Cute new ink pad storage

I have been collecting the Quick Quotes Chalk Inks that we sell at The Little Blue House. We use them in all our classes and they work really well for inking edges.  The problem is storage as they are smaller than regular ink pads and don't fit in the usual racks.  I've been storing them in clear button "bag" packages but have to take several out in order to get to the one I want -not an efficient system.

Several years ago I had bought a set of six Memory Makers glass jars for my buttons and I saved the open box they came in as I knew it would come in handy one day.  I discovered that it was the perfect size for storing 18 of these ink pads and finally got around to decorating the box.  

I painted the edges of the box black and then glued on scraps of paper.  I "Mod Podged" over the paper to reinforce it and protect it from wear.  I think it came out really cute! Now my only problem is I can't buy anymore - they won't fit!

Back from the Windy City

Got back from a short visit with our youngest daughter, Sara, in Chicago last week. We had beautiful weather there (unlike here at home that experienced cold, severe thunderstorms and tornados in some areas) and enjoyed walking the city. We met Sara's boyfriend, Charles, for the first time and we really like him. Also went to a play and ate lots of yummy food.

Now back to work creating several new class projects for Open House, scheduled for May 30 and 31!

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope all you mothers out there were able to spend the day with your loved ones or at least be in touch with them by phone! My day was quiet since we are empty-nesters and no one lives nearby. I did have lots of phone calls, though, and these gifts have been arriving the past few days.

You can see that my kids know my chocolate addiction, which makes it easy to select gifts! Yum yum!

In addition, my daughter, son-in-law and grandbaby took me out last Sunday for brunch while we were in Albuquerque and this week we will see my youngest daughter in Chicago!

So, I've had a wonderful Mother's Day and hope you did too.

Another "grand"

Spent last weekend in Albuquerque babysitting this little guy who just turned 10 months on the 8th! I wish we could keep them at this age forever - so, so cute. Drew isn't walking alone yet but stands and walks around things and is so proud of himself.

Dress Tag Swap and some "grand" photos

It's been a busy week. We went back to Austin for a long weekend to visit this little guy

who is growing up way too fast!  My son flew in from San Francisco to attend a concert so we got to see him too!

And while we were there, Kelly and Josh rescued a boxer pup about to be sent to a shelter. As you can see, Carl and Ginger are already best buds, sharing a drink from the hose.

On the art front, I was recently in a dress tag swap with an online group.  The only requirement was to make a paper dress on a tag.  This is the tag I sent to my swap partner.  I covered a manila tag with pretty pink patterned paper and did some stamping. The dress is simply a crumpled piece of music paper soaked in a mixture of white glue and water and then formed into a dress shape. Once this was dried - and it took quite awhile to dry - I sprayed it with green mist, accented it with a bit of Stickles and glued it to the tag over a tiny metal hanger. The collaged words were actually the title on the music paper.

This is the tag I received. It is really lovely.  I love the little purse with a chain strap and the pearl and glitter accents on the dress. Thank you Joan!

This weekend we are off to Albuquerque to visit the other grandbaby who is now almost 10 months old! How time flies...