Sunday, December 27, 2009

Online Crop & Organization Challenge

Let’s start the year off right . . .
6th Annual New Year's Day Online Crop
Wow . . . I can't believe it . . . time for our SIXTH annual New Year's Day Crop. I hope you can join us.

Ways you can join in . . .

1. Join Crafting Made Simple and participate online. We will be posting challenges and ideas throughout the day.

2. If you have a bricks & mortar, home-based or online store, we would sure appreciate you sponsoring a challenge and offering a small prize.

3. Invite some friends over and crop together. I have spaces for 5-6 friends to join me for the day. I'm going to start the day with brunch and then get right into some serious scrapbooking. Let me know if you would like to crop with me.

I'm so looking forward to scrapbooking with you.
Annual Organization Challenge
I’ve lost track of how many years we’ve been doing this challenge, but I think this is our 4th Annual. I hadn’t planned on repeating this event but I’ve lost track of the number of people who have requested it. So beginning January 1st, 2010, I will post a challenge each week for 10 weeks. I’m sure we can arrange a location for a yard sale at the end of the 10 weeks. Check out Crafting Made Simple or my blog each week for your challenge and please post a message to cheer each other on and report completed challenges.
See ya
Pam

Friday, December 18, 2009

6th Annual New Year's Day Online Crop

Wow . . . I can't believe it . . . time for our SIXTH annual New Year's Day Crop. I hope you can join us.

Ways you can join in . . .

1. Join http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/crafting_made_simple/ and participate online. We will be posting challenges and ideas throughout the day.

2. Sponsor a challenge and offer a sma...ll prize. I know there are lots of bricks & mortar businesses and home-based businesses that could benefit from being a sponsor.

3. Invite some friends over and crop together. I have spaces for 5-6 friends to join me for the day. I'm going to start the day with brunch and then get right into some serious scrapbooking. Let me know if you would like to crop with me.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

I'm so looking forward to scrapbooking with you.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Lightened-Up Cream of Mushroom Soup ~r

Lightened-Up Cream of Mushroom Soup - Recipes - Food - Canadian Living

Posted using ShareThis

I made this soup the other night using white mushrooms I found on the "hardly used nearly new rack" at Superstore. I'm not a fan of mushroom soup but I really enjoyed this one. Hal is a fan.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Back to Kitchener . . . because there are so many amazing boxes there . . .

Today was a PA Day for the grandsons. What to do? Letterboxing, of course. First stop was in New Hamburg for a second attempt at Mennonites of Ontario #20. We pulled into a parking lot to get our bearings and there just happened to be a Cheese Factory there. So we had to go in and sample some cheese. We came out with Onion & Garlic Cheese and a bag of Cheese Curds.

Once again, we were unsuccessful in New Hamburg. Cam (4) thinks perhaps someone took the box home because they didn't know it was a letterbox. But at least we had fun and got some yummy cheese.
Okay, this is not a letterboxing photo. Just a photo of a cool cow. Anyone know what kind of cow it is??
Next stop was Sunrise In Kitchener. We found it!! This area is being built up so quickly that the new area map we just bought was missing new streets already. It was very windy in open areas. We actually saw a couple of birds trying to fly into the wind and being blown backwards!!!! Good thing we were wearing lots of layers.
Our third effort was to locate Mennonites of Ontario #11Success!! The box was a simple find. The stamp had amazing detail. That makes 2 finds so far . . .
Next was a second attempt at Mennonites of Ontario #10. We had tried this one back in July but the tree was just so prickly that we couldn't access the box. This time Hal was covered from head to toe and ready to dive in for the find. Our third success for the day . . . Yahoo!!!!!
Our final box of the day was A Looong Way From Home. What a great hide and the stamp is adorable. And a nice little bonus -- a flea inside. The flea came home with us and will be released again soon.
It was a lovely day and we hope there are still some nice letterboxing days left in 2009.
See ya on the trails,
Pam of the Big Blue Team
St. Thomas ON

Saturday, November 28, 2009

An awesome day in Kitchener/Waterloo ON -- November 23, 2009




I went along for the ride today to keep Hal company while he stood in line at the Drive Test Centre in Kitchener ON. We were really surprised when he was in and out with his paperwork done in less than an hour. Good thing we'd brought along our letterboxing gear. What a great way to spend the rest of the day!!!!
If you are heading out to find Mummies Under Cover, you will find out that the Buddha is not in the window. In fact, when we were there all the windows in the building were being replaced. That won't stop you from finding the box if you can figure out the rest of the clues.

This is a true story . . . We stopped in this cute little neighbourhood park for a picnic lunch, musing that the neighbours probably were staring at these strange old people eating a picnic in late November. But it was a nice day!!!! Well I thought to myself "look at that lovely tree in that lovely corner of the park. What a great place to hide a letterbox". I was disappointed that we hadn't brought a box along to hide. Later when we were following clues down some railway tracks, Hal says "haven't we seen that house and park before" and we both started to laugh. We were right back at the park we'd picniced in and the box was hidden right where I'd suggested would be a perfect spot for a letterbox.

A half day visit to Kitchener ON - November 15, 2009


Our first attempt was Alpine Adventure Kitchener but it was just an attempt. The area the box should had been greatly muggled by children building forts, etc. It was definitely a lovely walk though.

Mennonites of Ontario - #19 Nine Patch Quilt Block by Waterlily was an easy find. We are really enjoying learning about the Mennonite communities in Ontario and finding all these lovely quilt blocks.

Stop and Smell the Flowers was a lovely spot. Don't worry that the fountains are covered in winter and can't be used with the clues. There are other hints in the clue which will get you to the letterbox. I am definitely coming back in the summer to see the gardens in full bloom and all the fountains splashing.



Our next find was another of Waterlily's quilt squares -- Mennonites of Ontario #16 Square in a Square Quilt Block. Yes, the bush is definitely prickly!

We grabbed a quick lunch and headed home. A great day!!!

Gift Tin Album

You choose the theme and colours for this mini album in a tin.
Saturday, December 19 @ 1 pm
$15.00

An Album in an Afternoon

You select the papers and theme. This is a 20 page 8" x 8" gift album. Perfect for Christmas gift.
$50.00. Price is for pages only.
Saturday, December 12 @ 1 pm

A Week in My Life

An exciting project documenting your day to day life. The project is 12" x 12" and 18 pages. You select the papers and cardstocks you wish to use. Price is for pages only.
$65.00
Wednesday, December 9 @ 7 pm

Baby Paper Bag Album


For your baby girl or baby boy . . .

Tuesday, December 8 @ 10 am, 3 pm or 7 pm
$25.00 - all materials supplied

Thirty Minute Layouts for December

Do you think I got a little carried away with the buttons? LOL . . . I don't.

Saturday, December 5 @ 1 pm
Wednesday, December 16 @ 7 pm
$24.00 - all materials supplied.

Wonder Years

Wednesday, December 2 @ 3 pm
Thursday, December 3 @ 7 pm
$12.50 - all materials are supplied

Canvas Album

I was reading a designer's blog one day and spotted her canvas album. There were only peeks at the finished project; not enough to scrap lift from (darn it!! LOL) but I was intrigued with the idea. So of course I had to try and make my own.

AND I LOVED IT . . . THE ENTIRE PROCESS. Here is my finished album. Believe me, the photo does not do it justice . . . all the textures and colours are so delicious.

Would you like to make this easy, sewing-optional, album? You choose your patterned papers, embellishments and colours.
Wednesday, December 2 @ 10 am & 7 pm
Wednesday, December 9 @ 3 pm
$30.00 - All materials are supplied.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Today was a perfect day for letterboxing

Today was a perfect fall day for letterboxing. We started with Early Telephone in Paris ON. We found a great hitchhiker in this box -- Ohio Farm Land by Saddle Bag (which has already been planted in another box somewhere in Ontario).

And to finish the image we had to find Calling Long Distance in Brantford ON.
I'd like to bring the grandsons back here to see the Bell Homestead.
Finding The Great One in Brantford ON was a wonderful walk. Some tricky directions in the clue . . . LOL
We really enjoyed our walk through Riverside Park. The Little Houses in the Woods were absolutely charming.
Our next stop was to find Mennonites of Ontario - #12 Pinwheel Flower Quilt Block. This was our second try at this Kitchener, ON letterbox and we FOUND IT!!!!!
We then headed to Lookout - Pioneers in Kitchener, ON.
Our last stop was Topsy Turvy in Kitchener, ON. It was a great walk. Topsy turvy was a great name for the board walk we were on. But we never did find the box. Hoping to hear from the owner with an extra clue.

What a great day . . . and then we headed for home . . .









Monday, October 19, 2009

Ladies Day Out





Ladies Day Out (L.D.O.) is for anyone who needs a break and wants company while doing it!
Spend a day out and reconnect with old friends and feel free to invite some new friends too!
The cost is $5 per day per person (table space only) at St Mark’s Church Hall in St Thomas, Ontario.
The next date is Thursday October 29th from 9-3.
DON"T BE DISCOURAGED if this date doesn't work for you! The plan is to change the day of the week each time so everyone gets a chance to come!
Work on your craft, painting, sewing, scrapbooking, paper tole,crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, card making, sewing or any other project you choose to bring.
Because no food is provided (hence the very low cost),remember to bring your lunch. Close by (but a little far to walk) is a Tim Hortons, a variety store and a Shoppers Drug Mart.
Everyone is welcome.
PLEASE RSVP.
If the event is successful, then we would like to continue it on a regular basis. ***We may consider bringing in class instructors (extra fee), or businessesto do small classes or demonstrations, if you choose to particiapte in them!
Please email or call us with any questions, or if you have a large group who need to be accomodated. (so you can sit together)519-631-4352 (Joyce) or scrapdoctordeb@yahoo.ca (Deb).

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Old Fashioned Chicken and Rice ~r

from "Frozen Assets Lite & Easy" by Deborah Taylor-Hough

2-1/2 cups canned fat-free chicken broth
1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1-1/2 cups long-grain rice, uncooked
1 cup onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 (6-oz) jar sliced mushrooms, undrained
1 tsp pountry seasonings

In large saucepan or Dutch oven, bring broth to a boil. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well and return to boil. Reduce heat to medium; cover tightly and cook 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and rice is tender. Cool. Place into labeled freezer bags; freeze.

To serve, thaw. Place into large skillt; heat over medium heat until heated through.

Per Serving: 301.9 calories; 1.7 g fat; 30.2 g protein; 43.3 g carbohydrates; 53 mg cholesterol.

Quick and easy and tastes delicious.
Le dîner est servi . . .

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Autumn Embellishments for Sale


Pie $2.50
Apples $4.50
Acorns $5.75

I Believe -- Wednesday @ 1 pm -- $15.00

I wish the photo was better. The layout background is a really pretty pattern and the mats are a lovely shade of green . . .

I Believe is you chance to scrapbook about yourself . . . This layout was designed to pay tribute to those women who have influenced our lives; lead us to be the women we are today.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Thirty Minute Layouts

Tonight's 30 minute layouts. I put together a couple of extra kits so it's not too late to sign up. The class has been moved to my studio.

See ya
Pam

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Crafting Made Simple Newsletter - September 19 2009

Crafting Made Simple
September 19 2009


Thirty Minute LayoutsYou will be amazed by the terrific layouts you can create in mere minutes. By the end of the class, you will have created four layouts that only need photos and your own personal touches to complete. Bring your basic kit. $24.00
Monday, September 21
@ 7 pm
@ Joyce’s home studio


I BelieveA chance to scrapbook about yourself . . . and you don't have to get too serious (if you don't want to). Bring your basic kit. $15.00
Wednesday, September 23
@ 7 pm
@ Pam’s home studio

Beginner ClassI teach beginners everything they need to know to begin scrapbooking. Classes can be booked at your convenience and are taught in my studio.
If you put a group together of 3 or more students, I am quite happy to travel to your home or venue to teach.

Our Test Kitchen Blog
Inspired by the movie Julia & Julie, we have embarked on a journey to try new and interesting recipes and share the recipes and our experiences through this blog. Each month contributors will select a new cookbook and set a goal of how many recipes to try each week.

Book ClubAre you interested in expanding your literary horizons? I am hosting the September book club meeting and we will be discussing The Birth House by Ami McKay. Our long-term project is Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. It will be an enjoyable evening and, of course, refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, September 30
@ 7 pm
@ Pam’s home


Craft Guild
Many of us have many hobbies and interests, including scrapbooking. And how many of the hobbies and interests result in piles of unfinished projects? I have more counted cross stitches, afghans, table cloths and quilts waiting to be finished then I even want to count. The Craft Guild is here to inspire you. Join us once a month in the host’s home for a make n take (which will be non-scrapbooking . . . lol) and a chance to sit down with an unfinished project, some friends, a treat and a cup of tea (coffee) and get it done. There is no cost for this guild . . . just the enjoyment of your company. I am hosting this month.
Monday, September 28
@ 7 pm
@ Pam’s place

Cardmakers Club
Host for October is Sandra McKay. We are doing something a little bit different this month . . . a shoe box swap. Each person will create a Christmas card and pack everything needed to create 6 more of the same cards. We will spend the evening building 6 different cards from the swap. Please let us know if you will be attending.
Tuesday, October 20
@ 7 pm
@ Sandra’s (Grand Central)


Crafting Made Simple Yahoo group
This group has been created as a forum for people who live in the St. Thomas, ON area to share our favourite hobbies and crafts, such as scrapbooking and cardmaking, needlecrafts, reading and writing, and painting. Off-topic conversation is very welcome. While this group is geared to a certain geographical area, out-of-towners are very welcome to join. You are welcome to use this group to set up swaps and meet-ups. Advertising is allowed on Sundays. AD must be shown in the subject line.

Learn How to KnitKnitting is fulfilling, creative hobby to enjoy for your lifetime. You will receive a set of knitting needles, a darning needle, and cotton yarn to create this week's project . . . a simple dish cloth. During this class you will learn everything you need to know to begin knitting. $25.00 You are welcome to book a private class to suit your schedule.

Learn How to CrochetCrochet is also a fulfilling, creative hobby to enjoy for your lifetime. You will receive two crochet hooks, a darning needle, and acrylic yarn to create this week's project . . . a simple head hugger. During this class you will learn everything you need to know to begin crochet. $25.00 You are welcome to book a private class to suit your schedule.

Learn Counted Cross StitchWhen you register and pay for your class you will receive: Needles and needle threader, Embroidery hoop, Fabric, an Instruction booklet and the floss required to complete your first project. During this class you will learn everything you need to know to begin counted cross stitch. $25.00 Please book a private class to suit your schedule.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Happy Birthday, Mom

Last week I posted a message to some of the ladies attending the Salvation Army crop on Saturday:

Mom's birthday is today (10th) and I'd like to help her celebrate. On Saturday many of us, including Mom, will be cropping at the Salvation Army church on Elm Street. What I would like each of you to do is bring cake -- I don't care if it is a pancake, cupcake, loaf cake, or even an apple pie . . . lol . . . as long as it either says Happy Birthday or has candles or some such thing that will show that it is a birthday cake. She will love the humour and I think it will give her a great deal of happiness. I hope you will participate in my little surprise for mom.Ps . . . even if you aren't attending the crop, I hope you will find a moment in your day to pop in and wish Mom a happy birthday, with or without a cake . . . how about a twinkie from the corner store . . . lol???Thanks so much,Pam

I think Mom enjoyed her surprise . . . she received everything from a Flaky decorated with a tea light candle to a filled cookie with a candle on top, pancakes and cheesecake, and everything in between. This photo just shows some of Mom's cakes. I wish I had taken a better picture of her . . . sigh . . .

Happy birthday, Mom. I hope you enjoyed it.

See ya
Pam

Who doesn't love blog candy?

Check out this blog for a chance to win an awesom prize pack. http://scrapbookingobsession.blogspot.com/2009/09/little-blog-candyoops-i-mean-big-big.html

Monday, September 7, 2009

Learn to Knit


Why not Learn How to Knit??
Knitting is fulfilling, creative hobby to enjoy for your lifetime. You will receive a set of knitting needles, a darning needle, and cotton yarn to create this week's project . . . a simple dish cloth. During this class you will learn everything you need to know to begin knitting. $25.00
Class held Thursday, September 10 at 7 pm. You are also welcome to book a private class to suit your schedule. Call for details or to book a private class.

Back to School Layout Class

Sign up now for a delightful two-page layout class to be held Wednesday, September 9 at 1 pm and 7 pm. The theme is back to school and the main colours are red, yellow and blue. Here's a sneak peek at one of the elements in the project. $15.00

Have more than one kid starting school this week? No problem. There will be additional kits available.

Happy Mothers Day . . .


. . . or in my case, Grandmother's Day.

I spent a wonderful summer with my grandchildren but now its time to get back to "work" . . . and I bet you are looking forward to some "me time" . . .

So why not Learn How to Crochet

Crochet is fulfilling, creative hobby to enjoy for your lifetime. You will receive two crochet hooks, a darning needle, and acrylic yarn to create this week's project . . . a simple head hugger. During this class you will learn everything you need to know to begin crochet. $25.00

Classes held Tuesday, September 8 at 1 pm and 7 pm. You are also welcome to book a private class to suit your schedule. Call for details or to book a private class.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Monday, July 13, 2009

July 13 Newsletter

Crafting Made SimpleJuly 13, 2009www.cutnpaste.ca 519-207-0716 pam@cutnpaste.ca

St. Thomas Cardmakers Club
Thursday, July 16 at 7 pm
Host this month is Joyce Matthews. Cost is a loonie or two. Swap theme is Thank You. Please let us know if you will be attending and if you wish to participate in the swap.
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/St_Thomas_Cardmaking_Club/

Learn How to Knit

A fulfilling, creative hobby to enjoy for your lifetime.You will receive one set of knitting needles, a darning needle, knitting cotton, and an illustrated instruction booklet.During this class you will learn everything you need to know to begin knitting and stitch a small project.$25.00
Children and Adults are welcome.Classes held every Wednesday afternoon at 1 pm.Call for details or to book a private class.

Learn Counted Cross Stitch
A fulfilling, creative hobby to enjoy for your lifetime.
You will receive: Needles and needle threader, Embroidery hoop, Fabric, and Instruction booklet.
During this class you will learn everything you need to know to begin counted cross stitch and stitch a small project
$25.00
Classes for Adults and children every Thursday afternoon at 1 pm.
Call to register, for more information or to book a private class.

Learn How To Scrapbook
During this class you will learn the basic skills you need to begin scrapbooking. You will have the opportunity to try out different brands and styles of tools and adhesives so you can decide which ones YOU like. The class includes a copy of Canadian Scrapbooker Basics Vol. 1. Bring your basic kit if you have one. $25.00Class can be booked at any time. Just give me a call.

A reminder for the “Bucket List” participants:
Sunday, July 19 1-4 pm
Family Rollerskating at the North London Optimist Community Centre to fulfill Charlotte’s “wish”.

The Local Book Club
Sunday, July 26 at 1 pm
Are you interested in expanding your literary horizons? I am the host this month and I will be serving birthday cake (My birthday is the 28th and you all know how much I love birthdays).
We will be discussing Town House by Tish Cohen. Our long-term project is Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. Join us in person and online to discuss what you are reading and we’ll select some books to read together and discuss.
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/The_Local_Book_Club/

Reminder for Craft Guild participants:
Anne Clark is hosting our next meeting. I will post details as soon as they are available.

Save the Date:
From so many of you, I’ve heard the same thing . . . how much you miss dropping by the store to visit with whoever is hanging around . . . so I would like to invite you to a reunion. Details will be posted as they become available. But please save the date:
Saturday, August 15th


Please contact Pam for information about any of these classes or to reserve your space.

I am always happy to travel to your home, community centre or meeting place to teach classes specially designed for your group of 3 or more.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

July's Book Club Selection

http://www.amazon.com/Town-House-Novel-Tish-Cohen/dp/0061131318


Next Meeting: July 26 @ 1 pm
If the weather is nice we'll meet at Pinafore Park. If the weather doesn't cooperate, meet at 107 - 2 Avon Road.

Learn to cross stitch

Learn Counted Cross Stitch
A fulfilling, creative hobby to enjoy for your lifetime.

You will receive
· Needles and needle threader
· Embroidery hoop
· Fabric
· Instruction booklet
During this class you will
· Learn everything you need to know to begin counted cross stitch
· Stitch a small project
$25.00
Classes for Adults and children Thursday afternoons at 1 pm.
Call to register, for more information or to book a private class.
Adult Classes: Monday, June 15 @ 7 pm and Wednesday, June 17 @ 2 pmKids’ Class: Saturday, June 20 @ 11 am

Learn to knit

Learn How to Knit


A fulfilling, creative hobby to enjoy for your lifetime.
You will receive one set of knitting needles, a darning needle, knitting cotton, and an illustrated instruction booklet.

During this class you will
· Learn everything you need to know to begin knitting
· Stitch a small project

$25.00

Children and Adults are welcome
Classes held every Wednesday afternoon at 1 pm

Call for details or to book a private class.

Letterboxing in Kitchener, ON