Sunday, January 9, 2011

Happy Homemaker Tag Along…

Happy New Year and Happy New Swap! I was able to slip in after the closing and join Elizabeth’s year-long tag swap! So this month’s tag had to be done in a Texas-Two Step Hurry Up! But theme has been picked and the year long plan is in place…So here goes…First, we were challenged to buy supplies only once and then use things we had on hand…I decided not to purchase new, but to use what was already in the paper drawer…it’s part of new year’s resolutions.(Yeah, for the last three or four New Years!)But this time I mean it!

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Since I’ve chosen a Mexican Kitchen and “Panchita” as my Happy Homemaker, the papers are reds and greens for the Mexican flag…I’ll also be pulling from a pack of mulberry papers and a pad of card stock from Flavia in case I need some brights and some tiny tags…

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“Back in the day “… late 60’s…there was a little booklet called In The Kitchen With Panchita. Panchita taught us everyday household Spanish. I thought of her immediately when I found out about the Happy Homemaker theme. I decided to do Spanish 101 with a year’s worth of possibilities to explore…the first tag features a vintage Mexican tiled kitchen with a Happy Homemaker fanning the fire in the stove.

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I made an enlarged copy, cut her out, and popped her into the kitchen so she has a 3-D look.

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A copy of the little booklet is popped alongside and the inside sub-title, “A Handbook For Housewives” finishes the front. Some bright Fiesta silk braid gives the tag a happy look. When you turn it over, you find this month’s Spanish lesson…

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the Months Of The Year. Isn’t that a perfect lesson for Enero (January). There’s a little song to teach the months and, of course, the translation is just below.

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The tags are lacking tassels and embellishments, but I need time to consider the entire year’s worth to see what I want to add. Living and shopping on the Texas-Mexican border for all my life has provided me with loads of bits and pieces that will come in handy and still keep me in Elizabeth’s plan to use what we have on hand. My tag is certainly not “over the top”,but since I came so late to the party, I’m not unhappy with it…until I start visiting everyone else’s January Happy Homemaker tags. Bet they are Amazing…I took a peek at Nancy’s last night… Yup, Amazing. One of the reasons I set this challenge for myself was to “Grow”…So let the challenge begin! I hope my December tag shows that I have done just that.

21 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, I love this! So festive and cheerful. And educational too! I'm a little new to tags, but I am very excited to be a part of this swap. Nice to "meet" you- I can't wait to see what's next!

Debbie Doughty said...

Love, love, love, your tag and matching theme song! What fun!

Nancy said...

Jajajaja = hahahaha en ingles. What a cute song to go with this cutest ever theme. I love, love, love the tag and leave it to you to get educational and teach a spanish lesson!!! Perfecto. Yes, I still have my Panchita book and thanks to ebay my 1965 McCalls sewing book again. I probably referenced those two books a zillion times over my homemaking life. The tag is wonderful y muy bueno! Adios...su amiga Nancy

Lizzidroege said...

what great tags love your work
lizzi

Unknown said...

I love this being a Texas girl it makes me want to go down to San Antonio and walk the riverwalk and grab some wonderful Tex Mex. I can't wait to see the rest.

Sandy said...

I say "you've got a darn cute tag" for starting late or not starting late...I love all that you did, it's festive as one blogger said. Just a work of art! Can't wait to see what you do in the months to come. It's just so fun being creative and learning from all our friends. This is my first swap with Elizabeth, I think she holds the bar high and everyone is sure putting their best foot forward with their creativity. Nice meeting you..... xoso Sandy O

Nan said...

Well I think your tag is wonderful. I'm just really learning myself and trying to develop my own style without copying what others do so keep that in mind you don't have to be over the wall or embellished up maybe that is not you and that's okay.

Unknown said...

LaVerne, I can't tell you enough how much your tag is inspiring to me. I have a love for Mexican culture and enjoy learning any new detail. Simply charming! I can't wait for each month to reveal itself. Would you possibly consider being my swap partner? Truly, I am enchanted! Elizabeth

Linda said...

This is such a charming tag! I love the idea of learning a little Spanish with Panchita.

Betty said...

Oh!! Muy bueno!! I love your tag and I love your theme with Panchita!! what a great idea. I am looking forward to seeing more tags!!

Hope said...

I have to say...I am just wild about that tag and your theme is inspiring too! I am a Texas girl (further north tho, DFW area) too!

LBP said...

I love your tags!! So many fun elements combined just perfectly!

Great Job!

Blessings

Linda

Tamera's Craft Palace said...

What a unique theme!! i can't wait to see more of Panchita!! The tags are adorable!!

Valerie said...

Talk about unique and creative. Holy Smokes! A Mexican Kitchen and Panchita! Now thats thinking outside the box! You did a wonderful job and I look forward to seeing more of your Mexican Kitchen .............

Pam @ Frippery said...

What a clever theme for your tags! Completely original and so creative.

Anonymous said...

Great take on the theme...I love the festive look and the Spanish lesson. Can't wait to see more.

Margie said...

wow, i am so impressed ... your tag is wonderful ... it perfectly expresses your theme ... and to think to add a "lesson" on the back is so unique ... what a treasure! i can't wait to see the next one!

Scrap for Joy said...

This tag has to win a prize for the most unique...and the music is wonderful. Maybe we'll all learn a little something this year...Spanish 101...here we come!
Gret interpretation Laverne!
So nice to meet you...
xoxo
Joyce

Lynn said...

Your tag is darling, LaVerne! What a great theme. I stumbled upon Elizabeth's blog myself today and was so impressed with her work. You are on your way too! Very nice job. And thanks for visiting Cottage and Creek and for leaving your sweet comment. I appreciate it!
Best to you,
Lynn @ Cottage and Creek

Anonymous said...

Your tags turned out great! I'm glad you were able to join in the party!

I need to take a few of those beginning Spanish lessons. Growing up in rural Missouri....well, we didn't have too much exposure to any language other than "red neck 101"! :)

Have a great weekend! L, Dana

mj said...

Wow...great post!..you're so clever to create that tags!..wonderful finish product!

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