Day 15 Color of the Day is White

Here we are on the 15th day of June 2020. Where is the time going? It seems like every day that passes, the days fly by faster and faster and faster. Am I the only one thinking this? 

The Color of the Day is white. We can find this color everywhere. It is throughout my house, in my crafting room, in my kitchen, my bathrooms, my laundry room, and in the living room and it is even outside. 

A word that comes to mind when I think of the color white is 'white noise'. A few days ago, my daughter and I were talking about ways to block the sound out where her little guy, my grandson could sleep uninterrupted. One of her friends had suggested getting a 'white noise machine'. I have used these before when I worked in the Mental Health field. We would use them when holding interviews with clients. They would muffle the sounds of us talking where others in the office would not be able to hear what was being said. 

Sitting here in my craft room, I see 'white' all over the place. From the Kleenex box to tubs where I store crafting supplies to my white standing organizers. There are white binders for genealogy and white notebook paper laying around. There is a white carousel sitting on the corner of my desk too.  I also have Scor Tape that I use in crafting projects. 

The Color of the Day is white. I wear white clothes from time to time and I even recall a few special memories where I am wearing white. (Easter, Wedding, Graduation)

I have even been on trips where I have seen white. The amazing Niagara Falls. I enjoyed my trip to Niagara Falls. I visited them both on the US side and the Canadian side. I enjoyed the Canadian side was much better. I was in Buffalo, NY for a Mental Health Conference in 2007. We spent an entire day of sightseeing. I would like to take another trip to the Falls, but NOT in October like this trip was. It was freezing...! 

The Color of the Day is White. What is white around you? 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

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S is for Stamps

22 Apr 2020
A to Z Challenge
S is for Stamps

SOME of my stamp Collection

Thinking about the next letter in line on the A to Z Challenge for the month of April, today - it's S. When I planned the month out with my topics I wanted to write about, I had something different and decided since I wasn't feeling all that well - I'd shift the topic for today.

S is for Stamps. Rubber and Acrylic stamps...these are used by crafters young and old. Most of my stamps were purchased through Facebook Buy and Sell sights, while a few others were inherited from an Aunt a few years ago. I have bought new stamps myself in the past.

I'm not a big stamp user as I just haven't been able to get the hang of it. I get more aggravated when I use them than I find joy. Yet, I keep them in my supplies. I do however use them in my journals that I create. In fact, I was looking through my stamps yesterday and saw a few that I want to use in the next journal I make. It's for a friend...

Many of my stamps are from Stampin' Up. A few are from Spellbinders and Simon Says. I also have some from Tim Holtz and Anna Griffin.

If I am honest, I enjoy using acrylic stamps over the rubber ones. I can't sit here and tell you why I prefer them over the rubber ones other than, I don't make mistakes with them like I do with the others. If any of you have used stamps before, you will agree that stamping is unforgiving. If you make a mistake - sometimes, it can't be undone. I can't tell you how many scrapbook layouts I've messed up because my stamping didn't do well. Talk about having some serious internal discussions with self!!! At that point, I'd have to reach for other embellishments or something to cover up those booboos!!! Frustrating isn't the word especially when I had spent hours upon hours creating a beautiful layout - only to have it destroyed by a stamped image. I quickly put away my stamps and ink.

more of my stamps

close up of some of my stamps before they made it to the bookcase

another look

and more

Last year, I was introduced to the Mini Misti. I want to eventually invest in the larger one. It helps a crafter like me place the stamp and the paper in just the right place. It is flawless. The only downside is, I have the 'mini'. I only use it for tags and smaller pages versus the larger projects.

I have watched tutorial after tutorial in hopes of honing my technique - somewhere though, I am having a mental block as to exactly 'how' to use rubber stamps. Maybe one day I'll get the hang of it, but in the meantime...they are on display!

S is for STAMPS! 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

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R is for Ribbon

21 Apr 2020
A to Z Challenge

Today's letter is R. To me, that equates to ribbon, ribbon, ribbon. In my crafting supplies, I have all kinds of ribbons. Narrow ones, wide ones, yellow ones, red ones, all sorts of sizes, and colors.

I have them organized in tubs by color.

I even have a tub that has scrap ribbon in it. Those bits and pieces that I use for layering and to tuck here and there on other projects.

The Encyclopedia.com says that ribbons appeared when civilizations began crafting fabric. They are among the oldest decorative and adorning materials.

I continued reading the article from the mentioned website above and learned that ribbons have been around since the 1500s and by the 17th Century, ribbons had stormed the fashion world.

Today, not only can we find ribbons being used by seamstresses, we can find many people using ribbons. For instance, the mother who is putting their daughter's hair up in a ponytail. They may use a big fancy bow on top to adorn the ponytail. My girls never liked anything like this in their hair. In my crafting stash, I have some of these ponytails with ribbons. I use them in my journals.

Ribbons are used in homecoming mums. Like the ones, I made my daughter a few years ago. (they have continued to get larger and larger each year). The ones I saw High School girls wearing were insane. They were ginormous!!!

11th gr. 2012

12th gr. 2013

I might add, the bottom mum I made with one hand as I had just had Carpal Tunnel surgery and my hand was in a cast. That was a difficult task let me tell you...

We can also find ribbons on wedding dresses, in floral arrangements, and in many more items.

I enjoy using ribbons in my crafts to compliment what I am creating. I've used them on cards, in mixed media, on tags, and in journals.

I've even made paper straw wands and used ribbons on them, too. They look like something like this...I will show all angles of the paper straw wand.

Several different sizes of ribbons were used to make the bows. These are fun to make! (Anytime my daughter is in Target, she hits up the $1.00 bins for paper straws. I have an ample supply of them organized by color).

I use ribbons all the time in my creations. Like most everything else pertaining to crafting, I LIKE ribbon!!!

Tag I made in 2018

Tag I made for my mom on Mother's Day 2017

Tag I made for a pocket in a journal_2017

This was made FOR me by a friend in 2018 using ribbons

So you see, ribbons can be used on so many different things. R = RIBBONS!!! 

Have any ribbons?

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

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O is for Organization

17 Apr 2020
A to Z Challenge

O is for Organization

A shelf in my room of beautiful handmade Journals, Folios, and Mixed Media creations
that have been sent to me over the course of a few years

Organization comes in many facets. I take great pride in being a person who is quite organized. Whether it's in genealogy research, life, family , or even in my crafting. I can't stand to be 'out of sorts' if you will. 

When I worked outside of the home, I learned at a very young age how to work within the guidelines of being organized. I took those same principals and applied them to my overall life. When we plan a vacation, my family knows that I am going to research, plan, and layout everything there is to do between our house and our destination and back. I cover every letter in the Alphabet ensuring we have wonderful memories of that trip. Organization. It begins with the research, ends up in a binder, and eventually in a scrapbook of some kind. 

Crafting and genealogy are no different. I plan, I organize, and I repeat. LOL 

When I'm working on genealogy, I have my spiral - my pen/pencil - and my highlighter out. I'm ready to research, make notes and enter my findings into the computer for the family tree I'm working on. I have years of these spirals in the filing cabinet. I thought at one time, I'd keep them in case another family member wanted to peruse them after I'm long gone - but I'm not so sure anymore since many of them in the beginnings have been marked through, scratched off by me when I'd finish working on that particular person or persons. I'm NOT even sure they could decipher my notes anyway!! 

I have since learned that when I'm working with my spirals, NOT to cover my thoughts, notes and research up where it can't be read by others. Who knows...someone might see something that I've missed or even solve a mystery that I couldn't by my notes. I've also started dating the top of the pages and written the lines I'm working on that page to make it easy if I needed to revisit something or if someone else was to look through the spirals. Organization...

In my room is a filing cabinet. I use this for crafting and for genealogy purposes. I house different cardstock, chipboard and other things I use randomly when I craft. Also, in 2 drawers are genealogy spirals and other things pertaining to my research. 

This drawer drives me up a wall! I can't stand to open the drawer to look for something that is almost always at the very bottom of it! Who can relate? It couldn't be so easy to be on top, right!? 

I have been working on organizing this drawer into binders. I'm making my way slowly but surely to ensure that my research is documented to the best I know how for generations to come. This is what I've come up with...

The drawer now is about half empty. I'm feeling better now that I have my binders in place and I'm working towards putting the documents I have where they go for each family. The binders are for different family lines that I'm working on. Eventually, the entire shelf will be full of binders with photos, documents, and other information that I've had or have received through my research for the family lines. My hope is, one day after I'm gone - if my family doesn't want to keep my genealogy research, they will donate it all to a Genealogy Society in our area.

I'm sure my binders and things aren't set up like others who like me do genealogy - but that's okay... it’s mine and it's what works to help me stay organized. 

The organization in my craft room is no different. I can't stand for stuff to be all over the place...in any way, shape or form! For instance, right now...because of the smaller space we live in - I have 'stuff' tucked here and tucked there. It's driving me you guessed it, up a wall!!! 

I have downsized, given away, sold and thrown away just to try and declutter my 'stuff' that used to be housed in 2 large bedrooms all nice and neat and ORGANIZED! Don't get me wrong, I'm organized now - but not how I'd like to be once again. 

Unless I completely do away with many of my crafting supplies, I'm not sure I can get any more organized in my space. The room I'm in is very tiny and even my desk and I don't see eye to eye. I've had to change the desk I use from a nice large workspace to a narrow, skinny one. Daily, I am moving things around trying to gain more space! So far, the desk is winning! LOL

Currently, this is my craft room set up...

Organization by any sense of the word is just that - - being organized. My kitchen is organized, my bathrooms are organized, my laundry area is organized - so why shouldn't the rest of my life be organized?

Have a GREAT day! 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

H2hsc2020

#AtoZchallenge, #challenge, #craftroom, #genealogy, #organization, #crafting

Genealogy Help and Tools

15 Apr 2020
Ultimate Blog Challenge

By now if you have been following my blog, you have learned that two of my favorite things to do are CRAFTING and GENEALOGY. 

For the April Ultimate Blog Challenge, I chose the theme of  

G E N E A L O G Y

Working on my family tree is very relaxing for me. I enjoy learning the history of my Ancestors as well as meeting new family that I never knew existed. Hearing their family stories about a common ancestor intrigues me. Especially if I hadn't heard of it before. 

I also enjoy seeing the photographs of my ancestors, young and old. In fact, if you have been following my blog - I have discussed photos quite often. I LOVE photos and if you were to look at my family tree, you would see what I mean. Photographs tell the stories that otherwise seem to go untold. But genealogy doesn't start or stop with the photographs. Even though they are amazing 'most' of the time! 

There's so much more to genealogy than just putting a name on a piece of paper or into an application on the internet. C'mon, we all can write our name, add our parents and call it a Family Tree...and trust me, many people out there in the world do JUST that! I find that aggravating, to say the least - but that's my own opinion. Sometimes, that's all a person knows and even at best - they may not even know the mother or the father. Which could be one of the reasons they started their family tree in the first place. Another reason a person starts a family tree is to learn their origins. In other words, where they are from or better yet, their ancestors. 

One of the first things a person does when they start their family tree journey is to fill out a Family Group Sheet (FGS). 

I'll use myself as an example. WIFE - I'd put my name there. Then I'd fill out the rest of the information pertaining to me. One thing for women - - ALWAYS use your "maiden" name!!! Continue filling out the rest of the page with the pertinent information. 

Then, once this is completed - create another FGS one for your mother and your father. If you are married, do one for your spouse or significant other. Before you know it, you have the beginnings to fill your tree in with. 

Whether or not you are building a family tree with an actual paper trail or online, you will want to do your research. I'll help you get started by giving you a few site names that can assist on your ancestral journey. 

According to Genealogy In Time, the Top 20 out of 100 Genealogy Websites in 2016 and the last time I checked, the list hadn't been updated. 

1. Ancestry.com
2. Find A Grave
3. FamilySearch
4. MyHeritage
5. Ancesty.co.uk
6. Geni.com
7. GeneaNet
8. Newspapers.com
9. Ancestry.com.au
10. FindMyPast UK
11. Family Tree DNA
12. Ancestry.ca
13. Archives.com
14. MooseRoots
15. WikiTree
16. Genealogy.com
17. FamilyTreeNow
18. Fold3
19. Genealogy Bank
20. GEDmatch

I use many on the list of 100 and out of the Top 20 - I use more than half of these sites. There are many different avenues a person can take when it comes to genealogy research. Like anything else, the work must be put into it, and everything needs to be vetted to ensure accuracy so your records are as factual as can be. After all, these ARE your roots we are talking about. 

Another great resource for research is National Archives or even your local library. I've also found that even on the City websites, many of them have a historical area. I learned this last year by accident when I was helping a cousin look for information on a Great Grandfather. I believe he was like her 5th or 6h (I don't remember exactly). We were thinking outside of the box and we were spot on. Not only did we find newspaper articles on this individual, but we also found church records that the city had archived on their site. We were elated! 

Here are a few other sites that might be beneficial to your research. 

https://tx.countygovernmentrecords.com/texas/web/ - This site is used to search for documents that have been recorded in the County Clerk's office in various counties. 

www.deathindexes.com  - Find death indexes for different states. (free site but be careful what you click on as some states have links to pay sites). 

www.tshaonlilne.org/handbook/online -  Texas Handbook Online, where you can find some interesting information on different people and places that make up Texas. 

www.genrootsblog.blogspot.com

I would also encourage you to do a DNA test if you are starting a family tree. This can also prove to be very useful in your research. Several times a year, Ancestry puts their DNA kits on sale for a fraction of their normal cost. Mother's Day is rapidly approaching, and this might be the time to order your kit! 

There are other sites as well who offer DNA testing. A few of them are, 23&Me, Myheritage, and FamilyTreeDNA. I know from time to time they too, have sales on their DNA kits. 

I haven't even begun to make a dent on what's available to a person in the way of genealogy with the information I've shared. My hope is this information will be useful to those who are considering genealogy. There is a wealth of information at our fingertips by way of the world wide web and our local libraries. If you have a Genealogy Society in your area - that would be a great place to start your journey. 

If you are a seasoned genealogist, just maybe I have given you some ideas that you hadn't considered before. Whatever the case may be...I hope the walk with your ancestors proves to be rewarding for you as they are for me. 

What are you waiting for? Start your family tree today! I'm off to walk with my ancestors...

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

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I is for Inks

April 10, 2020
A to Z Challenge
I is for Inks

I have enjoyed taking part in the A to Z Challenge this month. The theme I chose was crafting.
We are slowly making our way through the alphabet. Today the letter is I. 

As many of you know, crafting is one of my most favorite things to do. Between crafting and genealogy - I must balance my time because both are my favorite past-times and can consume a great portion of my day and/or night.

A couple of years back, I was introduced to ink pads by purchasing a box of crafting items through a Facebook buy and sale group. I had never worked with ink pads even though I have over 200 different rubber stamps and acrylic stamps in my arsenal of crafting inventory. (the reason I don't like to use them is, I can't tell you the number of scrapbook layouts I have ruined because of trying to place an inked image on them. They either don't impress properly, or they are smudged). Since that time, I have honed my skills where "inking" is concerned.

I'm no expert by any means of the word and I still have room to grow to do when it comes to inking.  I get very frustrated at times when it comes to inking. Luckily, I now own a Mini Misti Stamp Tool that helps me if I am making cards or something small like a tag and want to use a stamp from my stash.

my Mini Misti

In the past, when I wanted to distress the edges of my pages, cards or tags - I used a makeup foam. They work great - but would always fall apart in a very short period.

Last year, in my crafting/swapping group I had, I was introduced to the Ranger Mini Ink Blending Foam and a Blending Tool.  I have the rectangle Blending Tool by Tim Holtz as well.

I have several different colors both in the mini and in the larger ink pads.

There are many colors to choose from in the Mini Distress Ink lines and the larger ink pads. I used to have many more ink pads and holders but being in a smaller space now where we live, I had to downsize many things.

Ink pads are available in many different brands and colors. Some of the brands out there are PMLAND, Lsunshine, CLEARSNAP, Dedoot, RANGER (which is my go-to brand), Goomart, Craft Rainbow, Recollections and Craft Ink just to name a few. I think most people have their favorite ones to use. I know I do...

As you see from my photo, I do have other brands of inks besides Ranger. LOL

Depending on the papercraft project one is working on, they may choose to use a different type of ink. It is important to use the best ink for your projects. 

Embossing Ink and Embossing powder on a tag I made

EMBOSSING INK - are used for heat embossing. They are thick and sticky. When I'm working with embossing powders for a different type of look on my projects, I use Embossing and watermark ink because it dries slowly and gives me time to sprinkle embossing powder on top of my projects. Here is a picture of a tag I created using an embossing ink pad and embossing powders. Do you see the shimmer? That's from the embossing ink and pads. The effects are wonderful when I choose to use this ink in my crafting projects.

Dry Ink used on a Bullet Journal page I made. 

DYE INK - is a water-based ink. They come in a variety of colors. This ink absorbs into paper and cardstock and dries quickly. This is the type of ink I use if I'm stamping images onto a project. The stamp I used to create this image was by Prima. She is called Priscilla with a top hat.

PIGMENT INK - is thick and creamy, opaquer. It sets on top of the paper longer and needs longer drying time. Pigment inks are very blendable. They can also be used with a heat gun and embossing powders, too. Many stampers like using pigment inks when they are stamping images on their projects.

DISTRESS INKS - have special qualities and stand out from the rest of the inks. They are water-based and were designed to create a realistic, weathered look on paper. I usually use my distress inks when I'm working on vintage craft projects. Something that sets distress inks apart for me is I can add water to them for many of my craft projects. These can also be used with embossing projects.

Chalk Inks, etc. 

CHALK INK - I have several of these in my stash. I must admit though, I don't use them much. Chalk inks are like chalk (hence the name). They are fade-resistant and fast-drying on most surfaces. I have noticed when I use the chalk inks in the past on small stamped images, I get clear, crisp lines when using them.

SOLVENT INK - are permanent! They can be used on paper, semi-porous surfaces such as glass or ceramics. This type of ink works well when stamping on vellum or acetate transparencies for handmade shaker cards. The reason is it doesn't run when used with water-based products such as watercolors.

There are also refills for some of these types of inks so one isn't having to constantly buy a new ink pad. Just purchase a bottle of refill ink for them.

Crafting with inks can be fun. There are many different techniques out there in the crafting world when it comes to using inks. I haven't mastered them all, but I'm working on it. In the meantime, I'll show you a photo of my rubber stamp collection and this isn't even all of them!!!

I is for INK

Have a GREAT day and Happy Easter weekend, everyone! (what kind of ink are you going to use on those eggs)?

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

H2hsc2020

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