Happy Saturday and Free KNK / Free GSD file (limited time)

Good Morning! Looks like we're going to have a line of showers in the morning and then sun later on so we will still be able to have out cookout this afternoon. Woo Hoo!

I was thinking about what to share this week when I was inspired by the news. I havent' seen any uplifting stories for awhile and last night was no exception. It came to me that with the gas prices going up (along with everything else) people are mostly complaining and forgetting there are good things as well.

That being said, I want to remind everyone out there to SMILE!!

Here is a cute file I created which you can use as a card front for someone who needs a little pick me up, or just to say hello. If you don't want to use it on a card, you can also use it as an accent on your layout with pictures of your favorite people (and pets because I can tell you sometimes they're smiling and laughing right along with us!)

I will leave it up over the weekend and then it will go to cutters market with my other files for sale.

Have a wonderful weekend! Be kind and remember to Smile at people, 99.9% of the time you will get one back!

Eddita :)

Smile Card Front - now available at CuttersMarket

It's almost Friday!

Yea...this has been a quick week (and I am really appreciating it!) Looking forward to relaxing a bit, cleaning house and having a few friends over for dinner (hence the cleaning of the house! LOL)

Fortunately, not too much to do, but I have to clear off the scrapbooking cardmaking table and straighten up the room otherwise known in non-crafters worlds as their dining room. I don't think I want anyone accidentally spilling something on my supplies or the wedding album I have been working on. Speaking of, I have been asked when the wedding file will be available, and it was uploaded today. Hope those of you who have been waiting for it will get some good use out of it...did I mention I love the doves? Here is the quick link.

Also, as I mentioned the other day, I uploaded a free file in my gallery...so far 30+ of you have found it...for those who still haven't, it's always a good day for a file hunt!

I have been thinking what to share as my freebie for this week....not quite sure but I will figure it out. Send me an email if you have any requests or even post here..whatever is easier for you.

Anyway, life is good. Don't forget to tell at least 1 person you love them.

Take care!

Eddita :)

Happy Tuesday and Free File

I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend. I spent mine designing wedding files since I thought it would be a good idea to start my book (only 5+ years later)!

Here is the first one I worked on. The neat thing about the doves, is that the wings are seperate so that you can place them where ever you want to change the appearance of the bird. I don't know if you can tell in the picture, but I did the back wing in a light gray so show depth. It will be available for purchase shortly.

I also like the "Love" title which I created by using various flourishes. Here is how my completed page turned out

It's amazing how quickly time flies as we get older. Speaking of older, I was telling my DH how old I felt and how I was not looking forward to turning 48 in November. He looked at me and asked me how old I thought I was...I said 47. He started to laugh and said that since I was born in '61, I am only 46 and will be turning 47 this year...WOO HOO...I just got a year younger and didn't even know it! I guess math was never my strong suit!

Now I have gained a whole extra year to design and play with my Klik-N-Kut (much to my DH chagrin).

Let's see...what else...oh yes, while I was not able to get to it last Friday, I also added a new file to my gallery at Cutters Market . It FREE and available in both .KNK & .GSD. You will have to search through my folders and play hunt and go seek to find it.

Well, that's enough for now, hope everyone enjoys the rest of their day!

Eddita :)

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

A friend in the UK asked me what is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I replied that while both honor our veterans of past and present, Memorial Day is to recognize those who have died in service to our country.

Growing up, my Dad would take us downtown to Arlington Cemetary to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As a child, I kind of understood that it was a solemn place and that people had died for our country, but the true understanding only came with time.

I am blessed to still live near our Nation's Capital and will go downtown to visit throughout the year. The most poignant times however are when we go down for Memorial and Veterans Day. We usually go to the Vietnam Memorial first and then to the WWII Memorial. The emotions you feel not only from the speakers but from watching the soldiers greet each other, hug and in some cases watching their shared tears are sometimes overwhelming.

At the Vietnam Memorial, you will also find the Vietnam Women's Memorial. If you go to their site, it explains that is was established "...not only to honor those women who served, but also for the families who lost loved ones in the war, so they would know about the women who provided comfort, care, and a human touch for those who were suffering and dying. The Vietnam Women’s Memorial was dedicated in 1993 as part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial." It too is a very moving place and when you listen to the stories of the nurses who served it is very difficult to keep a dry eye.

If you are standing in the Lincoln Memorial and look down the reflecting pool, you will see the WWII Memorial. A lot of people were against it because they felt the placement was wrong, they didn't like the design, etc, but let me tell you it is beautiful. We took the kids down for the ground breaking ceremony and listened to the speeches and stories from the guests from Tom Hanks (actor) to actual Soldiers who recollected their time during the war. It took a few years, but once finished, it is a place where you can sit quietly and listen to the water flowing from the large fountain in the center.

Every time I have ever gone, I am reminded of all of the sacrifices that people have made to make out country great. It is a reminder that everything we have is thanks to those who came before us and to them we must be grateful.

If you have never been and are planning a trip to Washington, DC, please add them to your list of places to see.

Happy Memorial Day Everyone and a Thank you and God Bless to all of those who have worn and currently wear the uniform.

Blessings,

Eddita

Hi Everyone,

Well, Friday is here and I'm still kicking! My daughter is doing better, just very sore...again, thank you God and thank you Guardian Angel! No dog class due to the Memorial Day holiday, which reminds me, have you seen the file I created? If not, here it is.

I really like it and am thinking about cutting it out of TShirt vinyl and ironing it on to a shirt to wear on Monday when we go downtown for the ceremonies. Of course that's a BIG IF because we still need to go back down to Mom's to help finish cleaning out the basement sometime this weekend. Hopefully, it won't be so bad though because we will have a lot more help.

On another note, I have been pretty busy

designing some new

card fronts and a set

of baby teething keys. I think they came out pretty nice....here's a quick peek.

Also, before I close, remember that the "Thanks Card Front" in one my earlier posts will be only available until Sunday for free download. Don't forget to grab it before it's too late!

After that, it will be available with my other files for sale.

I am going to try to get on and post a new file, but if I don't, be patient LOL! I will get it done before too long!

Eddita :)

OK, so I thought Saturday was a long day...

...I would rather have a week of Saturdays than the Sunday night I had! I received a call saying that my daughter was in a car accident. She had been crossing a road where people drive 60+ miles an hour even though it is a 45 mph zone. According to her she looked both ways a couple of time and when she pulled to go across, she saw at the last second a car flying over the rise and about to crash into her. She was T'Boned on the Driver side, carried down the road a long way and her leg was trapped. The call I received said that they thought she had a broken femur and internal injuries.

They used the jaws of life to extract her and sent her via helicopter to shock trauma an hours drive away. Long story short, her Guardian Angel must have taken some kind of a beating about his wings and body, because other than some scrapes and muscle pains, she is perfectly alright. If you see pictures of her car you wouldn't think anyone could walk away undamaged but she did.

I remember a long time ago I was watching a show on Angels and the lady speaking on the subject said that Angels are always around us but can't intervene unless asked for help. From that day on I say a quick prayer every morning and ask that the angels put their wings around my loved ones and protect them from all harm.

It only takes a second....my prayers were granted....God is good!

Eddita

After a long Saturday...

Helping my mom out (part of her basement flooded due to the heavy rains) and then no being able to do anything except shower and take asprin to get rid of the aches and pains (LOL!), I woke up this morning refreshed and looking forward to test cutting the file. I thought it was going to be easy but I had to rework the letters a couple of times since I had a bit of trouble with the way they were cutting out. But, as "they" say, the 6th time is a charm!

This turned out to be a cute little card front which measures a little over 4 x 5 inches. As always, please send me a pic when you have a chance if you make an item. Additionally, as previously mentioned, I am going to leave this file for a limited time (1 week from today, so you have until next Sunday to download). After that it will be available for purchase.

Hope you can get some use out of it!

Until next time!
Eddita :)

FreeThanksCardFront.GSD File

FreeThanksCardFront.KNK File

While the links are no longer valid, this file is now available for purchase here.

Friday Part 2 - or boy am I beat!

So dog class really takes it out of you! I don't know who is going to end out on top but if I were a betting woman I would say the family members with 4 legs and cold noses! It was like going to a gym for a workout...they are pulling you are pulling...While Daisy wasn't 100% good she tried....Toby on the other hand...well we won't even go there. The teacher seperated DH and I and even put up a barrier so that the dogs couldn't make eye contact with each other and want to start playing...oh well! LOL

I started to work up this week's free file: a cute card front. I hope to test cut it and have it up by Sunday...notice I am pushing it back a lttle LOL! Here is a sneak peak before I go to bed!

As soon as I am done I will share it here on this site for a limited time.

Well, I'm beat so I am going to head off to bed. Have a safe evening!

Eddita

It's been one week since...

Okay, so what happened? Where I have I been? To tell you the truth I don't know LOL! This has by far been the fastest week and I don't even know where it went.

Dog obedience classes started last week. Week 1 was only for the fur "moms and dads" where we received a binder, instructions and a "clicker". I don't know about you but my little mind can only do so much, so to have to remember to call the dog, click the "clicker" say good dog and give a treat at the same time is really asking a lot! Our homework this week was to practice with our dogs so that tonight when we go in they are ready to go. So....I have been working with my little Daisy and she is doing well...she is just so eager to please.

On the other hand, my DH is working with our most stubborn Bassett mix and I don't think they are going to do very well tonight LOL! Note: This will not be the first time he (our dog) goes to class and as a matter of fact he has his certificate stating he passed the first time. We joke that it was really a "pity pass" as he really didn't do to well save for the 2 things he continues to do which are "Off" and "Drop It". I'm looking forward to seeing how tonight and the clicker training goes LOL!

What else? I have been doing a lot of sketching and will post the weekly free file tomorrow morning, since my sketching has not translated into a finished file. I think the rain hasn't really been too inspiring and I am looking forward to a little sunshine. Right now as I write it is grey and POURING outside.

Well, this was supposed to be just a quick post, so I will finish up tomorrow and let you know how the class went.

Eddita :)

Friday, Bread and Free Files!

My friend Shirley asked if I had finally made bread and my answer was YES!!! and it is D-Doubly-Licious!

I followed the bread machine recipe and added the ingredients to my maker and set it to "dough". The machine kneaded it, let it rest and knead it some more. I didn't realize that it also added a little heat which really helped (as this is the first time I used the dough function). When I came back after a little more than a hour this is what it looked like!

Pretty Cool stuff! The recipe then calls for you to put it out on your non-stick surface cut some slashed in the top, cover and let rise another hour or so.

Once done, I brushed some water on the top, put it in the oven at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes and Badda-Bing-Badda-Boom you have some delicious bread!

Well, I was thinking as I am trying to offer a free file on Fridays,

to commemorate this wonderful bread, I created

a "Bread & Butter" file.

Since I am having some internet problems, if you send me a quick email I will send you the file either in .GSD or .KNK format.

Let me know what you would like!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and to all of you Mom's out there...Happy Mothers Day!

Eddita :)

Wow, its Thursday already!!

Sourdough Starter update: Day 5

As you saw, the other day I uncovered my bowl and the hooch was out of control. The next morning, I decided to go ahead and pour some of it out and now everything looks MUCH better now LOL!

After a couple more days of stirring, I think I am ready to try to make a loaf! This is good because it will give me a chance to try it out before Sunday!

Everything has been pretty quiet. I am going to have to spend my day cleaning up around here in preparation for the family's arrival, but things aren't too bad although laundry has piled up a little.

I don't know if everyone saw my posting at my Paperthreads Gallery but right before Easter I had a MOUNTAIN of laundry to do! It made me laugh it was so big (but in my defense, it did include a lot of sheets, etc!)

Of course I had to take some time out of the day to create a little washer and dryer file to add that perfect touch to the page!

Well today I have some to do, but nothing like before!

How are you all going to spend Mother's Day? Are you going out or keeping it closer to home? We thought about going out, which is what we do each year, but things being the way they are we took a vote and opted to celebrate at home! Everyone I know is on a budget and really trying to save a little money here and there.

Here's a little secret: I enjoy it a little more myself that way. Everyone brings something and we have a good time. We KNOW the food is good and the company makes it even better!

Well, I guess that's it for now. I'm off to start laundry and see what I need to do to make a loaf of bread!

I'll keep you posted!

Eddita

Hooch

OK, so I was starting to get worried about the starter because something weird was happening to the mix. I went and looked at the websites around only to learn what I have on top of my mixture is called Hooch.

I found a really good website by S. John Ross that described the hooch and it explained that it is a layer of watery liquid (often dark) that contains alchohol. He said that it smells a bit like beer, because it is a bit like beer and warned not don't drink it! I will say he is right, I walked in the house tonight and it smelled like a brewerey! LOL

Apparently it doesn't hurt anything and I can either pour it off if my starter looks liquidy or stir it in as it really doesn't hurt anything. I really didn't want to deal with it tonight, so I just stirred it back in.

If nothing else it appears I am doing the whole starter thing right! The only thing I really care about at this point is not poisoning my entire family for Mother's Day! I have "911" on speed dial just in case!

Speaking of Mother's Day, I hope you have your cards and presents ready! For those of you looking for a last minute card, I have a new card front up for sale. It's very cute (if I do say so myself) and can be used for many different occasions based on the colors you choose.

It looks like little buttons and I just used a pen to draw in the "thread" holding the button on. If you are a little handy with a needle and floss, go ahead and make a little knot to give it a more dimensional look.

You can also use the little buttons as accents on other pieces or layouts.

Well, I guess that's about it for now! Hope you are all well and have a great day tomorrow!

Eddita :)

Sunday, Sunny Sunday (and Sourdough)

My friend Shirley was looking for bread machine recipes since the ones she had worked but were not always the best. I told her I had a book that I have been using since '97 (OK can I be any older?!). She found a used copy on Amazon but in the meantime asked which ones I enjoyed making.

One of them was Sourdough bread. For those of you who don't know this type of bread, unlike other bread recipes where you add the yeast to the mix and you're good to go, for this one you have to make what is called a starter (mixture of flour, water, sugar, etc) and you let it sit on your counter for a week while it "comes to life". After about a week, you use some of it in your bread machine to make a loaf and whatever is left goes into the fridge. You do need to keep "feeding" the starter with sugar and flour as you use it so it can replenish. Just do a search on the Internet for Sourdough and you will understand what I mean.

Anyway, after talking to Shirley, I decided I would get some "starter" going. It takes anywhere from 5+ days to mature and I'm hoping by next Sunday, Mother's Day" I will be able to serve some nice bread when the family comes to visit.

So, in addition to my other ramblings, I will be adding Sourdough Watch to this blog and include pics for those of you who are interested and even for those of you who are not! LOL!

So here you are: pic of Day 1 - Actually not much to see, the ingredients are in the bowl, they have been completely blended and are now sitting on my countertop under a piece of cheescloth. Supposedly I don't have to do anything for a week. I'm looking forward to how it's going to turn out! LOL!

Anyway, I want to say thank you to those who have emailed me with suggestions for new .gsd and .knk files (thank goodness someone other than my mom is reading this blog!) I have made up a list and will slowly be creating them and uploading either here or Cutters Market. I'll keep you posted.

Talk to you soon!
Eddita :)

Happy Friday!

Well, I tried to take my advice and enjoy the slowness of the week but I still couldn't wait for today to arrive!

Don't forget that the price of stamps are going up starting Monday, 12 May! Better get your cards out before that date to save the penny!

I was talking to a friend who is a letter carrier who can't believe how angry people get over having to pay 42 cents instead of 41 cents for a first class letter. She says she is angrier at having to have to pay almost $ 4.00 a gallon for gas and almost as much for a gallon of milk! I agree with her. What we pay for a letter is a lot less than other countries AND we pretty much get our mail on time and delivered where it should be (note: I said pretty much...nothing is ever perfect LOL!)

Well, you might be seeing this pretty little knotwork. I have always loved the fluidity of them and for awhile, when I had my stained glass business, I would show many pieces from simple boxes, suncatchers and garden stones to very large intricate window hangings.

This cute little file can be used for anything you can think of including a card front or nice accent on your scrabook page. As always, send me a pic if you use it so I can share.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend (though it looks like mine will be rainy!)

Eddita :)

Click on this link for your Free Knotwork.KNK File

Click on this link for your Free Knotwork.GSD File