Candice Windham Design Studio

Back in July I created this piece for the Summer Craft and Hobby Association show using Westcott scissors and trimmers, Duck Brand X-Factor Duck Tape and Velcro fasteners. One thing that made it so easy for me was the new Duck Tape sheets (These are available at Target) which make covering a larger area pretty simple. The frame contains a quote about animals, and there is an additional removable frame on the band, which wraps around the larger piece. You can replace either image very quickly, and the larger opening holds an 8" x 10" photo. The smaller is approximately 3" x 4", although I can't imagine why you would want to replace the small photo. That is my pup Pete, The Speckle-butted Monster, who is now 13, one year older than the life expectancy for a Dalmation. Pete had a stroke last week that affected his gait and balance, but he is much better now and bouncing around with his buddy Sam, the Wonder Lab. You can own this one-of-a-kind frame and make a...

Here is my entry for the Designer Crafts Connection August Blog Hop featuring one of my favorite techniques,embossing. The card base is a Sizzix die, Card A2 with Decorative Edge, designed by Brenda Pinnick. I just love this die. It is perfect for cards, of course, but wouldn't this make a pretty banner? Be sure to hop over to Julie McGuffee's blog and leave a comment on which technique you liked the best, which one one are going to try and, which one was the most unique for a chance to win a set of punches( see my earlier post on this). They will be given away on August 15, so don't fool around and forget. Here's how I made this: Sizzix die and Big Shot (Card A2 with Decorative Edge designed by Brenda Pinnick ) Sizzix Big Shot Cuttlebug embossing template and machine ( www.provocraft.com ) Viva Décor Violet paper Soft Color ( www.vivadecor.com ) Viva Décor Inka Gold, Old Silver Cardstock, one sheet, Violet Thick Mulberry paper, white 5" X 6" Offray ribbon, ...

Well, it's the first Monday of the month and that means it's time for another blog hop with a great group of designers. Click on the button on the left of the screen to hop from blog to blog to see the amazing designs. I will be posting a new project today as soon as my camera battery gets a full charge. I left it charging last night (I thought), but didn't have the battery pushed completely into the unit. Oh, the joys of technology! Be sure to leave a comment on Julie McGuffee's blog for a chance to win a selection of punches. Just let Julie know: • which technique you liked the best, • which one you are going to try and • which one was the most unique. The winner will be announced on August 15th. I hope you have a wonderful week and get lots of time to make art. Now, go hug someone you love. I've already hugged my hubby this morning, so I think I will pay a visit to the backyard to hug Pete, the Speckle-butted Monster, and Sam, the Wonder Lab.

I woke up at 6 a.m., which is rare for a retiree, but Larry was supposed to play golf at 7. His buddies called at 6 to cancel because of the storms. I couldn't go back to sleep, and now I'm glad I didn't. I was making breakfast when I glanced out the kitchen window and saw this beautiful hawk sitting on our fence. There was a little bit of sun shining on his feathers when I first saw him that made him look like copper. By the time I got the camera and set it, the sun had gone back behind the clouds. I eased into my studio, which has sliding glass doors so I wouldn't have to shoot through a window screen. I barely got this shot when the mockingbird you can barely see at left of the hawk, attacked and chased him away. She must have had a nest nearby and was protecting her babies. The birdhouse on the left has three baby bluebirds, and mama bluebird was watching as well. Our property goes back into the woods visible in the photo for about 250 yards. We usually mow the past...

I have loved Gardenias since I was a child. My Granny had a big Gardenia bush in her front yard, and my sister and would wait impatiently every summer for the waxy blooms to appear. I thought that bush was six feet tall, but know now that it was because I was less than four feet tall at the time. The scent of Gardenias is a heavy, heady aroma, and just a tiny whiff transports me back to the '50s to 291 Oklahoma in South Memphis. I have tried to grow Gardenias several times with no luck. I planted this bush last spring, watered patiently, watched incessantly, but no blooms. This bush is planted just outside our fence in the side yard. I have always watered it from the backside of the fence, which is the reason I didn't even see the bud for this bloom. I was so happily surprised to discover it yesterday! Of course I had to make a digital page about it for my Summer of 2011 book. Here's how I did it: Supplies photo Duetica Lettering Arts Studio Software, Font: Mandolyn (www.du...

I am so thankful to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, and to be a descendant of men who loved their country enough to risk their lives. My father, Jack Cofer, and his brothers, James, Mitchell, Frank and Earl, were all in the military. Earl, the youngest, paid the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. He was a career soldier and loved the military life. They are all descendants of a Revolutionary War soldier. Larry's Aunt Wille was also a soldier, packing parachutes at Ft. Oglethorp during WWII. Today, I salute all the men and women who serve our country in the military. Many of them are far from home this Independence day, but you know they are thinking of the wonderful celebration we are having here in the USA. Every time I see a man or woman in military clothing, I make sure to thank them for their service. It's not much, but their sacrifice makes my freedom possible, and I am eternally grateful. Now, go hug a soldier!

Although I'm not participating in this blog hop for July, be sure to hop forward or backward using the Designer Crafts Connection button at left. You can see some gorgeous creations by a really talented group of designers and register to win a great prize package. Good Luck!