That's the breaks!

Well, I didn't make the Spellbinder's Design Team, but I did have fun trying! I know if I would have been one of the "chosen ones", that I am scared to death of flying! The last time I flew, was many years ago and there was sooo much turbulence, that I thought the plane was going down! I am sure it ALL would have been worth it! To meet new people and the workshops....and CHOCOLATE! HA! A BIG Congratulations to all of the gals that made the DT!!

I thought I would show you the final challenge piece I submitted. We had to use the inverted circle die and also the filmstrip die. We had to use at least one of each. I used several. This was my second layout I started. The first one was totally different, more rustic, more artsy and a bit vintage...maybe I should have gone with that one? One will never know...

It was an honor, to even have been chosen to be a finalist...that is something in it's self! It would have been wonderful to make the Design Team, but it just wasn't in the cards and was not meant to be. I can always try again next year...ya just never know...

One of the hardest things about trying out and being a finalist for Spellbinders, was sending this beautiful layout of my girls. No, I will not get it back and I did even get teary-eyed while packing it up. I put so much love and time in this layout...

A layout like this could never be put into a book, but to be framed and put on a wall. It would be gorgeous. Maybe I will make another one and have a shadow box made for it...my hubby could make me the box, he is awesome with wood...

I really loved how these flowers turned out. So much dimension and detail. I added Robin's Egg Dew Drops to the top of the flower...

And this is where I used the film strip die...I tried many other ways for this layout (with the film strip die), but with the very elegant style, the film strip just would not work any other way. So, I became inventive! HA! There is always more ways to look at things, then just one...

It is a beautiful sun-shiny day out! Love it! I was doing some re-situating in my studio yesterday and I may add a coat of paint, come spring to make it reflect more of my style. Remember, it use to be Jordan's bedroom. I hope you all have a perfect day. Ta-ta for now, ~Tonya

I am on a ROLL!!

I think I need to "pinch myself".....I am on a roll folks! I thought I would share my good fortune (Lucky Streak)! A couple of weeks ago, Jackie of Fat Jak Originals, was having a giveaway "Spreading the L♥VE", she called it ;) I was the LUCKY one that WON! I received that SWEET lil Girl today and she is too ADORABLE!! You should go and visit Jackie's blog, she has such a way with her creations! Thank you so much, Jackie!! I will always treasure her and think of you when I look at her!

And today, I received an email from Justine at "CARDiology" ~ Cards from the Heart by Justine and she told me I was the WINNER of her Blog Giveaway for her 2nd Blogoversary! Thank you so much, Justine! You should stop on over to Justine's blog, she is very creative and has lots of Inspiration in the paper department! Lots of Paper Pretties.

I have been staying quite busy around here, not getting much done......but that is how things go some times. We had a nice Valentine's Day...we went out to eat Saturday evening and then on Sunday, I was greeted with lots of handmade cards and such. Even hubby made me a card ;) I hope all of you had a wonderful Valentine's Day with lots of L♥VE!!

I have a special order that I am finishing up and I am also working on a dollie. See, lots of "Coals in the Fire"! I also submitted my Spellbinders Challenge piece for the Finals. I figure if I win, I win (which would be great) and if I don't win...then I know it was not meant to be and I know that I put my best foot forward.

Geez, I had not posted for a while and that is not like me...I wonder what is up with that? I hope you all have a wonderful evening. Thanks for letting me ramble! Toodles, ~Tonya

~I am Honored!!

Spellbinders had a Call-Out for a New Design Team for 2010, it was at the tail end of last year. I thought about it long an hard. I thought it would be neat to try-out for the design team. I made my card, my altered art project, a 12x12 layout and a 500 word essay about Me....and then submitted them. I didn't tell anyone, I just kept it to myself and told my hubby and kids. I just waited for the announcement to roll around and that day was today!

I was contacted by Spellbinders today and was told I am among the 24 Finalist! I am so Honored. I never thought that I would be chosen from so many submissions....now the REAL, STIFF Competition begins! I have to make a 12x12 layout. It is a challenge and they want to see your best work. Spellbinders will send each of the 24 finalist product to completed the challenge. They will make the announcement on Feb. 27th. This is exciting and nerve-wracking all at once! I had to let you all in on my Good News. I know this is not about doll making, but most of you know how much I love ♥ paper! Yup, me and my "Paper Pretties".

I thought I would show you the card, the altered art project and the layout that made me a finalist. I had so much fun creating them.



You will not see much of me this week....I am DEEP in paper work....TAX TIME! No fun, but it must be done. We made our tax appointment for Thursday. We did this so that I had a dead-line and no excuses for any procrastination! *smirk* A girl has to do, what a girl has to do...to get it done! I hope you all had a fabulous day. As for here, in MN... it is snowing again. Toodles for now, ~Tonya