Old Washington Kentucky

Sights from Old Washington, Kentucky
Simon Kenton Festival

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

Down Main Street

 Old Country Stores & Antique Shops Line the Streets

Old Washington beckons you to step back in time.

My parents come from farther down in Kentucky

each Spring and Fall to enjoy the festival times with me.

The people are friendly and you find yourself having long

talks with complete strangers so when you leave, 

you have made new friends.  

Old style music drifts through the air with a happy tune.

Men lead teams of oxen pulling a covered wagon as

they holler out commands for the beasts of burden.

 Seeing this living history before us reminds us of stories of our

families and how they farmed, worked and survived.

I have been told about my Grandmother who led teams of oxen.

She was a small lady and I can't imagine how difficult the work 

would have been during those times.

 This is one of my favorite pictures of the day.  As I watched

them go by I felt myself relax and was reminded of slowing down

and enjoying life.  The cool Fall weather, bright sunshine and shade trees.

What a beautiful world God has given us!

You certainly want to move out of their way when they

come down the street!  They are much bigger in real life!

One was about 2,000 pounds!

There was not only sights & sounds, but smells during

the festival.  Street vendors sold everything from

lemonade and funnel cakes to barbecue.  

I just had to take a picture of this whimsical pig smoker.

Thanks for going on the trip with me to 

Old Washington, Kentucky.

Remember...Don't get so busy making a living,

that you forget to make a life!

Pop Bottle as a Gift Bottle

Baby Gift Bottle

I saw an idea to use a pop bottle as a container 

for a gift, so I gave it a try for a baby gift I need to give.

 

Pretty little package for a pretty new baby!

Remove the label from the bottle and use it

as a template for the new label allowing extra to overlap

Size:  5 1/2" x 15 3/4"
I pieced this together since I used 12" x 12" card stock

Scor-tape was used to adhere the card stock pieces together

and to adhere the decorations since it will need 

to bend around the round shape. 

 Use Goo Gone to remove left over pieces of label/glue

Make a slit in bottle allowing enough room to use 

utility scissors to cut an U shape to create a door

to load gift items inside.  

Be sure to make door smaller than label.

Use the back side of utility knife to

lightly score on right side of door so it will 

stay open when loading.

Run card stock through your shredder to match colors needed.

Bunch the pieces up with hands to get the scrunched look.

Load gift items in bottle and use small piece of tape to

close the door.  Adhere the decorated label to the bottle

by using Scor-tape.

My gift happens to be baby outfits, but small gift items really 

look better inside such as office supplies, baby rattles, etc.

Have fun creating unique gift containers that will

show those receiving it how much you care!

A Farm Fresh Thank You

This is my first chance to use my newest Cricut cartridge:  Country Life

There are so many cute images that I know
it will quickly become one of my favorites, 

especially because I'm a country girl!

 

Corn Ear 3 1/2" with light chalking

Farm Fresh 1 1/2" with a Shadow

 These images would be great for thanking

those who share fresh produce with you

this Summer/Fall.

Thanks for coming by!  Have a blessed Week!

Poster Making with Cricut

Continuing a little more crafting by

making a poster for the Parent group

at my child's school.

 

Cartridge:  Plantin Schoolbook Letters 4" & Shadow
and Parent is 5" & Shadow

Cartridge:  Everyday Paper Dolls

Woman 8"  Girl 4 1/2"

 Cartridge:  Everyday Paper Dolls
Man 8"  Boy 4 1/2"

Don't forget to offer your papercrafting hobbies as a 

resource to your local schools. 
 

We like to play with paper and glue 

as much as the kids do!!!

Vintage and Card Making

 

 A few weeks ago, I came across vintage 1960s beaded clip on earrings

with no matches at a yard sale and I wanted to incorporate them into card making.

 My first thought was like many of you who commented, to use the clip on earring 

as a center to a flower.  Since my Mom had found some great vintage 

lace and beading that looked like it came from an old wedding gown, 

they became the perfect accent with this vintage earring center.

Since my recent surgery, my neck isn't cooperating with looking

down for very long while crafting, so I've discovered something

to keep me busy in the meantime...looking for vintage items. 

Go through your stash of goodies and look for old lace, ric-rac, etc.

and pair them with some vintage beads or jewelry and see what 

one of kind unique cards you can make!  

Don't forget to come by and let me know, 

so I can come see your creations!

Materials:

Vintage lace, seam binding, beading and earring

Sprig of flowers from Dollar Tree

Prima Flowers
Clearance Christmas Ribbon 

Card Size:  5" x 7"

Anyone Use Vintage Jewelry in Card Making?

I have discovered a new love...vintage.  Have you ever used vintage earrings with paper crafting?  I have been using vintage postcards for card making and love the results, but I have came across vintage clip on earrings and would like your feedback on how to incorporate them in paper crafting.  Have you tried it?

Here are a few of my latest finds,
others are multicolored and pearl colored.

Who Do You Call?

When everything goes wrong...who do you call?  There seems to be times when if one thing happens, a hundred things go wrong.  When this occurs who do you call on?  Many are blessed to live close to family and have a good relationship with them, so when trouble hits, their number is already on speed dial.  

Nothing can take the place of good friends either.  We all rely on someone we can trust to help us in these crazy times when we need an extra hand.  What do you do when the one you call on can't really fix the situation.  It isn't a leaky faucet or broken water heater, it is a broken relationship or a devastating diagnosis at the Doctor.  It's when you find yourself thinking, "I can't believe this is happening." 

It is in these moments where no one can really change the outcome that we may be headed for that we realize we need more help than our family and friends can give.  We need strength, hope and peace.

Psalm 121 says,

  I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
         From whence comes my help?
  My help comes from the LORD,
         Who made heaven and earth.
        
  He will not allow your foot to be moved;
         He who keeps you will not slumber.
  Behold, He who keeps Israel
         Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
        
 The LORD is your keeper;
         The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
  The sun shall not strike you by day,
         Nor the moon by night.
        
 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
         He shall preserve your soul.
 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
         From this time forth, and even forevermore.

The Lord will give help in our times of need and walk with us through uncertain valleys.  He will be our friend and guide our steps giving us strength and peace.  

He's there when we need Him most!

The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award

Thank you Lori for this SWEET award!
Lori has a lovely blog with creative projects and inspiration.

Check it out:  http://scrappinsaints.blogspot.com/ 

To Receive this award you tell 7 things about yourself and 

choose other blogs to receive the award!

7 Things About Me

1.  I love God with all my heart!

2.  I am married to my best friend!

3.  If I could have picked my child myself, I couldn't have picked any better!

4.  I love all things creative, especially paper crafting.

5.  I just recently had back surgery and I'm having withdrawals from my Cricut Expression!

6.  I try to focus on the positive in all situations!

7.  I love to inspire others through encouraging words.

Now...to share this award with other blogs!

1.  http://apronstringsandfavoritethings.blogspot.com/

2.  http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

3.  http://expressionsbyelaine.blogspot.com/

4.  http://number1aunt.blogspot.com/

5.  http://melissamade2.blogspot.com/

6.  http://paperorfabric.blogspot.com/

7.  http://papiergirl.blogspot.com/

Happy Father's Day

 

I'm sending a Happy Father's Day to my Dad!

The one gift I enjoy giving my Dad is peanut butter fudge.

I believe he enjoys it better than any gift I've ever given.

With my recent health problems the fudge & card above didn't

make it in the mail, but I'm sending my love 

& an IOU for fudge real soon!

Thank you for being a Godly Dad!

I love you so much!

Faith During Times of Trouble

^" Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have  peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,  through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which
we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
perseverance;  and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."  Romans 5:1-5

How can we falter when God pours out His love in our hearts during our times of trouble.  Have you ever went through a difficult time and then a small thing happened that made a bright spot in that hard time.  It may have been something that just simply caused you to smile.  God's love is amazing and He is always working in our lives and bringing things to us to give us hope and joy. 

Many of you know that I have been ill and recently had surgery.  This past week I was sent to the Emergency room with stroke like symptoms.  When headphones were placed on my head for my MRI the first song I heard was...God is not finished with you yet.  The second song said...Be still and let God work He has a plan.

I have not been a stranger to Dr.'s & tests over the past few years and I knew that God was with me and I really wasn't that upset in ER, but the simple assurance of those songs was a delight.  Even though I didn't have to have those things, God wanted to pour out His love on me and give me encouragement and hope!

When I came home and read my Bible the verses above is what God showed me.

Whatever your trouble is right now, look for God working and trust Him in faith and
allow Him to use your tribulations to produce perseverance and character and hope! 
 

You have to go through these things in life anyway,
why not let God help you through it?

Strength for Today

I'm excited to come back to Mud Pie Reality after having surgery 

and give a report that God will give enough strength for what comes your way!

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philipppians 4:13 

After days went to weeks and weeks went to months and

months went to years it was clear that pain was going to be a part of my life.

After countless Doctors, tests, hospitals, 

medicines and diagnosis the pain still remained.

Have you ever dreaded going to one more Doctor or having one more test?

Has there ever been a small voice in the back of your mind saying,

"who knows if this one is really going to be right?"

When you walk uncertain paths and you face unbelievable tasks you can be certain

that God will give you the strength to take each step if you ask Him.

I listened to His leading one more time and went to one more Doctor with one more test

and discovered not a diagnosis with medicine and continued pain, but 

a simple statement..."Here's whats wrong...let's fix it."

After back surgery and 6 weeks of recovery, symptoms are disappearing and healing

is taking place giving so much pain relief that I am so happy and thankful!

Wherever you find yourself and whatever path you are on 

if you have pain in your life physical or otherwise 

allow God to give you strength to handle each day 

and guidance to bring help in your time of need!

Temporarily Out

The week began with high hopes that I would have more creative things to share with you before my coming surgery; however, many loads of laundry later, nothing creative, but a much cleaner house!  I will be temporarily out recuperating from back/neck surgery.  I pray that each one of you will have a good Spring and I will see you in June!  Looking forward to crafting & blogging again real soon!  Check back later!

Many Blessings!

What's So Good About Friday?

If you are fortunate enough to have Good Friday off from work/school, then it's very good to you.  Why is it good; because you have a day off?  Is the Friday before Easter the last call for all Easter shoppers to get your baskets and gifts ready?  What about Easter clothes for your kids or yourself.  Does everyone in the family have to match?  We give new meanings to holidays based on our current circumstances.  If you've worked forever and haven't had a day off, then of course any Friday you have off is welcome.  A busy family rarely has enough time to shop and most of us are running to Wal-mart to pick up last minute essentials before any holiday.  (I shop at Wal-mart all the time and often tease...one day they will take over the world.  Ha/Ha)

 

In the middle of life, crazy as it is sometimes, do we forget the meaning of days that were set aside so we wouldn't forget.  Good Friday is set aside to remind us of a day long ago when something terrible happened that would bring us much good.  We all know that none of us are perfect.  We all do things that are wrong.  If we think that we are perfect, just ask our families...they will tell how imperfect we really are.  God in Heaven is not like us...He is perfect & holy and we are unable to have a relationship with Him, because of the wrong in our life/sin.  In order to give us a relationship with Himself, where we can be forgiven our wrong and someday go to Heaven with Him, God sent someone perfect and blameless that would be a bridge between us and God, forgiving us of our wrong and presenting to God, His Father, clean people who can talk to God, feel Him directing and giving us help in our daily life.

This bridge was God's Son, Jesus Christ, who came from Heaven to Earth to live here, showing us God's love and how we should live honoring God.  On a Friday, long ago He sacrificed His perfect life and allowed all of the wrong/sin of everyone to be placed on Him, when He died on a cross, a cruel death, so if we ask God to forgive us, He will, because of this bridge...this perfect, holy, Son of God, making a way for us to know God, have forgiveness and go to Heaven when we die.  

Good Friday has also been called...Great Friday and Holy Friday.  It was a day when terrible pain & suffering took place, but it was all good for us.  Good Friday allowed us to have a good Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, because now, we have a bridge to God, allowing us to talk to Him, be forgiven, let Him help in our crazy lives and give us meaning & purpose.  May we not forget in all the Easter traditions, what's so good about Good Friday.  It's Awesome!

Still Here

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still here.  

I've needed more rest lately as I await surgery.  

I'm looking forward to feeling better and posting more.  

With the energy I've had, I invested it in a Ladies Day at our Church, 

which was absolutely wonderful!  God blessed with every detail and 

we all left feeling refreshed and ready for ministry.

Thank you for your patience and I plan to post a 

few things before surgery in a few weeks!

Many Blessings!

My Favorite Verse

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  Philippians 4:13

This verse has given me strength & comfort through many years!

What's your favorite verse? 

Into Every Life a Little Rain Must Come

Spring is such an exciting time with new growth and the promise 

of beautiful warm days ahead!  My first flower of Spring bloomed!  

I was so excited to see it's bright shiny face as I walked to my car.  

I didn't take time to grab the camera, but made a mental note 

to take a picture of it the next day!

The next day came and so did lots of rain, wind and frost!  

As I walked to my car the same little flower no longer held 

its shiny bright face up, but its face was bowed to the ground 

with the weight of the storm it had weathered.

As I stood there feeling sorry for this little fellow, I thought about how

the flower was still just as pretty, but it took a different perspective

to see it's beauty.  It took me bowing down on a knee to 

look and see the bright shiny face. 

 

Just like this little flower, a lot of rain has come in my life and

with God's help I've weathered many storms.  There are

times when the weight has my head bowed down also.

It's at these moments that my perspective changes and

on my knees I can see how God is truly 

working and see His hand in my life.  

He gives me the strength to

face the storm and lift my tired weak head to give

a bright shiny testimony of all He is capable of doing!

If you are in a storm, turn to Him and He will sustain you!

If you have just left the rain, allow your life to shine with

a testimony of His greatness!

Blessings

Just wanted to share a blessing with you today!  As you can tell, I haven't been as crafty lately and not as many creative posts going up.  My health has been up and down with neurological symptoms, but today I had a wonderful blessing!

I went to see a new neurosurgeon today and he found that I have major spinal cord compression due to discs in my neck, which can be corrected with surgery!  We hope this will improve the extreme neurological symptoms, but at least they won't get any worse and I'll be out of danger for more serious injury.

While many people could be scared by the word back surgery...I know God is working in this to provide some much needed relief!  When I am weak, He is strong.  When I just can't take the pain anymore, He sends me to the right Dr. at the right time to give me help!  What more could I ask for?

Whatever situations you are facing that you just don't think you can do anymore, remember God is working in your life and wants to be your strength today and you will see His blessings!

Luck or Blessed

During the month of March we hear a lot about Luck!

Many people call it Karma.  

When I think of why good things happen,

I know there is someone

who has a hand in my life

working things out for the good.  

It's not luck or karma it's being Blessed by God.

Thank you God for all my blessings!

"And we know that all things work together for good 

to those who love God, to those who are 

the called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

A Special Kind of Woman

 "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to
 her maidens.

 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth
 a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the
 needy.   She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household
 are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry;
 her clothing is silk and purple.

 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.


 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.


 Her children arise up, and call her blessed;   her husband also, 
 and he praiseth her.  
 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD,
 she shall be praised.   Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own
 works praise her in the gates."   Proverbs 31:10-31

I am so very blessed to have a woman like this Scripture describes as my Mother! 

She has always guided me, loved me and cared for me!  

I thank God for her and the influence she has had on my life.  

Today is her birthday!  Happy Birthday Mom!  

You mean so very much to me!  I Love You!

Goodbye Cricut!!!

Many of you may remember that I recently had to send my 

Cricut Expression back to Provo Craft with a bad LCD screen.

Provo Craft was wonderful and the replacement machine

came, but unfortunately it isn't working properly.  

When cutting it doesn't line up correctly or cut all the way through,

so it's shipping out tomorrow!

Once again, Provo Craft was super nice and asked me to

choose any cartridge I wanted and they 

would send it to me for my trouble!

Thank you Provo Craft for good customer service

and for my "Country Life" cartridge that's on its way...

and my new Cricut Expression!

I'll be crafting Cricutless for a little while longer!

Thanks for the Goodies!

I'm so thankful that I won some great blog candy during

the Motion's & Folds Card Hop

 from Sue at Susana's Scrappin Corner

http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/

 

 

L & M StoryTellers Scrapbook packs!

I only won one pack, but Sue was so generous

and sent me two!  Thanks Sue!

Each pack contains 2 double sided scrapbook pages

and multiple punch outs!

Check out the adorable card Sue sent with my prize!

It has a plastic container filled with tic-tac's!

I love to share my faith and the love of crafting with 

everyone in the blog world and it's great to

meet others and share goodies to be creative with!

Thank you Sue!

Happy Little Flower Card

Warning...This Card is Very Bright!  

Get Your Sunglasses Out!

 

Did I mention how much I love daisies and how I'm ready for Spring?

Can you tell?  I love using the wide ribbon for instant color

and it can be found in such a variety of colors/prints.

Card Size:  5" x 8"

 

 The daisies were on a vine for $1.00 at the Dollar Tree.

I did remove the green clasp at back and clip the stem.

When I saw them I knew they would be perfect for this ribbon,

which I bought in three colors too!  

I'm sure you will see those later!

Ever worry about things in life?  

We all do, but God takes care of the flowers, 

so He will take care of us too!

"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, 

even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 

If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and 

tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, 

O you of little faith?"  Luke 12:27-28

Paper Cutz Challenge #80

Challenge:  Make a card, LO or craft project for Spring using any colors.

Welcome Spring

 

 I love flowers and my absolute favorite is the daisy!

They make me smile every time I see them!

 

Card Size:  5 1/2" Square rounded corners

Mat Size:  5" Square

I used a thin strip of Scor-tape on the top edge of my ribbon to

make it easier to pleat it then made the flower shape on

glue dots still on the glue dot paper pulling together the flower center 

so it was much easier to pull off when ready for the card.  

 

I found this daisy wire edged ribbon at the Dollar Tree for $1.00

and fell in love with it!  It matched beautifully with ribbon my

Mom gave me!  She always thinks of me when she sees crafting supplies.

I'm looking forward to Spring and making cards like this 

only makes me want it more!

Welcome  to All New Followers!  You are Blessings!

Blog Candy Winner

Winner of the Motions & Folds Card Hop

#49  Lisa said...Those are some really cute cards!  

I am a new follower.  TFS  

Her blog is:  http://lisaspaperbutterflies.blogspot.com/

 

Lisa has won the Interactive Cards book by 

Tanya Fox 

 

Now she can practice all the fun techniques 

we saw during the card hop! 

 

Congratulations Lisa I will be contacting you!

A  Special Welcome to all New Followers!

Have a Blessed Day!

Welcome to the Hop Today

If you arrived here from our talented host, 

Ellen at http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

 then you are headed in the right direction. 

If you just happened here, please begin with Ellen above!

"I Love You"  Waterfall Card

  

 When you pull the tab the message rotates!

 

 Inside area for sentiment

Card Size:  4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Here's How to Make It:  

Scalloped ovals 2 1/4", Storybook
Card stock strip 2 1/4" x 8 3/4"

Score at 1 3/4", 2 1/2", 3 1/4" and 4"

from one end and crease well

     Place adhesive on small area of scallops...not too far.

 

Begin placing scallops from a score line down.  Each section will get a scallop.

 

After all glued down.  Cut ovals 1 3/4" add to scallops, punch hole for ribbon

and decorate!

Cut 3/4" x 4 1/4" band. Place adhesive on each end only.  Place on card

1" up from bottom.  Slide strip with ovals under band. Flip over and lay down last 

scallop even with band and adhere to band to make it stationery. 

This is a simple card technique that's loads of fun!

Square Waterfall Card

Same technique as above, but this time I 

wanted to make a larger card.  

I will use this to teach children with the colors of the salvation story 

as the colors fall back in the card.

Card Size:  5" x 7"

Card stock strip:  2" x 12 1/2"

(I pieced the strip)

Score at 2", 2 3/4", 3 1/2", 4 1/4", 5" and 6"

Colored squares:  2"

 

Blog Candy Time!!!!!!

You have been so patient reading this long post.

Thank you for visiting!

How to Win:

Become a Follower if not already

Leave a comment on this post!

I will use random.org 

You will win this Interactive Cards book

to practice all the fun cards you will see

during the Card Hop today!

Next Stop on the Hop:

Sarah at:  http://www.simplyshaddock.blogspot.com/

Motions & Folds Card Hop List

Ellen at:  http://www.cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/

Selina at:  http://www.mudpiereality.blogspot.com/     **You Are Here

Sarah at:  http://www.simplyshaddock.blogspot.com/   ***NEXT STOP

Jessica at:  http://www.thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com/ 

Sue at:  http://www.susanascorner.blogspot.com/ 

Janice at:   http://www.cricutology.blogspot.com/

Wendy at:   http://www.wendyscreativecraftingcorner.blogspot.com/ 

Kacee at:   http://www.youhadmeatscrap.blogspot.com/

Jennifer at:  http://www.craftycardgallery.blogspot.com/ 

Amanda at:  http://www.stellarscraps.blogspot.com/ 

Kim at:  http://www.rickettscricuts.blogspot.com/ 

Brynn at:  http://www.flairandfrillscreativity.blogspot.com/ 

Ashley at:  http://www.scraptasticideas.blogspot.com/ 

Nikki at:  http://www.theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/ 

Elaine at:  http://www.expressionsbyelaine.blogspot.com/