Hi Everyone -- 

How many of you use Copic Markers in your greeting cards or scrapbooks?  My younger sister got me started on them. In fact, she got me started in several techniques that I use today in making my greeting cards, though I started making cards several years before she did.  We have lots of fun swapping techniques, tips and rubber stamps when we get together once every year or two to work on projects.

I do not have all the Copic markers yet, but I am working on it...slowly. (Jan is a lot closer to completing the set than I am!)  If you are wondering how to keep track of the Copic markers you have so you do not buy duplicates, check out the Copic Markers website. Feel free to download their chart.  You can also download a chart from the Oozak website. (Just click on the company names which act as Links to their websites.)  Check off or color in the boxes of the markers you have, and no more duplication -- just remember to take the list with you when you go to your favorite stores!

What projects have you completed this summer? With fall almost here, what projects do you have in the works for the winter?  What needs to be completed by Christmas?  I would love to hear of your projects with photos upon completion!

I've been laid up for the past week with a sprained ankle, so no gardening for awhile.  It is all I can do to get out and pick my raspberries. Before I was relegated to crutches with orders to "stay off my feet" (yeah, right!), I did manage to complete a small Memories album for my mother. She lost her partner of 10 years on September 1.  Unfortunately, Gordon did not get to see the album as he passed away while we were enroute to visit them.  I would like to share this album with you.  It is not fancy and not meant to be. It was emotionally difficult to put together, but it has become a comfort to my mother and other family members.  Enjoy the Memories album!

The letters of Gordon's name is in silver -- odd that it became blue in the photo.

Gordon and mom.

Gordon's beloved dog, Schemer.
The following photos are Mom and/or Gordon with various family members over the past couple of years.

 Pillowcases I hand cross-stitched for Mom and Gordon one year for Christmas.

 Yes, I hand cross stitched this tablecloth, and they do use it.

 Addition to the house that Gordon added after he retired.

 Can you believe these used to be cow pastures? Gordon did great work on them! And, yes, that is a Bald Eagle in the lower photo above.

Papers and most sentiments used on this 8 X 8 inch Memory Book are from Creative Memories using the Earthy paper pack.  I used Zutter chipboard front and back cover, and the Zutter Bind-it-All binding kit to bind the completed album.

If you've recently lost a loved one, even though it will be difficult to put together, a Memory Album is a comfort to the family left behind.  And, a treasured keepsake for generations to come!

As this is September 11, prayers to our Soldiers overseas and for the families of those lost during the 9-11 tragedy. Prayers for peace for all of us.