I Even Love The Box Winter Wonderland DT Card.

The challenge for this week at Winter Wonderland is hosted by Lynsey.   The theme for this week is  Baby's First Christmas so we would like to see you create a Christmas project suitable for a baby.

We are sponsored by Simon Says Stamp who are giving away a $15 voucher.

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

Mo Manning Digital Stamp - I Even Love The Box.

Lili Of The Valley Stamp - Sentiments.

Trim Craft Design Paper - Pepper's Christmas Party.

Martha Stewart Border Punch - Scallop Dot.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

The fur was created using Stampendous Fun Flock Cotton Ball White.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Make It Monday Challenge:  Challenge #108 Anything Goes.

Christmas Stampin' All Year Long: Challenge #30 Photo Inspiration (I have used the colours red and green).

Love Linda xxx

Berkeley

Card Recipe

Card Blank - Easel.

Mo Manning Digital Image - Berkeley.

Doodlebug Design Inc Design Paper - Autumn Kit.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

This image can be used for a back to school card or a teenager card.  To make the card seasonal I have coloured the image in using autumn colours.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Mo's Digital Challenge:  Challenge #154 Ribbons And/Or Bows.

Make It Monday Challenge: Challenge #108 Anything Goes.

Love Linda xxx

Finding things

I love finding or discovering things, sidewalk treasures or phone apps, books, hidden gems in nature and little treasure, shops, nobody seems to have been to before me.... (These are really hard to find LOL)
So this is a little potpourri of a post, with a little bit of  this and that. Enjoy!

I found these on the street:

In fairly good condition and with only some dust to be removed and perhaps some fixing of the lining....
I love to think of fun ways to use them, I'll keep you posted! 

I like these iPhone apps, which are fun and useful:

Flash light, free, turns your phone flash to a flash light as long as you keep it on.

Panorama picture, free, lets you take clever panorama pictures, easy and great for interiors or landscapes.

Paper by Fifty Three, free, a notebook, diary, for drawing, writing, sketches....

Skype, free, what would I do without it? Free (video) phone around the world...cell phones and land lines.

There are many more, depending on your life style, it's easy to google the latest apps within seconds.

Books are my all time favorites.... I can read anytime! There are also plenty of apps for readers, free, like iBook,
NOOK and Kindle for iPhone and iPad. GO READ!

I recommend William Davis' "The Wheat Belly" an eye opening book about what hybridization and cross breeding has done to wheat and how, unfortunately, it effects us today.

It contains easy recipes to try wheat free and healthier eating.

I also love the wonderful and engaging style of Richard Dawkin's "The Magic of Reality". The bestselling author and evolutionary biologist takes a broader approach and uses his unrivaled explanatory powers to illuminate the ways in which the world really works.
This is a great gift for teens everyone with a healthy dose of curiosity.

For lovers of Kate Morton's books, like me, comes a new page turner out in October: "The Secret Keeper". I am waiting rather impatiently....

And then, of course there is the new book by J.K. Rowling...9/27/12, three more days... "The Casual Vacancy". 

As for the tiny shops, I could give you some, but then again, soon these would not be so special anymore....and you would perhaps like to discover them all by yourself...

OK, I am also talking online and one of the sweetest places I have found is the Persephone bookstore, which is real enough in London and which publishes a sheer treasure trove of literature, often neglected over the years and pulled from obscurity to the de-light of readers everywhere. They just mailed the catalog to me and now I am making a list....
The name Persephone is such wonderful fitting one for a publishing house, her being the Greek goddess of vegetation and connected with spring and harvest alike. 
A daughter of Demeter and Zeus, she was later kidnapped by Hades and lived in the Underworld...Maybe some Mythology reading would be lovely for long winter nights?

 I also discovered a blog/shop called Mr. Finch, a textile artist I recommend highly to follow. Being most creative and it is a pleasure to see his creations.

These and his moths and bugs are most theatrical and I love these fantastically and yet so realistic creations.

That's all for now....I am running out of ink!

Wait, one more, check out who was looking around the other day across the street? 

xoxo

Images via Amazon, Google  and by V.Zlotkowski

Pom Pom

Card Recipe

Lili Of The Valley Stamp - Pom Pom.

Doodlebug Design Inc Design Paper - Autumn Kit.

Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies - Standard Circles Large, Petite Scalloped Circles Large.

EK Success Punches - Retro Flowers.

Woodward Punch - Grass.

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Swiss Dots.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

The card base was created using the Spellbinders Petite Scalloped Circles Large Die.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Moving Along With The Times: Make It Girly.

Cute Card Thursday: Challenge #235 A Different Shape.

Lili's Little Fairies: Flower Power.

Stampin' For The Weekend: Challenge #18 Feeling Floral.

Love Linda xxx

Create A Critter Winter Wonderland DT Card

The challenge for this week at Winter Wonderland is hosted by Kate.   The theme for this week  is  To The One I Love so we would like to see you create a  Christmas project for the one you love.


We are sponsored by Crafty-Emblies who are giving away a £10 voucher and A&T Designs who are giving away 2 digital images.

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

Cricut Cartridge - Create A Critter.

Papermania Design Paper - Festive Frolics.

Embellishments from own stash.

Hints and Tips

I have used googley eyes to add more dimension to the card.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Make It Monday Challenge:  Challenge #107 Anything Goes.

Charisma Cardz Challenge: Challenge #37 Things With Wings.

Totally Paper Crafts: Challenge #135 For A Child.

Love Linda xxx

Another year ahead....

...And I am so thankful for everything life has given me until now. Everything I experience today has had unlikely beginnings and if you would have told me on any early birthday where my life would be 20, 30 or 40 years from then, I would have smiled and shaken my head, impossible! 
And yet, as I got older, things aligned themselves around me in the most unpredictable ways. Now I feel, I am, perhaps for the first time, truly in charge of myself, discovering without fears what I want to do in life, after many trials and errors I have come to the conclusion that worldly things are wonderful attributes, but rather less important.
My deepest satisfaction comes from the love I can give and receive daily from my family and friends, the support I am getting in fulfilling my dreams of creating and writing and the health I enjoy and try to maintain, the world around me to explore!
Things, which can hardly be measured, things I carry in my heart and mind, things which flood me with happiness! 
To be connected and to share some of my ideas and dreams here on this blog is a big part of it.
I am deeply grateful!

xoxo Victoria





Image by V.Zlotkowski

Kai

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

Mo Manning Digital Image - Kai.

Doodlebug Design Inc Design Paper - Autumn Kit.

Spellbinders Nestabilities Die - Wonky Rectangle.

Martha Stewart Border Punch - Picket Fence.

X-Cut Embossing Punch - Autumn Leaves.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Mo's Digital Challenge:  Challenge #153 Dies and/or Punches.

Make It Monday Challenge: Challenge #107 Anything Goes.

Papertake Weekly Challenge: A Hazy Shade Of Autumn.

Love Linda xxx

Last days of summer

I do not have to look at the calendar to notice the changing days of late, late summer.

The sun has this particular light, a golden glow, falling through yellowing leaves. There is a nip in the air, mornings are cooler and the fall nights come earlier. The storm last night whipped many branches off the trees around the neighborhood and this morning I picked one from the lawn, small maple leaves, a lovely natural bouquet.

No need to always have flowers. Leaves, twigs, grasses can do wonders in a glass.

Autumn provides us with such wonderful opportunities to bring the outside in!

All images by V.Zlotkowski

Reflexions on a stormy day

I am sitting and watching the storm clouds move fast, gray and heavy, the trees are bending and the grass is splattered with torn branches and leaves. 

Howls from the chimney make me aware of the powers above, then minutes of stillness followed by another round of cracking winds. Rain hits the windows, rattles the glass. 

Wind --- Windows, there must be a connection? To keep the winds out  ---windows....

Inside it's quiet, a small candle holds the light up against the growing shadows.

This window lets me travel away....to Italy, a small bronze warrior from an ancient Roman site near Sienna ( brought home 27 years ago...) and a glass bottle from France (this year) keep me occupied with thoughts of summers past and warmth and sunshine.

The small glass bird knows the secrets of the window, whispers of traveling light,

the rain and clouds and sun.

And of the occasional flowers within.

Seemingly a small view opens me up wide.

And the storm blows on...

All images by V.Zlotkowski

Copyright 2012

Primrose Autumn Leaves

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

Crafty Sentiments Design Stamp - Primrose Autumn Leaves.

Leftover scraps of design papers.

Spellbinders Nestabilities Die - Petite Ovals Large.

Sizzix Sizzlit Die - Autumn Leaf.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

After you have die cut the leaf crumple it up to give it a more realistic look.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Make It Monday Challenge: Challenge #107 Anything Goes.

C.R.A.F.T. Challenge: Challenge #172 Autumn.

Crazy 4 Challenges: Challenge #154 Anything Goes With A Fall Twist.

Crafty Sentiments Designs: Leaves.

Love Linda xxx

Christmas Outdoors

Tag Recipe

Sizzix Original Large Die - Scallop Tag.

Penny Black Stamps - Christmas Outdoors, Design Spotter.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Tag Recipe

Sizzix Original Large Die - Scallop Tag.

Penny Black Stamp - Christmas Outdoors.

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - Snowflakes.

Marianne Designs Creatables Die - Christmas Tree.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

The snowy background on the first tag was created using distress inks and wet embossing.

These tags where entered into the following challenges:

Christmas Stampin' All Year: Challenge #28 Snowy.

Love Linda xxx

Winter Fairy Winter Wonderland DT Card

The challenge for this week at Winter Wonderland is hosted by Marianne.   The theme for this week is  Lilac and Lace so we would like to see you use the colour lilac and lace on your Christmas project.


We are sponsored by Crafty-Emblies who are giving away a £10 voucher and Squiggle Stamps who are giving away 2 digital images.

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

Whimsy Stamp - Winter Fairy.

Daisy and Dandelion Design Paper - Penelope and Percy.

Martha Stewart Border Punch - Scallop Dot.

Martha Stewart Punch - Snowflake.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

If you don't have any fabric lace for you card you could always make paper lace like I have on my card.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Make It Monday Challenge:  Challenge #106 Anything Goes.

Stampin' for the Weekend: Challenge #17 Starting Christmas Early.

Cute Card Thursday: Challenge #234 Christmas In September.

Love Linda xxx

A mixed bag

Budleia in Beaumont

Still returning to the realities at hand, my mind consists right now of a mixed bag of things.... Many, half digested impressions, inspirations and the somewhat overwhelming feeling to loose things in the crowd of it all. So, as always, I take pictures, to remind me, to smile, to inspire myself and I thought perhaps you might like them too!
There is so much going on right now, that looking back only two weeks ago seems a luxury!

I found these treasures above still in France, in a small but deliciously stylish shop in Montpazier!
Retro design is a big part of French decorating and thinking of it, I could not resist these little treasures curbside yesterday!

They have the typical musty smell about them, I do not mind it, but they will get a good scrubbing and then perhaps a little mending too. Not to much, I love the patina.

I still look at the clouds, and the creatures about, the things, which go unnoticed so easily....

How glorious is this? These are sights, which bring me back from any worries and pull me in, make me happy and grounded!

Yesterday, waking up early, I went downstairs to prepare breakfast and looking outside my window I could not believe my eyes.

I had to run to find the camera, hoping he would not take off before I could capture him....I was a little shaky though!

Hunting for good things I also looked through the bookstore nearby, hoping to find something inspiring. Of course I did! Here are my finds.

I hope you'll find something to inspire you as well! 
Happy weekend, I know, a little early, but time flies!


xoxo




All pictures by V.Zlotkowski

Video Boy

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

Mo Manning Digital Image - Video Boy.

Dovecraft Design Paper - Masculine.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

Buttons work really well as an embellishment on boy's or men's cards.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Mo's Digital Challenge:  Challenge #152 Buttons.

Make It Monday Challenge: Challenge #106 Anything Goes.

Love Linda xxx

For Teacher Girl

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

Mo Manning Digital Image - For Teacher Girl.

Lili Of The Valley Stamp - Sentiment.

Doodlebugs Design Inc Design Paper - Fall Playful Paisley, Autumn Kit.

Martha Stewart Border Punch - Grass.

Sizzix Sizzlit Die - Apple.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

The die cut apple was cut several times and layered up using foam pads to give it more dimension.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Fab'n'Funky Challenges: Challenge #138 Harvest Festival (I have used apples).

Love Linda xxx

Wishing

The challenge for this week at Winter Wonderland is hosted by Debbie.   The theme for this week is Christmas Pets so we would like to see you use an image of dogs and/or cats on your Christmas project.


We are sponsored by Crafter's Companion who are giving away a £10 voucher.

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

Penny Black Stamp - Wishing.

Design Paper -  from left over stash

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

If you want your glitter to show up when you photograph your cards use Stickles glitter glue it photographs beautifully.  I decoupaged the dog to add more dimension to the card.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Make It Monday Challenge:  Challenge #105 Anything Goes.

Penny Black and More: September Challenge Early Christmas Makes.

Papertake Weekly Challenge: Anything Goes.

Love Linda xxx

Kite

Card Recipe

Card Blank - 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".

Mo Manning Digital Image - Kite.

Doodlebug Design Inc Design Paper - Autumn Kit.

Spellbinders Nestabilities Die - Standard Oval Large.

X-Cut Botanical Embossing Punch - Autumn Leaf.

Embellishments from own stash.

This image was coloured in using Copic markers.

Hints and Tips

Just by colouring the little boys clothes in orange and brown colours you can make this image look very autumnal.

This card was entered into the following challenges:

Mo's Digital Challenge:  Challenge #151 Anything Goes.

Make It Monday Challenge: Challenge #105 Anything Goes.

Fab 'n' Funky Challenges: Challenge #137 Colours Of Autumn.

Cute Card Thursday: Challenge #233 Autumn Gold.

Love Linda xxx

Back home?

At Jardin de Marqueyssac

Chateaux Marqueyssac

Chateaux Marqueyssac

I have to admit, for a long time this has not happen to me, but this time it did: I wanted not to return home...

I have fallen deeply in love again with the French country side, the  Bastide Beaumont du Perigord, where we stayed, Bergerac and Bordeaux.... the Dordogne valley and castles, the farmhouses open for dinner.....the many people we met and their stories, all grew so dear to me, to the point of feeling extremely comfortable and at home.

"Our" home in Beaumont du Perigord

The house we had rented added to the incredible charm and it's a dangerous thing to be so happy away from home.

There is of course always the 'old home' factor. Having been born and raised in Europe, there are countless things which are dear to me and irreplaceable. Having lived in the States for about twenty years has mellowed it all a bit, but it's a bit like riding a bike, even if you haven't done it for years, it comes back in a flash.... you never loose the ability....

View from Castelnaud

There is something about the old world of Europe. Something is in my blood and my genes too, I feel even clothes, I buy there, fit me better....

Well, here I am, back, and getting into the rhythm of things, forgive me, it has only been three days since our return. I still want to say merci and au revoir...

Market in Isseygeac

I am surely not the only one having felt this way, there were many ex-pats, we have met in "our" small little town, in which we stayed, people from Australia, England, America, now at home in that lovely corner of France, the Perigord region, southwest in France, deep country, filled with plum orchards, sunflowers, wine and walnuts, ducks and geese....

Chateaux Banne

Maybe, one day, I will return eventually or at least spend some months there, exploring all I have left behind undiscovered....But then, it might happen elsewhere too, the urge to explore and put down a few roots in yet unknown places. I am a traveller, there is no denying it.

I am restless in that sense and to move on has been a longtime way of life for me. So many times I had to adjust and to recalculate my life. Sometimes by choice, sometimes by force. And it has become second nature. Maybe I have lost the ability to be truly home again in one place.

Small street in Beaumont

And now here I am...among people who are my friends and who make me feel at home.

The happiness of elsewhere is also an illusion...

Doorway in Beaumont

Here I am, in our house, which is my castle....Filled to the brim with memories and soon I will be content again.

But not just yet.

Window in Beaumont

I am glad for school has begun and provides the needed rhythm, the order I can hang on to, the work for which I am grateful and the things, which need to be taken care of. The dog has been so happy to be reunited with us and the garden cries out for my hands. Our friends have been welcoming and so kind, I have been gone for a while, it needs more then a few days to come back...

Looking out for news in L'Abbey St.Avit

I am returning.... home! Filled with insights and outlooks....Windows and doors of my imagination.

All images by V.Zlotkowski copyright 2012.