Beautiful Flowers

This morning as I strolled through my garden I decided I just had to share these pictures with you.  They are so beautiful today and I am so afraid with the 90 degree heat and possible storms that the flowers might not be as pretty another day.

Clematis

 

Purple Flower that I do not know the name.

It is always so gorgeous, but will take over a flower bed if not contained.

 

I have it contained it in a small area in front of the pond.  The yellow plant fights it and could win if I didn't keep pulling some of it out.  I think they are pretty together.

 

And the winner is~~~

And the winner is~~~

You can see all last weeks challenge entries by clicking here!

This week's winner was chosen by a random drawing and

Olga is the winner.    

Congratulations Olga!!!!!

 

 Thanks to those of you who joined us for last week's challenge.  I loved all the black and white cards.  I am so glad this challenge winner was chosen by a Random Drawing as it will have been very difficult to chose one card as a winner.

 

I will be sending Olga a badge for her web site and Terri will be sending a gift from Joan's Gardens.
 

 You can see Olga gorgeous card by clicking here!  Be sure to scroll down to see her other 2 black and white cards that she did for this challenge.  They are fantastic.  Thank you Olga for working hard for this challenge.

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2 

Timestamp: 2014-06-17 10:44:23 UTC

Challenge Card #18

 

 

Travis's (future grand-son- in-law) birthday was this week, so I made him this card.  I learned this technique at the Dream Weaver Class I took in Chicago a few weeks ago.  I loved it then and even more so after creating this card. About any scenery stamp will work.  I didn't add many embellishments or layers as I wanted it to be the main focal point.

Directions for Layering Nested Frames

1. Lay a piece of removable Tape, sticky side up on the table
2. Carefully place the three smallest Nesting Frames (Dream Weavers DD001) cutting side up on the tape so I t comes across the middle  of the frames, press them in place lightly so they don't move.
3. Carefully turn the tape and frames over the front of your image cutting side down and place where you want the frames on the image, gently press the tape to the paper.
4. Place the dies and paper on the plate of your die cutting machine, cutting side up. Place acrylic plate on top and run this through the machine.
5. Remove the cut layers from the dies
6. Place one layer of dimensional foam on the largest frame, then put 2 layers of dimensional foam on the 2nd largest and 3 layers on the smallest.
7. Add to your cardstock and you have a beautiful focal point for your card.

Products Used for this Card that can be purchased at Joan's Gardens
Nesting Dies - DD001 - Dream Weavers
Versafine Ink
Stash for my Paper
Dimensional Tape
Glue Glider
Happy Die - Cheery Lynn  B226
Birthday Die - Cheery Lynn B211
Buttons - Tim Holtz
Anja Vintage 2 Ornament - LR0270 - Marianne
A badge will be sent to the winner and Terri at Joan's Gardens will be sending a prize to the winner.

Here is what you need to do for this week's challenge!

You can make 3 cards this week

Below is what you need to do for this week's challenge

• Use scenery stamp, picture or digital image
• Make a layer as I did above
• any color
• You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Touch Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.joanstouch.com

You will have until next Monday, June 23 morning 6:00 AM EST to link your project.

A winner will be chosen from a random drawing for week #18 and the winner of the challenge will be announced June 24

 

 

 

 

Benaiah's Birthday Card

Our Great Grandson, Benaiah is the sweetest kid I have ever seen and today he turns 3. He always has a smile and is such a happy guy.   And he LOVES Dinosaurs.  So, I had to make him a Dinosaur card.  Now this wasn't an easy task since I didn't have any stamps or dies of Dinosaurs.   So, I turned to my new Silhouette.  Now, I haven't used it a lot so I also had to learn how to do some things on it.  Now, I am crazy for telling you this, but I spent from 7 AM to 3 PM on this birthday card.  Unbelievable, but true.  Everyone loved the card at the party, but of course Benaiah was more interested in the toy Dinosaur than he was the card and clothes we gave him

 

 

 

I used Karen's Pop & Cut Labels Base to start the card.  When it opens the Dinosaur moves and on the inside it says Roar.  Both of these, #3 and Benaiah's name I cut with the Silhouette.  I added some "grass" under his feet and inside his mouth. 

 

Products used that can be purchased from Terri at Joan's Gardens are:

98172 - Puffy Clouds - Memory Box

656365 - Edge & Scroll - Sizzix

656364 - Butterfly Label Die - Sizzix

657802 - Base Die - Sizzix

B226  - Happy - Cheery Lynn

B231  - Birthday - Cheery Lynn

Glue and Seal Glue - Ranger

Dimensionals  - Therm O Web

 

 

 

 

Contest

If you are getting this post, you are most likely subscribed to my email.  I have just discovered that the Subscribe Link on www.joanstouch.com  has not been working.  I contacted FeedBlitz today and they gave me a new code saying that the old one was corrupted.  If you know of anyone that has tried to subscribe and has not been able to do so, please contact them and tell them that it has been fixed and to please try to resubscribe.  I do not know how long it has not been working, but I do think for a while.

So, to encourage new subscribers, I am having a contest.   The contest start June 13 and ends June 28^th. The person who can refer the most new subscribers to www.joanstouch.com will be given $25.00 of products. (my choice)  Once they have subscribed,  either they will or you will need to email me at jfricker@fourway.net to let me know it is you who referred them to www.joanstouch.com.  If there is a tie, I will draw a name of the emails that I have printed.

And,  I will also have a drawing for all the new subscribers and some lucky person will also receive $25.00 in free products. (my choice)  I hope you will help us grow by contacting your friends and family and let them know about this contest.

And the winner is~~~~~

I am sorry I am a day late with posting last weeks winner.  I have been serving each day this week at our church with our Day Church Camp.  Our great-granddaughter Mazelee came to stay with us for this week to attend the camp.  It has been a great experience for her and I have loved helping in the kitchen preparing food for the staff.    Mazelee is among 110 campers  and 60 staff attending this week.  Everyone is having a fantastic time singing, playing on water slides, rock climbing walls and learning about Jesus.  Such an important impact on young lives. 

 

Mazelee came up to say hi to me in the kitchen.  I didn't realize she was standing in front of the pan of food when I took this picture.   You can see the room full of kids behind her.  Great times!!!

And the winner is~~~

You can see all last weeks challenge entries by clicking here!

This week's winner was chosen by a random drawing and

Nancy is the winner.    

Congratulations Nancy!!!!!

 

 Thanks to those of you who joined us for last week's challenge.  It was so fun seeing all the different ideas you came up with for this kind of card.

 

I will be sending Nancy a badge for her web site and Terri will be sending a gift from Joan's Gardens.
 

 You can see Nancy's gorgeous card by clicking here!  I love how she used a border and such pretty flowers bringing out all the colors. If you haven't left Nancy a comment yet, please do so. It is always nice to read how others enjoy our cards.

 

Challenge Card #17

We attended a beautiful wedding last night of our best friends son which was held at the Culver Military Chapel. Of course I needed to make a wedding card.  I wanted something elegant and I think a black and white always card fills that requirement.

 

This  Marianne embossing folder was a great background for this card.  On top of that I popped up the Anja Oval die using both the solid and the cut out for this card.  I scalloped the bottom of the Embossing folder with Spellbinders Curved Borders 2 and added Spellbinders solid and scalloped hearts which were also popped up.  The Love was cut from Cheery Lynn Love die and pasted onto the top of the heart.  Black was used for the back base card.  this is a 6x5 3/4 card.

 

Products Used.

Marianne Oval Dies- LR0236

Cheery Lynn - Love - B227

Spellbinders - Curved Borders 2 - S5201

Spellbinders - Scalloped Hearts - S4137

Spellbinders - Classic Hearts - S4136

Marianne Embossing Folder  has been discontinued

 

A badge will be sent to the winner and Terri at Joan's Gardens will be sending a prize to the winner.

Here is what you need to do for this week's challenge!

You can make 3 cards this week

Below is what you need to do for this week's challenge

• Black & White
• Dimenson
• scallops
• You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Touch Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.joanstouch.com

You will have until next Monday, June 16 morning 6:00 AM EST to link your project.

A winner will be chosen from a random drawing for week #17 and the winner of the challenge will be announced June 23

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pond is done and ready!

We have finally finished cleaning the pond. Poor Jon, it has been a huge project especially for him as some of the lilly pad roots were as big as his arm. We are so thrilled it I done just in time for a party tonight. Now to buy some fish and restock it. (we lost all of them ) :(

Pond - just finished filling it.

Waterfall

 

This is what it looked like last night.    We are so thrilled to have it done.

 

 

And the winner is~~~

You can see all last weeks challenge entries by clicking here!

This week's winner was chosen by a random drawing and

April is the winner.    

Congratulations April!!!!!

 

 Thanks to those of you who joined us for last week's challenge

I will be sending April a badge for her web site and Terri will be sending a gift from Joan's Gardens.
 

 You can see April's adorable card by clicking here!  Her card is adorable.  Be sure and notice the rain drops.  I also love the vivid colors.  If you haven't left April a comment yet, please do so. It is always nice to read how others enjoy our cards.

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3 

Timestamp: 2014-06-03 11:45:44 UTC

#16 Challenbge

Todays Challenge is making a Twisted Easel Card.  Have you ever made one?

I had not until my crafting friends got together and Gretchen showed us how to make them.

They are fun and quick.  There are several videos and lots of examples on Pinterest.  Just search for Twisted Easel Cards.

 

Twisted Easel

 

Cut Cardstock 5x10 and score in half
Score the left half diagonally
Fold both score lines
Decorate

• 
• A badge will be sent to the winner and Terri at Joan's Gardens will be sending a prize to the winner.
  Here is what you need to do for this week's challenge!
  You can make 3 cards this week
  Below is what you need to do for this week's challenge

  • Make a Twisted Easel card
  • Any Color 
  • Use some Patterned paper
  • You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Touch Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.joanstouch.com
  
  
  You will have until next Monday, June 9 morning 6:00 AM EST to link your project.
  A winner will be chosen from a random drawing for week #16 and the winner of the challenge will be announced June 10

 

Spring time flowers

Most of  you know how much I love my flowers and probably understand why I haven't been getting many cards made because of all the outside work.  I thought I would share some of my flowers with you today and tell you about some wonderful friends.

 The gals that I get together with (had pictures a couple weeks ago)  blessed me with this beautiful bench and hydrangea as an memorial of my brother.  I am thrilled and I cherish both gifts.

Thank you again Bette, Gretchen, Judy, Darlene and Diane.  You are great friends!!!

 

2014 Spring Flowers

My first ever dark peony

Blue and White Iris

Pink Lupine

Peach Iris

Siberian Iris with Hosta

Snow on the Mountain

 (at least that is what Mom called it)

Tree Peony

Yellow Iris

 

 

Pie Recipes

Kelsey - Kara

My beautiful granddaughters, Kara and Kelsey came down from Michigan last week to do their annual cleaning of the pond house.  About 4 years ago I wasn't able to do it and they came to help me out.  At that time they said this would be their yearly job. :)
I had posted pictures of my rhubarb pie I made on Facebook and Kelsey messaged me and said that she thought a pie was a great idea on the day they were here.  I also fixed their very, very favorite thing...Joan's Taco Salad.  They both were happy campers and had lemon pie as soon as they arrived (breakfast they said).  If I have to say so myself, it was delicious.

I have always struggled with meringue, getting it to be fluffy and high.  I found a new recipe in my
Southern Living Magazine and as you can see it was a huge success.  The picture indicates that there wasn't much lemon filling, but there was.  I used Grandma' Lemon Meringue Pie recipe from allrecipes.com

This is the Meringue recipe:
4 large egg whites (room temperature)
1 1/2 teaspoon cream tartar
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoon Cold water
1 1/2 Tablespoon Cornstarch
2/3 cup boiling water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Whisk 3 Tablespoon cold water into cornstarch in a 1 quart sauce pan.  Whisk in 2/3 cup boiling water.  Cook over medium heat until thick. (about 1 minute)  Remove from heat and  completely cool. (about 30 minutes)

Beat 4 egg whites and cream tarter at medium then high speed with a heavy duty mixer, using whisk attachments until foamy.  Gradually add the cup of sugar and beat until glossy and has stiff peaks.
Beat in vanilla and salt.

Spread over cooled pie making sure you seal all the edges so the meringue doesn't get weepy. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes or until meringue is golden brown.  If you can stand it, completely cool.  If you like cold pie, you can refrigerate.  Enjoy.


I have been asked about what recipe I use to make pie crust. 

Here is the link to the pie crust recipe.  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/pie-crust-recipe.html#!   I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE FLOUR IS ALMOST 2 CUPS FOR 6 OUNCES, NOT 1 CUP AS HE STATES.  MAKES A  MUCH BETTER PIE CRUST.  I DO WEIGH IT TO GET THE SIX OUNCES.

There is a video too and it is what I do except I use Martha Stewarts saran wrap instead of a plastic bag.  Easier for me.  I also just add 1/4 cup cold ice water as I don't have a spray bottle and keep forgetting to buy one.

Several of you wanted the following recipe.

 Rhubarb Cream Pie Recipe.

I prebake my pie bottom shell for about 10 to 13 minutes using pie weights on top of  parchment paper to keep the middle from forming a bubble.  Dried beans can also be used on top of parchment paper.

1 1/2 cups sugar
3 T flour
1/2 t nutmeg
2 well beaten eggs
1 T butter
3 cups cut rhubarb
pinch of salt

Blend sugar, flour and nutmeg together.  Add eggs and butter and beat with a fork until smooth.
Pour over Rhubarb and Mix well.   Add to a prebaked pie crust.
Add top crust and then spread a thin layer of milk or cream over top.
Bake 450 oven for 10 minutes and then reduce to 350 oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

And the winner is~~~

You can see all last weeks challenge entries by clicking here!

This week's winner was chosen by a random drawing and

Gail is the winner.  
 

Congratulations Gail!!!!!

 

 Thanks to those of you who joined us for last week's challenge

I will be sending Gail a badge for her web site and Terri will be sending a gift from Joan's Gardens.
 

 You can see Gail's pretty card by clicking here!   She used a pretty sunflower die for her focal point and on top of black card stock, it is stunning.   If you haven't left Gail a comment yet, please do so. It is always nice to read how others enjoy our cards.

 

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10 

Timestamp: 2014-05-29 10:54:16 UTC

Challenge #15

 

This is the way the card is folded which allows it to stand up and then fold flat to mail.  it fits in an A2 envelope.

 

This is the back of the card to show you it is cut out and stands above the card.  I hope this makes sense.

 

I am sorry this is so late getting posted, but I have not had a minute to do so.

I will post last weeks winner tomorrow and hopefully will have time to comment on each of the gorgeous entries today.  Spring time is always such a busy time, but with our unseasonable cold weather I am really behind.  How about you???

I fell in love with these Beeline stamps when I was in Florida. (I think Terri is going to order them for her shop)  Each time I saw them, I would look at them again and on my last visit I decide I had to have them.  The owner of the store (The Owl and the Pussy Cat) made me a small template and Judy Studer helped me figure it out.  She is so good at those kind of things.  I can think of so many times I would love to just stick one of these in the mail to someone that I have thought of that day.  Darlene is teaching me to use a swivel knife to cut things out and it is so much faster.  I still need practice, but I am really loving it.  It is so great to have good friends!!

Here is how we did it:

• Start with a paper 7 1/2 inches long x 4 1/4 inches wide
• Stamp sentiment at bottom of cardstock (about 1/8 inch from bottom)
• Stamp image right above sentiment
• Measure 2 1/2 inches from bottom of cardstock 
• Score from Each Side in to as far as the image and stop
• Cut out image above score lines
• Score at 5 inches, 5 3/4 inches and 6 1/2 inches
• Fold 5 inch as a mountain, 5 3/4 as a valley and 6 1/2 inches as a mountain
• Glue bottom of tab on inside of bottom front.

A badge will be sent to the winner and Terri at Joan's Gardens will be sending a prize to the winner.

Here is what you need to do for this week's challenge!

You can make 3 cards this week

Below is what you need to do for this week's challenge

• Cut out part of an image so it is standing above card.  Does not have to be a person or a stand up card.  Use your imagination.
• Use card stock for color
• add a sentiment
• You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Touch Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.joanstouch.com

You will have until next Monday, June 2 morning 6:00 AM EST to link your project.

A winner will be chosen from a random drawing for week #15 and the winner of the challenge will be announced June 3
 

 

A Day To Remember

 

 

 

 

We are so thankful for our freedom and those who have fought the battles to keep  us that way.

Remember your love ones this Memorial Day!!!

 

 

 

 

What is left after the tree had to be trimmed.

 

One of many trailer loads of branches.

 

 

 

Drained pond :(

 

We have two huge projects we are working on and boy our age is showing. We have a yard full of huge tree limbs and branches that we are cleaning up. We had a tree trimmer come in and cut the stuck branches out of the tree before someone got hurt and he cut everything up in smaller pieces. Now to clear the brush and load up the wood to take to Michigan to our daughter. 

  And, we had to drain our pond (long story). Jon has worked 3 full days on it and now is ready to pull out the lilies and put back the fallen stones. We promised ourselves we would take off on the motorcycle for some fun this long weekend. But, that doesn't look like it is going to happen. I am also planting lots of flowers. We do not have trouble falling to sleep at night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storm damage

Last night we had a bad storm go through our area and we lost a huge limb out of our tree, just missing my shop/craft room.  We were very blessed that we had no damage to our house or buildings.  I feel bad though as this branch held the kids swing.  Jon thinks he can lower it on the broken off branch though, or we will have to find another tree to hang it on,  The kids  play on it all the time when they are visiting.

This certainly is minor compare to what so many have gone through with all the storms and fires throughout our nation.  We praise God that this is all we had.

 Can you see the swing?  Jon thinks he can lower it so the kids can still use it.  I sure hope so!!

There is a broken branch still wedged in the next tree .  We will have to get it down so that it doesn't come down and hurt someone.

And the winner is~~~~

This week's winner was chosen by a random drawing and

Priss is this week's winner.  
 

Congratulations Priss!!!!!

 Thanks to those of you who joined us for last week's challenge.  I know it was a different kind of challenge, but I love trying to teach you something new.

I will be sending Priss a badge for her web site and Terri will be sending a gift from Joan's Gardens.
 

 You can see Priss's beautiful card by clicking here!   Notice how she shadowed the balloons and how much more important they seem doing so,   If you haven't left Priss a comment yet, please do so. It is always nice to read how others enjoy our cards.

Random Integer Generator

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1 

Timestamp: 2014-05-21 11:52:20 UTC

Challenge #14

This past week, starting on Wednesday my group of friends from Illinois , Michigan, Ohio and Indiana got together to "play".  On Friday we went to Diane's beautiful home on a creek and then on Saturday we got together at our home.  Left to right is Linda (Diane's sister who joined us on Friday), Gretchen (IN) Darlene (Ohio...I had to insert her as she took the picture), Judy (IN), Diane (MI), Bette (IL) and myself.  We had the best time and I will be sharing projects with you that we made.  We each took turns doing a project and below is the project that I shared.  I took this wonderful class in Florida at the Owl and the Pussy Cat and I do believe this is my all time favorite card. Judy was a huge help in figuring out how to do this.   It fits in a A2 envelope and folds flat when mailed.  I am showing 2 different styles of it.

A badge will be sent to the winner and Terri at Joan's Gardens will be sending a prize to the winner.

Here is what you need to do for this week's challenge!

You can make 3 cards this week

Below is what you need to do for this week's challenge

• Use a die ..as an outline would be great but not required
• Use black on the card
• add embellishments
• You must use a product sold at Joan's Gardens.  Also, mention that you are doing the card/project for Joan's Touch Challenge. It would be nice if you would add this link to your post: www.joanstouch.com

You will have until next Monday, May 26 morning 6:00 AM EST to link your project.

A winner will be chosen from a random drawing for week #14 and the winner of the challenge will be announced May 27