Random Vintage Finds: November 2011

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Silhouette Cameo—advent calendar

A while back Silhouette had contacted me asking if I wanted to try the new Cameo?! Of course I do. They sent the new Advent calender along with the machine. This weekend I tried it. I have to tell you I had never used a silhouette before, and I LOVED it! It was so much fun.

So incredibly easy. I just followed the set-up and along I went (did not read the instructions). It is amazing how and what you can do with it.

Here is a peek at our project. It uses all October Afternoon Holiday style! (except the bingo numbers and ornaments are from my stash and the ribbon and twine are not OA).

and here is the entire thing.

(click to enlarge)

Today I am making 2 more. A girlfriend of mine is also making a couple to give as gifts.

Here she is working on them...

And here is the planning of the drawers. She wanted to make sure they looked well together and the color was balanced.

This is truly one of the most fun projects the tI have ever worked on. And the Cameo is an amazing product. Check it out here.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

October Afternoon Wrap Packs

Over on the October Afternoon blog, we are featuring Wrap Packs.

Have you seen our new product called Wrap Pack?
They are awesome ribbons/trims that coordinate with our paper lines.
They also coordinate between lines. Full of variety and fun. All feature the trendy butcher twine in fabulous colors. Would you like to win one?

Here are my cards I made with them....

(Holiday Style)

(Farmhouse)

Did you know that you could use rub-ons on ribbon? That is what is on this lace edging. Didn't it turn out cool! I also used sprINKlers on the lace to give it a little age.

How would you like to win? Just let us know which one you'd want on the OA Blog.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Welcome back to another fun challenge from The Cuttlebug Spot. With Thanksgiving next week, we decided the theme for the next 2 weeks will be Gobble Gobble Gobble. Do something fun with a Turkey.

Here is my turkey. Isn't he cute!?

I had fun making him. I was finally able to use my new embossing folder from Couture Creations called Walrus and Carpenter. I love it. I bought it at the Crop Stop they really have THE BEST folders!

Recipe:

Solid Paper: Kraft- A Muse Studio

Pattern Paper: Turkey feathers-My Minds Eye. Orange chevron-Echo Park

Ink: black-Momento, Vintage photo and Wild Honey Time Holtz Distress ink

Embossing Folder: Walrus and Carpenter-Couture Creations

Other: Gem, String and Sewing

We'd love for you to play along at The Cuttlebug Spot.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cuttlebug Spot is Back!

Here is my first project for the updated Cuttlebug Spot Design Team....

I was playing with the new release from October Afternoon, Sidewalks. It is a really versatile collection.

Isn't that paper cute!

Recipe
Folder— Did not use one...this challenge is anything goes!

Paper—Solid Bazill, PP October Afternoon
Ribbon/String— October Afternoon (the fabric ribbons are also October Afternoon)

Ink—Momento

Other—Super Sticky Tape and Sewing Machine

Don't forget to stop by The Cuttlebug Spot Blog and play along with the DT

Fibromyalgia Fact Sheet: Yes, I have it!

Fibromyalgia (pronounced fy-bro-my-AL-ja) is a complex chronic pain disorder that affects an estimated 10 million Americans. While it occurs most often in women, it strikes men and children, and all ethnic backgrounds. For those with severe symptoms, fibromyalgia (FM) can be extremely debilitating and interfere with basic daily activities.

Diagnosis:

The FM diagnostic criteria, established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 1990, includes a history of widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months, and pain in at least 11 of the 18 designated tender points when a specified amount of pressure is applied.
Since people with FM tend to look healthy and conventional tests are typically normal, a physician knowledgeable about the disorder is necessary to make a diagnosis.
Physicians should rule out other causes of the symptoms before making a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Symptoms:

Although chronic, widespread body pain is the primary symptom of fibromyalgia, a variety of other symptoms are common in FM patients. Symptoms include: moderate to severe fatigue, sleep disorders, problems with cognitive functioning, IBS, headaches and migraines, anxiety and depression, and environmental sensitivities.
Research has documented neuroendocrine physiological abnormalities that may contribute to the symptoms.

Causes:

Recent research has suggested a genetic component. The disorder is often seen in families, among siblings or mothers and their children.
Fibromyalgia often occurs following a physical trauma, such as an acute illness or injury, which may act as a “trigger” in the development of the disorder.
Increasing attention is being devoted to the central nervous system as the underlying mechanism of FM. Recent studies have suggested that FM patients have generalized disturbance in pain processing and an amplified response to stimuli that would not ordinarily be painful in healthy individuals.

Treatment:

Since there is no known cure for FM, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving function.
A variety of prescription medications are often used to reduce pain levels and improve sleep. On June 21, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Lyrica (pregabalin) as the first drug to treat fibromyalgia. Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl) was approved in June 2008; and Savella (milnacipran HCl) was approved in January 2009.
Alternative therapies, such as massage, myofasical release, acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal supplements and yoga, can be effective tools in managing FM symptoms.
Increasing rest, pacing activities, reducing stress, practicing relaxation and improving nutrition can help minimize symptoms and improve quality of life.