this term!

Karen (karey2005)

What a BRAT! ha ha ha! Love your fun facts, you really are fun! and I love your projects..... and I think you're pretty great too! xoxo

pboszko

Luv the chicken wire and the crackle! Am now a follower!

Rachel V

Awesome projects! Those came out beautifully! You'd never know that that type of project was new for you!

Camerageek

I remember that first project from "the crop", but I have to say my favorite is the second one.

teresa

Great projectes I love them !! I love Ice Castles too :) I am already a follower :)

DeeMcD

Wow, great projects. I want to try the crackle finish, it looks awesome. I am a follower.

Misty W.

Oh I'm going to have to read those directions, I have a frame I want to crackle! gwsharkcpa

Teresa

love the crackle finish, great projects

Ruth

Love all the different textures and finishes - great projects! And, enjoyed the fun facts

Caryn S

Hi Kathy! Loved learning a little bit more about you and seeing your wonderful projects. I always have liked that pumpkin one. Your family looks to be the same as mine, three girls and one boy. I'm the third though.

Corrie

Loved your fun facts but espcially the story about the ring. That sounds like something my husband would do.

Unknown

Hi Kathy, loved your fun facts, funny but my son's eyes are exactly the same way. His eyes change color depending on his mood or if he's not feeling well. We could always tell when he was trying to fake his way out of school because his eyes change color when he is sick! I absolutely love your frame, not sure why you would be nervous, you are such a talented lady.

Unknown

Kathy also wanted to say that I hope you are feeling better and will soon be able to be on line more often, I really miss you and look forward to this DT term.

Unknown

LOVED your facts, stories and projects! I am now a follower!

SharonDoesBaskets

LOL...Ice Castles!! :D I have that book (with pictures in it from the movie)!!! :D

Love both projects...I pretty much love all pumpkins...and loved it the first time around, BUT your other project (Memories) turned out absolutely WONDERFUL, too!! Sorry you ended up giving it away! Reproduce it for yourself!! I swore scrapping would be MY hobby, but I have already "gifted" most of what I've done & have a BIG project to do for my parents by June! :S I've given away all but about two of my stitching (embroidery/cross stitch/counted cross stitch, sewing) projects...starting from the time I was in GRADESCHOOL!! :) I'm sure she'll treasure it!

Btw...I "officially" followed, but have been occasionally checking in when I can for a while! :D

Erin (CelticCrafter)

I love, love, love your projects, Kathy!!!!! Your hubby fact was so funny!! I can't wait to see what you do this term! ♥

And I was already a follower. :)

Unknown

so glad to have you back this term for a second dose of CCDT!

Brenda Lapp

Great gift ideas! Thanks for sharing your projects. Congrats on being selected for the DT.

Jenny

Love the fact someone else out there has colour changing eyes! Hubby knows if they are grey to walk away :)

DeeDee Catron

Hi Kathy! just making my rounds but super stoked to be on the team with you :) Your projects are beautiful and the socks.. too funny missy!!

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