What's on My Kitchen Counter

I will admit I am a big fan of Albus Dumbledore. When he died in the book and the movie, I cried and cried. I hoped he would come back in the last book, and I was thrilled when he did - even it it was really only in Harry's head. One of the smartest things he ever said was: "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." This applies to so many parts of our lives. I prefer to think he meant look to God and to the positiveness that is inside us all. I admire people who can shine in the worst of times. One of my favorite people like that right now is J. R. Martinez who is now on Dancing with the Stars - what an unbelievably admirable man!!!! I love listening to this message: http://www.courier-journal.com/Video...with-the-Stars Wow! Inspiring! I did this card for the Twisted Sisters challenge last week which was based on a sketch designed by one of their members. 

The other day, I noticed that the bushes that frame our entrance at work still had the dead blooms on them but they were still pretty.  There was still some dew on them so they seemed to sparkle.  I decided I would try to recreate one of them on this birthday card for one of my fav paper crafters.  I cased a card by the very talented  Joan Ervin which you can find here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/2022106?&cat=500&ppuser=28771 I really like how this came out - used the Martha Stewart small Hydrangea punch to make the flower.  I layered 4 sizes of Spellbinders circle die cuts with stamping dimensionals.  Then I pushed each flower down into a small foam cushion with a stylus so they popped out.  Next I glued all the little flowers to the stacked circles.  A sprinkle of sugar glitter, dazzling diamonds glitter, and Ice Stickles made the flower really shine although the sparkles don't show up well on the flowers.  I also made these adorable Santa cand

I spent Saturday with some really great crafting friends - what fun!  We tackled the 3-D shoe from Ellen Hutson: http://www.ellenhutson.com/servlet/the-5147/Template%2C-Shoe--dsh--High/Detail The template is only $2.  It was a bit challenging, and I couldn't follow the directions very well (I am directionally challenged) - but I love how it came out.  This one will be going to a sweet friend at work who adores shoes. My counter didn't have anything interesting on it this week other than this shoe and some cherry cough drops, but standing at my counter this morning and looking out the window, I thought I saw a two headed horse.  Of course, it wasn't a two headed horse  - I just didn't have my contacts in yet.  I thought I would share the picture:  My husband's brother-in-law has two of his paint horses visiting with our paint horse and our crazy cows.  You never know what you will see standing at my kitchen counter!