It's Here!!!

Happy Hellos Everyone:

SOC E:spire Magazine is finally here! There's 70 pages of pure inspiration waiting for you. If you like what you see, and I'm sure you will, be sure to leave a comment for the SOC creator and Design Team.

I hope you Monday kicked-off to a great start. I was so elated when I returned home from work and discovered my Papertrey order and Flourishes order arrived in the mail. I'm so excited. I've been wanting to place an order with Papertrey like forever and it appears as though forever has finally arrived. I hope to have something to share with you as soon as tomorrow.  As for Flouishes, well, I just love them too. I can't wait to try my new stamp sets out.

Thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery and come back real soon.

...More Bleu Monday....

Happy Hellos Everyone:

I want you to know I recieved several comments regarding the mini debute of Bleu Monday. Many of you experienced difficulities trying to leave comments for the January 10th posting. Nevertheless, I received several comments via e-mail. I was so elated to discover you enjoyed the very beginnings of Bleu Monday. Well, today I have a little more of the story to share with you. However, before I do I wanted to share today's card with you and of course there's a correlation to today's card. You guessed it. The primary color is blue!

Today, I'm participating in a challenge over at WMS Challenge. To me, this card depicts much of how many of us living on the east coast have been feeling over the past 72 hours if not longer. Below is this week's inspirational sketch...

 ...and this is what I created...

I used BoBunny's Midnight Frost designer papers. I just love this paper. I also used Spellbinder Nestabilities, Sizzix snowflakes, Ranger Ink embossing powder, StazOn Midnight Blue ink, ribbon, pearl spritz, sewing machine, Impression Obsession: sentiment stamp, Inkadinkado: snowman, and a button.

If you need to catch-up, please feel free to visit the January 10th post entitled My Book-Bleu Monday. Now, on with Bleu Monday...

...Clarke placed her mug of vanilla tea back on the table. She positioned her unusually warm hand over the right hand of the man she cared for so dearly. He liked that. He liked her gentle touch. It always soothed him. Thinking back Clarke couldn’t believe how time had allowed them to stock-up on treasured memories only to be robbed of them later. The memoirs they shared were as fresh as when they were conceived. No matter who would become a part of her tomorrow, her reminiscences of their time together would forever remain a part of her.

There was no need to whisper when she excused herself; however, in her soft voice she said, “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Sure baby and I’ll be waiting for you right here when you return.”

The tone of his voice was reassuring. It created a sound that traveled from a place unfathomable between his stomach and his soul; both hungered for her. His voice substantiate everything would work out and when tomorrow came, there wouldn’t be any ‘what ifs.’ Now that her decision was clear, Clarke rose from her seat with control of her emotions and ready to pickup where misfortune left her. All she had to do was take care of one last detail; making him aware of her decision. She walked towards the entrance, but before she could make it there, he’d already met her half way. Clarke found it anomalous meeting the only men in her life that had known her so intimately at the same place and time. Then she thought, at this point it was irrelevant. He was already here. Clarke immediately suppressed her thoughts and smiled when she greeted him.

Still a little surprised to see him, she asked with a sly smile, “Hey, Hey, you. What are you doing here so early?”

He thought Clarke looked as she did the last time he saw her. She was still on a high—the kind of high you couldn’t by your way to. It was natural “Hey yourself.” He sensed his surprise made Clarke a little uncomfortable. He leaned forward before bending down to greet Clarke with a kiss. “I know you said the teahouse is your favorite place to relax and meditate. Under the present circumstances, I figured here is where you would be. So, I took the chance you’d arrive earlier than we planned. And I guessed right.” He took a deep breath and said, “Look, something unexpected popped up and I need to take care of it now.”

With a look of concern that seemed to appear from nowhere Clarke asked, “Is there anything I can help with?”

I hope you enjoyed the second little tidbit. Know I'm always interested in what you think. Feel free to leave your much appreciated comments. Thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery and come back real soon.

CELEBRATE With Me

Happy Hellos Everyone:

What a difference a year can make. I cannot believe The Peddler’s Gallery is less than a month shy of turning year old. I began this blog during the 2010 Blizzard. Clearly, I had nothing but time and snow on my hand.  Since the beginning there have been more than 8000 visitors, 51 Followers, over 125 postings, lots of cards and supportive comments from fellow bloggers to match. To kick-off the celebration, I have created a wonderful assortment of goodies that will be given away at random. It’s easy to participate in the celebration. (I'll post a photo of the 'Goody Stach' by the end of the week.) Comment to this post by noon Saturday, February 12^th and your name will be entered into the raffle. I will select a winner a random on Sunday, February 13^th.

I will change the photo each week leading up to February 12th, and you can watch the 'Goody Stach' GROW. Now, if you're one of my non-crafting friends that visit the gallery and would like to participate, all you have to do is leave a comment stating you're a non-crafter, but would like to play along too. Instead of winning the 'goody stach' you could win a dozen of handmade cards--a card for every month I have been posting to The Peddler's Gallery.

As for the card above... I have no idea of it's home or whom it's destine for. I originally made the  card for a challenge. However, when I went to link the card to the challenge site, I realised I had selected the wrong colors.  I was working off of memory. So much for my memory. ;) I really liked the card and wanted to share it with you. Hope you like it also.

Thanks for stopping by The Peddler’s Gallery and Good Luck to You!

Challenge Me

Happy Hellos Everyone:

I hope you are enjoying what's left of your weekend. I wanted to share with you a couple cards I managed to make over the weekend. Below is the inspirational photo fromThe Play Date Cafe' Challenge:

Below is the card I created...

I apologize for the photo being so dark, but I'm still in the process of learning all about my new camera. I guess it would help if I read the manual. (LOL) Not only that, I haven't installed my Adobe Photo Shop onto my new laptop. All I can request is that you bare with me please. ;)

On with the next challenge... I'm also participating in the Off the Wall Craftiness Challenge. Below is the inspiration photo.

I would like to submit another card later. Usually later never comes around on time; however, in the interim this is what I created....

Lastly, but never least,  I participated in the MoxieFab Challenge. I really like this week's colors. Below is the inspirational photo...

This is another case of poor quality when it comes to capturing this card. I only wish you could see it in person. The colors just PoP!!!! I'm really going to read my manual when I get home. Anyway this is what I created...

Thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery.

Challenges Coming Your Way

Happy Hellos Everyone:

(Please click Read More at the bottom of the post to view the OTWC Challenge entry.)
Happy MLK Day! I hope those of you--here and abroad that are able to find time today during your busy schedules to take a moment or two to reflect on the wonderful contributions Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made in such a brief period of time. Although my plans are very modest today compared to other, I hope they will prove to be impactful as my son and I sit and listen to the I Have a Dream speech and watch King, the movie and other programs that will document the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

With the exception of the challenge I entered last week, it had been months since I threw any of my cards in the 'hat.' There are several challenges that I decided to participate in, including the challenge over at Pal Paper Arts. If you're interested there's still time to participate.

This is the inspiration photo...

...and this is what I created...

Aside from using the colors required for this challenge, I wanted to create a card that could be recieved by a man or a women. So, I tried to tone the softness of the card down by including a black flower. I also thought with love comes tears that are stimulated by happy or sad emotions, so I highlighted the words many (if not all of us) would like associated with a water-like effect.

Then I hopped on over to The Play Date Cafe. I love the soft colors in their inspirational photo. Don't you?

...and below is the card I created...

I used SU's Crumb Cake cardstock; Craftbox Ink; Ranger Ink embossing powder; Stampendous (flower) Stamp; Fiskars (sentiment) Stamp; scalloped edge punch; and silk baby blue ribbon


From there, I hopped over to Waltzing Mouse Stamps. I love their sketch this week. Since I came up with another idea for this card. I'm actually considering entering another card in this week's challenge.

I wanted to use my WMS stamps since it was a WMS challenge. So, without further ado...this is what I submitted...

My WMS are limited, but I had a fun time working with what I had. I used a line of Basic Grey papers; WMS; a little bling to represent steam; SU cardstock; amd some ribbon. Every other section had been raised with SU dimenisonals for volume.

I Recieved An Award

Happy Hellos Everyone:

As you know I post what I deem to be regularly--that is several times a month. However, sometimes I miss a comment or two right. Rest assured I'll come across them. This comment was delievered on my son's birthday and boy was I busy and it was a little over a week before I posted again. Nevertheless, I was pleasantly suprise when I discovered my 'Stylish Blogger Award.' My talented blogger buddy, Pauline from way across the pond. "Thanks"  so much for this wonderful award. Now from my understanding, I am suppose to share with you eight things about myself. The only thing is, I feel as though I have already share all the highlights, but here are the facts....

1. I love old television shows--the older the better.

2. I lived in Germany and travel throughout Europe for four years. Loved It! Loved It! Loved It!

3. My favorite places to visit were Prague, Czechoslovak and London, England.

4. I love to cook and bake. No matter what I cook or bake I have to garnish the dish. For me, presentation ranks high on the scale. Beside, the dish is just not complete if I'm not able garnish it.

5. I love to entertain. I'll make up an occasion if I have to ;)

6. I have written a book, Blue Monday. I hope to have it published by June. (There's an excert from the first chapter in the previous. You're welcom to read it.)

7. I love having a pet--always have, alway will.

8.  Lastly, one of my goals for 2011  is to become a better crafter. For me, that means creating more quality cards, layouts, alter art pieces,etc. to share with you.

Now here's the fun bit! 8 lovely ladies I like to visit on a very regular basis, pop by their inspiring blogs, you won't be disappointed! I can always find inspiration on their blogs.

1. Wanabugg Creations

2. Trina Makes Stuff

3. Princess Scrapper Stamper

4. Vera Stamps

5. Valita's Designs & Fresh Folds

6. A New Design

7. Hownownbrownkow

8. Savvy Sisters Studio


Again, thanks so much Pauline and thanks for stopping by the Gallery.

My Book - Bleu Monday

Happy Hellos Everyone:

Before I get deep into this post lets hear it for the Baltimore RAVENS!!! What a way to kick-off (pun intended:) the second week of 2011.

I hope your work week has beautiful beginning and a fantastic finish. I am so excited about The Peddler’s Gallery. It’s really beginning to take the shape of the gallery I envisioned. This blog has been a wonderful platform for me to share my talents with you and vice versa.

Over the Christmas holidays, I decided to share another one of my talents with you. When time, space, and the right environment align, I love to write. A few years ago, I wrote a book entitled Bleu Monday. Over the next couple of months, I plan to share excerpts from Bleu Monday in anticpation of a summer release. Please feel free to comment among other Gallery Followers and visitors. Although you may ask lots of questions, I plan to make as few comments as possible. Rest assured, I will read all of your comments.

You know I had to post a card to compliment the title of my book. Yes, my featured card is blue. I hope you like it!

For those of you that like to read between the lines, please note-- 

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales are entirely coincidental. All rights are reserved. The reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, or in any other information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without written permission of the author.

 I hope you will enjoy reading  the first two pages of Bleu Monday...

ALTHOUGH HE WAS STANDING IN THE CENTER of the doorway, Clarke didn’t spot him at first. She was drinking her preferred gourmet tea, French Vanilla Blend, when she raised her eyes above the rim of that hearty tea-mug she held onto so firmly. Her petite hands gave an impression they were even smaller when she interlocked her fingers snugly around her favorite mug. However, she immediately noticed him when he entered the room. It was discernible for anyone to assume this was his first visit to Bigelow’s. His eyes gazed around the room like a feline on the prowl for mischief only he was searching for some familiarity.


Almost in a whisper she asked, “What’s he doing here?” She glanced at her wristwatch. “He’s not supposed to be here for another hour.” God, he looks good! Clarke thought.


He looked as though he’d just stepped out of an issue of Essence’s Sexiest Man of the Year Issue. His locks, that gently swept his shoulders when they were loose, were pulled back in a neat ponytail that now hung slightly above his shoulders. The colors he wore weren’t just for the season. It was as if God created those colors with him in mind. He was casually dressed in a pair of pleated platinum suede slacks that anyone could see were tailor-made to fit him and him alone. His baby blue powered ribbed turtleneck clung to his body like the color blue clings to the sky. A silver crucifix hung down his chest. Not too big, but not too small. Amazingly, the crucifix matched his ego—it was just large enough to indicate, he was one of God’s children. Clarke always heard people say, “Clothes make the man,” but she thought, “Uhn! Uhn! Not in his case.” In this case, he definitely made the clothes. He was dressed for any occasion. To Clarke he could have entered the room having just left a pig’s sty and he would have still smelled like a rose.
--Look for more excerts in future postings

Several people have attempted to leave comments regarding Blue Monday; however, their comments are not showing up. If you would like to make a comment, my suggestion to you is to 1.) Post your comment in the comment box. 2.) Make a selection from the Comment as box. If you have to post as 'Anonymous' be sure to include who you are at the end of you comment. 3.) Select Post Comment tab--once, maybe twice 4.) This may take you to the log on screen. Since I have a Google account, I'm prompted to enter my logon name and password. 5.) It should bring you back here and you should select the Post Comment tab. 6.) Lastly if this does not work for you, send your comment to: thepeddlersgallery@hotmail.com and I will post your comment(s)under this post.

Don't forget to share your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery. Come back real soon.

First Challenge of 2011

The Moxie Fab Trigger of the Week is the first challenge I will have particpated in this year. Below is a phot of the inspiration picture:

This is what I created.

I hope you like it.

Michelle Zindorf + Brayer Class = AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE

Happy Hellos Everyone:           

‘Wow!’ One week down 51 weeks left on the calendar. Time is moving fast. I have more news to share with you that I think you’ll be interest to know.

Take a look at the card to your left. It's nice isn't it. Well, if you’ve never taken a class with Michelle Zindorf and wanted to, here’s a perfect opportunity for you to do so. This summer I will host four classes for Michelle Zindorf. That’s right! Michelle is coming to Maryland to teach her brayer style techniques. It’s an awesome class  with wonderful step-by-step instructions (just like her blog, but only better) and when it’s all over, you’re so inspired with the endless possibilities of all the things you can do with your brayer.  The classes will be held in Owings Mills, Maryland on Saturday, July 9^th and Sunday, July 10^th.  For more information about Michelle’s style visit Michelle’ s Blog or click here to enroll in a class.

NOTE: There are no more than 11 people to a class and I received notice that 15 people have already enrolled.

 Now on with today’s card….

I'm participating in a weekend challenge ove at SOC. You're challenged--should you decide to participate to create a Valentine's Day card using only the colors red, black, and white. I use a technique I discovered over at GinaK website. I embossed the edge of the red cardstock with black embossing powered. The heart is also embossed. I placed dimensional under the heart for a little lift before sealing the jar with Copic markers. Finally, I topped the card off with a touch of glitter mist.  The sentiment was computer generated.

Yes, it's a simple card, but it works for me.

Thanks for stopping by The Peddler’s Gallery. Come back real soon.  I’ll have more Gallery information to share with you.

NEW(S) From the Gallery

Happy Hellos Everyone:

I feel as though I'm behind with the lastest happenings, but I promise to bring you up to speed. So much is about to kick-off here at The Peddler's Gallery. I'm just too excited. To avoid over loading you all at one time, I thought I would share a little bit of news with you over the next couple of days. Before I go any futher, I wanted to share today's card with you.

As you can see, I'm still on the purple tip. I mean, who  isn't? I used much of the same materials as I did in yesterday's post, with the exception of the designer paper. The DP is actually some vellum I picked up months ago and of course my SU (floral) die.

On With the News....

When it comes to Christmas cards, I decided I wanted to do something different at the Gallery this year. Over the holidays, I had an opportunity to read several blogs and the messages that were left at the Gallery. From what I could tell, several of you either send lots of  Christmas cards; sell lots of Christmas cards; and/or want to send more than what you currently send. Some times that becomes very challenging towards the end of the year. There's so much that we're trying to accomplish in such a brief period of time. So, this year I'm starting a monthly challenge at the Gallery. Instead of waiting until July or November to begin making Christmas cards, why not start now! If you would like to participate, read on.....

The Christmas Challenge

Each month you are required to create one Christmas card and duplicate it nine times. Once you have created your Christmas cards, all you have to do is post a photo of your creation onto this blog acknowledging you have completed the challenge by the last day of the month. By November, you should have at least 110 Christmas cards to sell and/or give away.

I know what some of you may be thinking and I'm one step ahead of you. Since Christmas is all about the birth of Jesus, you may subsitutes, five of the ten Christmas cards with birthday cards if you do not require that many Christmas cards. If you plan to subsitute, remember, you must have five duplicated Christmas cards and five duplicated birthday cards. Periodically, there will be a random give-a-way available for one lucky person. If you would like to play along with me in this year's Christmas challenge you can begin by leaving a comment letting all of us know you plan to participate.

Looking forward to your comments and your photos!

Well, thanks for stopping by The Peddler's Gallery and be sure to stop by tomorrow. I'll have more news to share with you.

Happy New Year Everyone

Happy New Year Hellos Everyone:

It appears as though so much has happen since my last post. I don’t know where to begin. I wanted to post my first posting on New Year’s Day, but of course—that didn’t happen.  If you’re wondering, wonder no more, I’ll tell you what happen. My computer has been dying a slow death since early last year.  I’m the culprit.  I did it. I sat on it. That reminds me never lay your laptop on your bed. There’s a good chance you’ll forget it’s there.  I cracked the screen. It began oozing this black liquid (I guess) through the cracks over the course of the past nine or ten months—to the point where I only had half of a screen;  three four of the keys stopped functioning; and my USB ports were so bad, the internet worked when it wanted to. I got really creative maneuvering around the laptop until Christmas day. My sister and brother-in-law surprised me with a brand new Dell Laptop. I was stunned. It came just in time too.  It’s beautiful. I’m missing a few programs that I love to work with, but as soon as I locate my software, I’ll really be back in business. That’s not all…. On Christmas morning, my mother informed me, I was no longer allowed to use her camera. Yes, the lovely pictures I post are from using my mother’s Nikon.  My mom is a great amateur photographer. She’s been taking pictures for as long as I can recall. So when she announced I could no longer use her camera, I thought, ‘Great! The gravy train ride has ended.’ I couldn’t be upset. I just did know how I would photograph my cards. That is until she pulled out a Nikon camera and gave it to me.  Once again, this was totally unexpected.  I’m learning how to use it. It’s nothing like the camera I have been shooting with.  Oh, by the way… The camera’s purple too.

There were some other things that have happened over the holiday. Someone tapped into my FaceBook and Ebay accounts via PayPay and had a goodtime on me, my car is in critical condition, but I’m just going to pray over those things.

On with what’s happening in the Gallery…
I thought I start 2011 off with a purple creation. I love the Christmas holidays, but I was so ready to start working on something else. Where any of you feeling this way?
 



Well, what do you think? Did I used enough purple? :)

I used Canford and SU cardstocks. The DP is paper I purchased from a while back. I embossed the crown stamp over at the Queen’s Inks in Savage, Maryland twice to achieve a 3-D effect. The stamp works great for a male or female recipient. To top it off, I added a little bling and embossed one of Hero Arts’ new sentiments from their 2011 collection.

Thanks for visiting The Peddler’s Gallery and come back tomorrow. I’ll have more to share with you.