Magnet tutorial

This is what mist looks like as you get out of the car at bootcamp.





The view of the track --- from the parking lot. I went prepared. Layers of clothing. Which we came out of when we went into the weight room. Just for the record, I am really ready to have some pretty weather. The weather induced migraine has me cranky and very irritable.

Several weeks ago, my altered clipboard tutorial caught the attention of the manufacturer of the boards that I used. A link was posted to my blog from their facebook page. In following up with that scenario, I discovered a link to the UHU Glues blog. The send out a free sample kit for product review every month. I applied for the december sample kit and was granted one.

The sample included a full size bottle of TWIST AND GLUE, flat glass floral marbles, and magnets. I have used UHU GLUE STICKS before, but was unfamiliar with the TWIST AND GLUE.

Like always, I set up a tray and pondered my project.

Then I ran across these. Decorative ornament hooks. I found mine at a discount store. As quick as I saw these, I knew I wanted to do a variation of the traditional glass magnet.

Here is the process I used. I'll also include product review notes as we go.

First - gather your stuff. Scissors, papers, glass marbles, magnets, TWIST AND GLUE, ornament hooks.

Since all the marbles are slighly different, I placed a marble on my image and outlined it with a pen.

Then I trimmed (and trimmed, and trimmed) until it fit the back of the marble with no excess hanging out. Other people glue then trim with a blade once the glue dries, but this way works for me.

Apply the TWIST AND GLUE to the paper circle and apply to the back of the marble. I had a few bubbles in my glue, but I simply pushed those out with my fingers.

Product review note -- I have made several things using these glass marbles and this is a great product. None of my paper buckled on the glass and the glue dried completely clear. The only thing I had any issue with was a very porous handmade paper and the glue made a bleed through spot on the paper. I suspected that it would, so I tested it first.

Apply the TWIST AND GLUE to the magnet and set the paper covered marble on top of it. See the magnet drying in the background of this picture and the photo below. This will eliminate the magnet sliding around before the glue sets up.

I assembled mine on a small bamboo cutting board so I can set it aside to dry.

Now wait for these to dry --- I left mine over night.

Product review note. The glue dries completly clear. Love that. Again I also like that none of my paper buckled in anyway with this glue.

Now for the fun part - my twist on these

Turn the magnet over face down and slide the hook end around the magnet. Some of mine needed just a little persuasion with the pliers to be a snug fit. My hooks are metal and plenty snug enough to not need additional glue, but you could add a drop if you like.

Now flip them over and look ------ Note holders.

I made mine to coordinate with the clipboards that I made before. I use my clipboard for the grocery list and I plan to clip my coupons to the spiral.


See how the note holder works.

This last one stayed on the fridge for about 45 seconds before the College Girl grabbed it for her dorm room.

Product notes ---UHU TWIST AND GLUE has just become my go to glue for these paper to glass projects. I alos tried it on a few paper gift tags and loved it for that application as well. Thank you UHU for sending my free sample kit to review.

Now if anyone out there makes a modification style magnet, plase leave a comment and let me know.

Have a wonderful day.

Weekend Notes......

One day he will learn. He being the Man at my Address. We went to the tree farm early Saturday, pulled up the hill, parked, I pointed and said "there's one".

Well after an hour of trekking around and looking -- we cut that very first one I pointed at.

He cut. I dragged it out of the lot to the truck and loaded it. Yes - I can tell a huge difference in my strength this year over last year.


Laying here - it looks kinda scraggly, but it isn't. I am very happy with it.

But bringing that baby in means that I had to deal with ..........

Lights. Damn. Gotta be a better way. He puts the tree in the stand and brings it in. He even strings the lights.

Me --- I fight with the untangling and bulb checking and replacing. (sorry - blogger will not let me change this orientation) I think I got the worst of this one. But it has been the job breakdown for many many years.

Poor little tree - is sitting there with just it's white lights. College girl will be home this week to help decorate. Telling the ornament stories is too important to start without her. There will be lots of that fun starting tonight.

So we wait.......

How sweet is this picture? Poca and Daddy.

Then she makes it over to Mom's chair. I always wanted a lap dog, but a 50 pound lap dog is a little too much for the recliner.

Mom also spent time in the studio this weekend. A custom charm order.

Love the JOY one myself.

Someone will recognize the PLAY one -- The little metallic dots are for a not so little one who's name starts with "C" (the other side has the "C" on it)




And this vintage paper one -- one side says "beautiful" ---- the other side of this one says "brave".

Boot camp tonight. Then studio time covering a couple of composition books (another custom order). I also have a product review and tutorial to make and photograph. After that we will add the first of many boxes of ornaments to the tree.

Have a fabulous day.....

I got nothing

It's cold

Hammered at work. Short one of the guys. He's off playing in the mountains.

Bootcamp last night

Chinese food for me and Dad

I left Dad teaching the softball princess the subtle nuances of perfect pancakes and went to bed. I was all tucked in and cozy -- by 8pm. Crazy early for me.

Busy busy weekend ahead ---

Love all ya'll.

Have a beautiful day.

I did not know........

....that chocolate covered cardboard had any protein in it. You know how sometimes you unwrap a cough drop and the paper kinda sticks to it, and you wind up with little paper bits in your mouth, well at least with these the chocolate chips hide the little fibers. Not really.

I've lost 35 pounds - managed to get my running laps up to 3 with out having to start walking and this is the very first (and last) of these I have tasted. Counting my blessings there are only 6 in the box and that I had a coupon. At least I'm only wasting a couple of dollars.

Hell the goats in the pasture behind the store won't even eat these.

Hey FTC People --- This little review was not solicited in anyway by anyone. It was provided by me as a true publice service announcement.

Paper Snowflakes

Having teenage girls is a test of endurance. It is also a detriment to your sanity. Being a realist mother and parenting your children from that standpoint will cause others to raise their eyebrows. I talk to my children in terms that many parents won't. I use words and language they understand - I always have and I always will. I am bluntly honest with them about most things. There is no dancing around difficult subjects between me and my girls. Dad on the other hand, is freaked out often.

Take last night's cell conversation with the 16 year old Softball Princess. (background info - she had to be at the Board of Education meeting for a special academic recognition at 6:45)

My cell phone rings as Dad and I are headed home from work.

SP: I'm heading to Moore's before the thingy.
ME: That boy working there tonight.
SP: Yes (long pause)
ME: You gonna kiss that boy before you leave him.
SP: NOOOOOO - not in public -- that's trashy.
ME: So you will do that in private - huh.
SP: As long as it won't be considered trashy.
ME: (long pause) Just so you know, jumping in the back seat of the car to have sex is trashy too.
SP: OMG ---- MOM ---- Click

Sideways glance from Dad --- OMG you did not just say that to her.

Oh yes I did.

Now for the tutorial I promised. Check this out.

Looks complicated - ladies this is gorgeous and I am going to make several more. I made this one using book pages. But you could use wrapping paper or scrapbook paper. SO SO SO SIMPLE. I PROMISE. It is the tutorial for the day, but it is not mine. I made it using the instuctions at this link.

So get your paper, glue, and scissors. Head over there and make a snowstorm of your own.

Have a wonderful day.

Memories

Omer Nash was not my Grandfather, but he was my Nanny's "friend" and the closest thing to a Grandfather I ever had. He was always there. Visited my Nanny almost everyday. I never knew the particulars of that friendship, but it really doesn't matter. He loved us like we were his own grandchildren. He bought this tricycle for me. Wonder how many miles I rode on this thing? He also bought a little red rocker that I still have. I also still have that snowsuit I have on in this picture. Both of my girls wore it. Memories.

The house in the background was Peggy's. She was a single mother and had the only dog I have ever been afraid of, a chihuahua named, Penny. Had to be the meanest dog I ever met. I was terrified to go out there and my nanny would send her a plate on Sunday after lunch and I had to take it. Memories.

A wedding. I was the flower girl for my Aunt and Uncle's wedding. Handmade satin dress and veil. I remember feeling so grown up dressed like this. Mom still has the dress and veil. The gloves are long gone. Memories.

This super blurry image was scanned from an old "peel off" polaroid camera picture. A Christmas morning picture. Seems Santa was encouraging domestic bliss with an ironing board and iron set. Sorry Santa those lessons didn't take -- My idea of ironing today is "toss it in the dryer with a wet towel." My children also have this philosophy -- although college girl has recently learned to iron. Memories.

The MaggieGrace blog is all about me. It is a collection of family stories. School, community, church, work, and creative endeavors. A digital online collective that my family, friends, customers, strangers read. I am glad my children will have these stories and not just pictures in a book. A record so to speak. Written from my perspective. I have been reading back through this years entries - preparing to write a year end synopsis - and I am happy that I recorded things as they happened. I know that some of this is incredibly boring for those coming for MaggieGrace goodies, but I really like having everything in one place.

For those of you who keep coming back, thank you. I appreciate each comment, each email, each response.

Tomorrow, if everything works out, I will have another quick and easy tutorial for those of you looking for goodies.

Now, because she is a huge (and growing) part of out lives, pictures of that puppy who was estimated to stay a small dog. WRONG.....

Hmmmm....... what's my daddy doing in the kitchen? (granny blanket crocheted by my mom - Naomi)

Darn - he wasn't fixing anything for me.

Look at that sad face. Just so you guys know - this is one very spoiled dog. She knows it too.

Ya'll have a wonderful day. Please find a way to share memories with your family. Someday those memories will be your only connection.

Merry Christmas.

PS - I ran 3 laps last night without stopping --- yes!!!!!! Still holding at 32 pounds of weight lost. Gonna have to do something dramatic with my eating to get those last 30 pounds, but that's gonna wait until after Christmas and New Years.

Walking to Bethlehem

A massive production. Two nights. Friday from 3pm til 9:45 pm I managed to walk 10 miles over the hillside that is Jones Chapel UMC. Check the back drive -- check the front drive -- check the scouts helping with parking at the ballfield -- set out luminaria -- relight lumniaria -- hot tea to the angels on scaffolding at the shepherds -- this lady needs a golf cart to transport her through -- you got the picture.

Saturday night found us changing parking a little - easing the walking. However, the wind gave us fits with those luminaria bags. Blowing them over and causing them to go up in flames. It was an uphill battle continually. Unbelievably difficult task. It also was COLD on Saturday night, Forcing Mary (Heidi) to bring Jesus (Adam) inside to warm him up.

I missed a workout on Thursday night, but I really made up for it over the weekend.

Above and beyond all of what I just said -- Becky Brasswell organized and pulled off an incredible production of A Walk to Bethlehem and blessed me and so many others.

Some wonderful moments

Addie (a toddler) squealing "why my papa go on a queen's outfit". (Papa was one of our wise men.)

Carley (another toddler) -- "mama, that angel looks like Aunt CortCort." (It was Aunt CortCort. )

Addie again -- "Miss Teresa, I saw baby Jesus and he was REEEE-AL." (It is the south and all words have at least two syllables.)

Joseph (Donald) repeatedly saying "that'll do" to the innkeeper when told they could use the stable.

More than one person came because they could see the Angels up on the scaffolding from the road.

Kaylee (8 years old) kneeling in awe at the stable, when the shepherds kneeled before the manger.

Multiple kids playing with their little nativity sets that were given to each family.

The Soldier (Tony - our pastor's husband) greeting attendees with "welcome to Bethlehem, please sign here, we are taking a census" - this allowed us to have an accurate attendance number.

Tons of helpers - shopkeepers, support people, an unbelievable blessing filled weekend.

Thank you Jones Chapel for allowing me to be a part of the weekend.

I snatched this off the church site --

He came. In the middle of the night. His first bed, the feed trough that the animals used. How fitting that the Bread of Life begin His life in a feeding vessel.

Merry Christmas --- Have a wonderful day.

Looks like Christmas

I don't "DO" politics here. I have my views, you have yours, they may differ, that is one of the wonderful things about the good old USA. We can agree to disagree and still everything is ok.

But I am gonna do FAITH. It is Christmas. Those trees are Christmas trees. The proper greeting in my world is Merry Christmas. I am not offended if your say Happy Holidays to me, but I will say Merry Christmas back. I have Jewish friends who celebrate Hanukkah. I tell them Happy Hannukkah - guess what - they do not put up a Christmas Tree - they have a beautiful Menorah that the family lights. They are not ashamed of their faith either - and they respect mine. Neither of our families hide behind the phrase Happy Holidays. Christmas at our house is a celebration of Christ's birth and includes the Bible story, nativity scenes, and services at our church. It is not just a "gimme prezzies" holiday. So here in MaggieGraceWorld we say Merry Christmas.

What triggered that "rant"?

The pendant I have on.


That's the back. Yes, that is glitter inside.

This is the front. A stamped manger. A symbolic representation of the Holy Family. When I came in this morning a customer pointed out that it wasn't "politically correct". This customer is a Christian, but works for a government agency, and is not allowed to express this view because he may offend someone. Okay people -- I can disagree with you. I respect that your belief may be different than mine on a lots of things, but I also expect the same respect from you. We are Americans, we live in a country that allows us to choose and express our beliefs. It is a good thing. It is one of those things I am most thankful for.

Done -- enough on that.

Last night was the Softball Princess banquet. A great celebration of a 27-4 season. A region championship and a state finalist postition. We were late getting home, but I still found myself in the studio, turning around in a circle, looking for something quick to do. You know that feeling. I gathered up a few bits that I had been acumulating. A crochet flower, a button and wire assy, some fabulous textured felt, floss, and a pin back. I assembled it into this........

A brooch. I took the felt and cut two circles. Cut a small circle of cardboard (cereal box flap) and created a stable pin back. Sewed on the flower. Glued on the button assembly. Voila ....... a gift for a friend - I'll take this to her tonight.

This is why I assemble trays for my projects. Those times when I want just a little something to do. All of this gathering and assembly took about 20 - 30 minutes, but I had crocheted the flower and stacked it in a bowl. I made the button assembly at another time and added it to that bowl. Add a few items from the stash and supplies and there we go. Creative urge satisfied just before bed. It is a good thing.

Speaking of quickie projects and gathering bits -- go look here for another project that makes my heart sing.

Merry Christmas.

Have a wonderful day.

OLDIE

Rural Redneck Alert --- consider yourself warned.

My first vehicle was not a car. It was a truck. A Datsun pickup truck. 5 speed manual shift on the floor. AND .............






It was PINK.

Red heads should never have pink accessories ----- Right????

What was your first vehicle? Come on now, you know you want to share.

Have a wonderful day.

I've been scanning old pictures. And working to get the church ready for our Walk to Bethlehem. There will be more of this foolishness until next week. Should I apologize beforehand?

Ponderings

Rock Creek Cemetery - mausoleum's stained glass window
Originally uploaded by tiz_herself

I brought this picture over from Flickr. Click on the link for the owners photostream. Isn't she gorgeous.

Often I find myself off on some tangent during the morning worship at church. I quickly reign that back in. That time is my time to really focus on renewing my spirit. Refilling my cup so to speak. There is no room for the grocery list, the to do list, what's for lunch, etc. I'm betting there are many of you who have this same confession.

Sunday was no different - the pastor's message was about the unexpected. About Mary accepting the unexpected blessing of an unplanned and very special baby. I focused intently during the message. I found myself wandering into the ponder pose during the song - Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.

We sang all of the verses. I have led children through this song 100's of times. I have participated in singing it myself probably thousands. (Amy Grant released a version years ago that is my favorite.) I actually did not even need the hymnal, because the entire song is familiar. But I was standing with the congregation, holding that hymnal, singing with a heart full of Thanksgiving, and suddenly words jumped from the page.

How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear Him coming, but in the world of sin, where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.

Silently - wondrous - gift. Receive. Words to ponder. I could not draw myself back off this tangent no matter how I tried. What am I supposed to get from this? Heard - sang - thousands of times - why this verse - why this line - why now? I am not that dense - I know there's a message there for me. Sunday afternoon found me in the studio pondering. Sunday night found me hanging banners - still pondering. Monday evening - run time - pondering. Last night - running time - still pondering but now praying - reveal my real message.

Silently given - was my answer. Then I knew. It is not about the gifts under the tree, shared with my beautiful family. Not about a meal shared among those we love. Not about the center of the services at the church. Not about teaching that Sunday school class. It is about nameless - silent - unnoticed (unless they are not there) acts of service. About slipping in and hanging the last two banners - and doing a few other things that were noticed as need to be done. About jotting down a little note to someone simply saying how they touched you but not signing it, because it doesn't matter who they think it came from.

I remember as a child thinking that the church got decorated by magic. Now as an adult, I know it actually is handled by angel power, silent service by a few. The beauty of the Christmas Cantata is supported by hours of individual - unknown to the world - practice in the car by the members of that choir. About all those tiny little things that people do as unexpected service for people.

Last night - LATE - as me and the Man at my Address hung those last two backdrops - I looked around and saw all of the massive paintings hanging on the gym walls. I saw hours of youth time painting - and I could hear those kids - chatting among themselves. I saw and heard parents and other volunteers - bringing snacks in - chaperoning events - donating for a kid who could not afford to participate. I remembered hours of alone time myself working to bring back a little Christmas Spirit into the rush that has become the Happy Holiday season. I came home to clean laundry that the Man does everyday. I looked two spots for something the College Girl put away differently than I would have. I listened as the Softball Princess text back and forth with a friend who needed her help on something. Silent service - giving with no expectation of recognition or return. It was and is all around me.

And I knew what I was supposed to get from these words. - My Salvation gift slipped in quietly - not in a pomp and circumstance public presentation. A quiet young woman - a confused man - some angels - and God - a few shepherds - and some kings. Just a small handful knew what was going on, but what was to be the biggest gift for humankind was happening. He won't be in a gift bag under the tree. You won't see him on a throne in the mall. He won't be touting the latest greatest toy for this year. Not on EBAY as that toy price goes through the roof. Not running from store to store to find "THE PERFECT GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS". No --- the Greatest gift this Christmas will be found in that small, still, center of my being. In those moments of prayer, praise and worship where I am focused on the True Gift of Christmas

Dear Lord - Thank you for the precious gift of my Salvation. Thank you for those before me and around me that have answered your call. Thank you for the unexpected blessings that occur when we say "yes" to you. Let me be one of those meek souls choosing to allow you in. The Dear Christ enter into all areas of my life. Allow me to complete those small (or big) acts of silent service that allow your Light to illuminate the lives of others. Help me to not complain that I have no help with this or that. Give me eyes to see opportunity for service and mens to answer those calls. In you precious name. Amen.

I know of some service needs already - I started the ball rolling last night to fulfill what I think is call to complete those service needs. Look - see - what can you do as an answer to an unexpected calling from your Saviour?

To all of you I star by saying Merry Christmas. For Christ really is what it is all about.

Have a wonderful day.

Christmas is coming......

If you are stopping by from the Online Athens newspaper article link, welcome to MaggieGrace world. Comments are open to all and very appreciated, but please leave at least your name and email information so that I know you came by. If you have questions, the comments section is a great place for that as well. The blogspot site emails me all the comments, so I'll know you left one for me. Again -- welcome all and have a wonderful day.

I do not shop on Black Friday. Used to. As I have aged, I got smarter, so I let all the other crazy people have that fun. Besides - we are having a very low key Christmas in our world. Many of our gatherings will not involove gifts at all, just being together. A focus on what is good in our lives.

But I did have Friday off. I slept in a little. Then I had all day to clean in MaggieGrace world. I have been rearranging and digging through the pile of things I had gathered over time. So, right now, the studio is clean.

After putting away a significant amount of stuff, I decided to work on this wall. Actually, I took this after I started, when I began this project, the entire space above the scissors and picture of the girl was unused.

I added the literature racks that I saved from the dumpster at work.

Mounted the locker basket and the little white wicker drawers.

After rearranging the assorted hooks and racks, I arrived here. Then I altered some clipboards. I love how this new arrangement works. My frequently used things are close by and up off the counter out of my way, but still where I can get to them readily.

All that work getting ready for the art show allowed me to assess what my needs were for material and tool storage. I am sure this will continue to morph, but for right now, I am a hapy camper.

Speaking of clip boards........

Come back tomorrow for a tutorial on how to do these.

This is not a quickie creation, but it is simple. Most of the time is taken up by the drying time.

Have a wonderful afternoon.

Birds of a feather - another paper project

Another shared item. This one is made using a modified woodworking pattern that I found in an old (late 70's ish) magazine.

Assembling the wing is a tiny bit tedious, but well worth it in the end.

The links to the pdf templates are at the bottom of this post.
****************************************************************************

Assemble your goodies - template on cardstock or light cardboard. (an empty cereal box works wonderfully. )

Assorted papers -cardstock weight (glue lighter papers to cardstock)

Scissors

Glue

Embellishments if you choose.

Instructions are for a one sided bird - you seasoned crafters can make her two sided if you choose (simply reverse the wing templates for the other side.) I'll be nestling mine in the tree so one sided works for me here.


Process is simple (most of my creations are simple, works better for my brain)

Cut a wing base from cardstock (won't be seen so anything works here) - for the first one you may want to transfer those placement markings to the working base.


Cut your other parts from pretty papers.
Assemble the wing in this order - feather 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 . I used glue dots.

Add the midwing on top of those feathers

Add the top wing - covering all of the base cardstock. If anything shows through that you think needs to go - trim it. This is not rocket science.

Position on bird body using photo as a guide. Add tail feather the same way.

Yes - all of you observant folks - I trimmed my wing even more after I put it together. I had some words on my music that I wanted to show and the wing looked better trimmed. (again people - this ain't rocket science.)


I simply colored my eye on, but you could use a bead, brad, button.

Nestle your new beauty in a tree. Add her to a package. Add magnets to the back and stick her to the fridge. Hang her from a garland. Enjoy.

Note - to get the templates for this pattern go here for the wings and here for the body.

I am enjoying making these tutorials for you guys. I do hope you are enjoying access to them. Nothing in this series of twelve how-to postings will be beyond the very basics, but I am betting you serious crafters will be adding and embellishing and generally blinging out some of this stuff. Please share photos if you do. Comments are welcome and so very appreciated too.

You are also welcome to share my information and links with anyone, but please be courteous about all that (you know what I mean) and give credit where appropriate.

Above all - recognize that you have a beautiful life. Tell someone that you love them. Smile at a stranger - that person may become your next friend. Be thankful for even the tiniest of blessings.

I love you all and YES - I have a beautiful life.

How to make a paper junkie happy.

Please don't threaten my family over this one.

Process .

Stop at thrift store.

Browse around.

Find something that catches your eye.


Paper sample book -- with paper samples that are just about perfect in size to make soldered charms.

Keep looking.

Paper sample book with sample sheets from business card size to note paper size. Fun patterns like zig zag and grid in soft colors.

Look on the floor next to these three and find ...........

TWO BOXES OF PAPER SAMPLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make crazy low offer for this pile of goodness. Thank the man for taking every penny in your pocket. Load in your car.

I may still have heart failure going through these boxes.

Have a wonderful day.