{My} Adventures In Cardmaking

In Loving Memory

2008-12-13T20:55:00.003-06:00

The Johnson family is sorry to announce the suddern passing of Joanne Johnson on 12/12/08. She was the most wonderful person and we miss her terribly. We cannot put into words how she touched our lives. She was generous, loving, fun, gifted, and beautiful. She loved everyone deeply and touched everyone she met. We hope she knows how everyone loved her in return as deeply as she loved them. We know how you will miss her unique cards and artistic abilities as much as we will. She was always happiest when she was stamping and we're sure she's doing it now. We love you Joanne. Stamp On!!!

Joanne spread much joy through her card making. If you would like to do something in memory of her, we are sure she would like you to send a card to someone in need.

I love you and always will and I will never forget you - Rich.

A Little Break...

2008-12-11T06:12:00.002-06:00

Just a quick post for now. I'm off to my day job. I needed to make something that wasn't about Christmas or snow! I'm starting to burn out already on the "holiday stuff"! lol! Sorry that I haven't been posting the last few days. I have received some last minute card orders and they have been taking up all my time. I'm not complaining though. I'm grateful for the extra cash! This stamp is from Hero Arts. Hope everyone is doing well...

SC205 Merry Christmas

2008-12-08T05:59:00.004-06:00

Hi! Hope you had a good weekend. I did! The best weekend I've had for a few months (health wise)! I had very little pain and was able to go out shopping, address cards, and even cooked a nice dinner for Rich and I last night! It was a very productive few days... I made this card using last week's Sketch Challenge at SCS. This layout caught my eye right away. I also love being able to use some of my (many) Designer Papers for the backround. This stamp set was the very first one I bought from Stampin' Up! It's called Holiday Hellos and it retired a long, long time ago. Take care and thanks for dropping by! (hugs)

Merry & Bright

2008-12-05T06:09:00.004-06:00

Happy Friday!!! I made another card this year that I'd like to share with you. I created this wreath using a fern leaf punch by McGill. Yeah, it's been done before but not by me! It's another fun and easy to impress card that I'm so glad I tried. I drew a circle (for a pattern) on my cardstock and then just starting adding leaves. I added red rhinestones for the berries (and a little bling). I touched some of the leaves with Stickles to make them sparkle. The sentiment that I stamped in the wreath is from Stampin' Up. Well, that's it for me today. I'm off to the "day job"... I'll be checking out all your blogs later to see what you've been up to! Thanks so much for stopping by... (hugs)

Wanna make my day? Just sign my guestbook! It's at the bottom of the page. I'd really appreciate it!

It's a Wrap!

2008-12-03T16:22:00.006-06:00

It's Hump Day already! Where does time go?! I made another Christmas card using a stamp from Hanna Stamps.
There's no unusal technique to share on this one... I used the Snowflakes Cuttlebug EF with some Designer Paper from Stampin' Up. The scallop punch is by Fiskar's. I hope you're having a good day! I'm having some problems with the new meds that I am on. I've been getting some bad side effects so I called in sick today when I woke up feeling no better. My doctor says the drugs are strong and that I'm not eating enough carbs with them which is probably the reason. Today I tried to take everything with more food. It's hard though 'cause I just don't have much appetite right now. (Another symptom in auto immune diseases).Well. I've been trying to loose weight so this should make that journey easier, huh? lol(hugs)

A True Paper Craft!

2008-12-01T16:52:00.017-06:00

Happy Glorious Monday!!! How's that for trying a positive attitude? lol! I wanted to share with you a card I made over the weekend. I was so inspired by an article (and project) that I saw in Card Creation's magazine last month. I had to try it. Now keep in mind that I need everything to be EZ PZ for me to follow along. For my easily distracted mind, I kinda got lost in the instructions and ended up making this tree instead of the medallion that they featured. I have to tell ya that I had a lot of fun creating it and I hope that a few of you might try this amazingly easy design. Thanks for dropping by! (hugs)

Here's how I did it:

First cut four squares: 1@ 1 1/4
2@ 2 1/2
1 @ 3 1/4

Now fold each square the same way:
First point to point

Then unfold and fold in half:

Now fold each side to the center:

(This is how the 3-D look is achieved)!

You are now ready to form your tree. It's just that easy!

(Start with the smallest square and end with the largest).
Next, Cut a piece of brown cardstock for the trunk.

*I attached mine with glue dots which is both quick and secure.

Star Santa & a Sob Story

2008-11-28T17:55:00.004-06:00

Well, it's been a rough week for me. First, after all these weeks of severe pain and lots of tests, I was finally diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (an auto immune disease). My mom suffered the last half of her life with it and now I guess it's my turn... The Rhuematologist that I am seeing has encouraged me by explaining that there are several drug therapies that can keep it in remission for periods of time but all I visualize are my mom's deformed hands and how much she cried from the pain. I'm trying to look ahead with a positive attitude and plan on taking this a day at a time. So, I had my pity party all week for myself, and my future, and felt like I was in a pretty good place about it now. Ready to face whatever lies ahead. Now, today I had to go for some tests and x-rays. When they x-rayed my hands, I had to take off my wedding rings. Yep! You see where I'm going with this? I forgot to take my rings when I went to the next room for a different test!!! (gasp) I realize it as I'm laying on a table having a Bone Scan and start to panic! I get dressed and go straight back to the room where I left the rings but they had another patient in the room already. As soon as the guy walked out, I ran in and the they are GONE!!! I think that this next patient took them but I have no proof. So now I have no wedding rings. I guess I don't have to explain to you how I am feeling right now. I'm sure you understand... I believe that everything happens for a reason but I sure can't figure this one out! Maybe whoever stole them needs the money to feed their family... It's a hard call to make given how bad our economy is. I have to tell myself that something good will happen to someone because of these rings. It helps me feel better. Okay, I'm done venting. Thanks for "listening".

The good news is that I came home and made this card to get my mind off stuff! I used the(retired) Star Santa set from Stampin' Up. I hope your day is going better than mine. Thanks for stopping by! Take care... (hugs)

HM Challenge #15 Dots a Lota Dots!

2008-11-26T16:45:00.005-06:00

This week's House Mouse & Friends Challenge was to make a project using dots. It sounded like fun to me so this is what I made! I just love these challenges and really look forward to them every Monday. I had a really busy week last week and didn't get to participate but I couldn't let that happen two weeks in a row. lol! All the card makers that do these HM challenges are amazingly creative. I am humbled every week with their amazing creations. I linked the site for you if you would like to see more. Thanks so much for stopping by! (hugs)

Thanks Pat!

2008-11-26T12:56:00.003-06:00

My friend Pat has passed me this great Friendship Award! Thanks so much Pat. I'm so glad to be your blogging friend. You're a wonderful woman... Umm, it's in another language and honestly, I have no idea what it says but I'm told it's good! lol! Now I have to pass this along to six other blogging friends. Huh?!!! I love all of you and hate choosing six. I am going to pass it to people that I haven't passed an award to before, or for a long time. Happy Hump Day!

I Had to Make One!

2008-11-25T17:12:00.005-06:00

The Dreaded Masculine Card! This was for a card order. She requested that it have a monogram with her uncle's inital. This is what I came up with. She was going to attach it to a gift so I was "allowed" to make it chunky, with no concern about mailing costs, etc... I used chipboard for the letter and buckle. No, it's not your imagination, this card is GIANT. lol! This customer always orders these huge cards that I make with a full sheet of card stock. I buy Greeting size envelopes at Office Max that fit them perfectly. I'm off to have dinner with my dad. Hope today's a good day for you... (hugs)

What's Cookin'?

2008-11-23T22:04:00.004-06:00

I made this using some Cotton Scraps from Crafty Secrets. I wanted to make a few Thanksgiving cards and I don't have a turkey stamp! I found this sheet of Vintage Cotton Scraps and thought it would be perfect. This was so easy to make. Between cutting out the image, and using patterned paper, there wasn't much left to do but assemble it! The only stamping is on the inside and it just says "Happy Thanksgiving". Talk about easy! I hope you had a good weekend. Mine was good. It was productive. I filled a card order and I got all my shopping done for Thanksgiving dinner. I feel relieved when I do that. Then I don't have to worry about stores running out of stuff. It's my turn to cook for my family. I really don't mind though. For me, maybe because I have been doing it for so many years, it a pretty easy meal. Take care... Thanks for stopping by! (hugs)

Hey Cupcake!

2008-11-21T20:55:00.003-06:00

Happy Weekend! With cupcakes being all the rage lately, I thought it would be fun to make some cupcake themed Christmas cards. I'm not really all that happy with how this turned out but sometimes it just turns out that way... The paper is from a one of those big paper stacks from Michael's. Of course I had to highlight the frosting with Stickles! ;-) I don't have many plans for the weekend. Money is tight right now with my husband's job being very slow so I think I'll stay home and out of trouble if ya know what I mean. lol! Every time I leave the house I seem to spend money! I hope to finish making my Christmas cards. That would be a great feeling to have that accomplished... Thanks for dropping by! (hugs)

Check Out the Blog Candy!

2008-11-19T17:17:00.001-06:00

You wouldn't believe what Debbie is giving away! Check it out!

Snowman Candy Bar Wrappers

2008-11-19T16:43:00.003-06:00

Happy Hump Day! I wanted to share another one of the projects we made in class Monday. I think this snowman is so cute! Now, this is not my original idea. I got this idea from Dawn. She made little wrappers for snack size bars but I wanted something bigger so I went with the 1.55 oz. (full size) Hershey bar. I changed a few other things about it too. I used a Sizzix Die for the holly leaf but you could anything there really. I love fun and easy projects and this one is perfect. I will make several of these to pass out at work next month. I listed what you need for this below. If you make one let me know. I'd love to see it! Thanks so much for stopping by! (hugs)

Here's what you'll need:

*White CS cut 6 1/2inches (wide) by 6 inches (long)
*1 inch circle punch
*Standard size hole punch
*Black CS
*Orange CS (scrap)
*Red CS (scrap)
*Green CS (scrap)
*Sizzix Holly & Berries Die (or cut something similiar)
*White Gel Pen

Old Fashioned Santa Card

2008-11-18T17:02:00.003-06:00

I was reading a recent issue of Card Creations when I came across these adorable Santa cards. It really inspired me to try something similar. Something more "crafty" then just a stamp. I changed some things about the original card that was done. I added the cotton, for example, where the original used a crimper. Let me tell you, I had so much fun making this! In fact, this is one of the projects I taught at my stamp class last night. They seemed to really enjoy it too. I made the card 5 x 5 square simply because I had envelopes this size to accommodate it. I used Blush Blossom CS for the face. The moustache is a scallop punch cut in half and then put through the crimper. The nose is a 3/8 inch circle. You can make it any size you want using the same idea. Try one! I'm telling ya, it's really good therapy... lol! Hope your day is going okay... (hugs)

A Doodle Monday

2008-11-17T15:56:00.003-06:00

I don't know about you but I just can't believe how quickly this weekend went by! Oh well, back to the daily routine... Here's another card I made using SU's Doodle This set. The DP is from My Mind's Eye and of course, what'a card without a Cuttlebug embossing folder? lol! I used the new Pacific Blue cs from SU also. I stamped the image three times and cut it out in order to achieve the dimension. There's a little bit of Stickles on the petals for a slight bit of sparkle. Thanks for stopping by my blog! (hugs)

I'm On a Roll...

2008-11-15T11:28:00.003-06:00

I just received another Kreativ Blogger Award! This one is from my blogging buddy Pat. Thanks so much Pat. I am happy that you thought of me!

Happy Friday!

2008-11-14T17:07:00.003-06:00

Well, the weekend is upon us, huh? I'm planning on spending most of it at home but will take a ride out on Sunday to see our beautiful grandchildren... I went out for dinner last night with a really good friend and had a great time. When I came home I made another card using this (retired) Polar Bears stamp set from Stampin' Up. I have really been doing well with getting my Christmas cards done this year! (I know, it's very shocking...) Have a nice day! (hugs)

House Mouse Challenge #13

2008-11-13T20:26:00.006-06:00

Finally... I've been so busy I just finished my card for this week's House Mouse & Friends Challenge. This week the challenge is to "junk it up". We were to find something in one of our junk drawers (come on now, you know we all have at least one) and add it to our card. I opened a drawer and this ribbon was right on top and the drawer is so full that it was getting caught on other "stuff"! lol! So, I decided it was time to use some organdy ribbon again. I put Crystal Effects on the images and it looks so cool IRL, it gives them sort of a 3-D look, but I can't get a good photo of it because of the reflections. Sorry but this is the best I can do with it... Hope all is well with you. Thanks for stopping by. (hugs)

Wanna make my day? Just sign my guestbook! It's at the bottom of the page. I'd really appreciate it!

Hanna Gets Busy

2008-11-12T00:01:00.001-06:00

No! Not like that! (snort)! Hanna is busy wrapping Christmas presents! See, she doesn't live in our world so there is no recession and unemployment. Gas is cheap, her job is secure and she has a pocketful of money! She eats whatever she wants and never gains an ounce. She has a perfect hair day, every day. Her biggest problem is gonna be how she gets the star on that tree from so far away! Guess the person that stamped this should have put her closer to the tree, huh? Umm, I guess that would be me! lol!
Serously, this is one of my favorite Hanna stamps. I've been waiting all year to use this baby! The presents under the tree are actually a stamp from MFT. Their stamp is a stack of three presents so I had to cut them. I glazed them with Crystal Effects and then Stardust Stickles. Almost everything glitters around my house at Christmas including my cards! lol! Well, Happy Hump Day! Just two more days to go before the weekend... Ahh... Thanks for dropping by... (hugs)

It's Ski Bear!

2008-11-11T00:01:00.002-06:00

This sweet bear is one of the first stamps I purchased from Whipper Snapper Designs and I pull him back out every Winter. The only thing I like about winter are my stamps! As far as the cold and snow goes, thanks but no thanks. (Yeah, like I have a choice)! lol! Anyway, I picked up these felt snowflakes at Michael's and I've really been enjoying them. I added a little sparkle to it with some Stickles. The punch is from Martha Stewart. Thanks for stopping by! (hugs)

Wanna make my day? Please sign my guestbook at the very bottom of my page!

A Monday Smile...

2008-11-10T01:00:00.003-06:00

Hi! I thought I'd start off the week on a lighter note, by sharing this card I made for a friend using American Art Stamps. I'm sure most of you have seen them before. I have actually had this one for a while and pull it out periodically just to send someone a little smile in this crazy world... I used my new Pacific Blue CS from SU along with Green Galore. I wanted it to be nice and bright. Ummm... it IS! lol! Hope you are having a nice day and thanks so much for stopping by!

SC201 Cardinal Wishes

2008-11-08T12:23:00.004-06:00

Yeah! It's Saturday and I plan on stamping away the day... This is what I created for the Sketch Challenge this week at SCS. The cardinal is from Stampin' Up and so is the Certainly Celery CS. The Designer Paper is Going Grey. I used tiny little gems on the berries and then colored them with a Copic Marker. The base of the card is a creme color but I have no idea from where... Enjoy your day and as always I appreciate you stopping by! (hugs)

Wow! Another Blog Award!

2008-11-08T09:00:00.009-06:00

I was so excited to wake up this morning and find that I was thought of for another blog award! This one is from my friend Karen over at 6 Wacky Women!

The rules for passing this award along are:
1) the winner may put this award on their blog.
2)Put a link to the person who sent this award to you.
3)Nominate 5 blogs.
4)Put links to their blogs.
5)Leave a message for your nominees. Choose only 5.

I have so many blogging friends I hate narrowing this down so I just chose people that I haven't chosen before (I think!)

Pat
Diane
Shirley
Chris
Catherine

House Mouse Monday Challenge #12

2008-11-06T21:16:00.005-06:00

Hi! This is what I came up with for this week's House Mouse Challenge . Here were the requirements:

"Please include all the following items on your project":
ribbon
2 x Buttons
Felt
A scalloped edge

I really recommend that you check out the other stampers creations. They are all so talented it just blows me away! What a fun challenge this was! Hope you're having a good day... (hugs)

Wanna make my day? Just sign my guestbook at the bottom of this page!

Hedgie Mail

2008-11-04T17:21:00.004-06:00

How's it going? This is a quick post today. I'm off to have dinner with my dad. It's our every Tuesday thing. We both really look forward to it. I made this card using this adorable hedgehog from Penny Black. I used dp from Going Grey. Primas are one of my favorite accessories these days. I used punches by McGill.
I hope your day's going okay... Thanks so much for stopping by!

SC200 Thinking Winter...

2008-11-03T16:55:00.004-06:00

Hi! I hope you had a nice weekend... I caught up on a few cards this weekend , including this awesome Sketch Challenge from SCS. I have been particpating in their SC's for a while now and I can't believe we've reached 200 already. Wow! I used a retired SU set called Polar Bears. Like I've said before, you'll see a lot of retired sets used on my blog 'cause I (literally) have hundreds of them and I can't see investing in a similar stamp just because it's "current". Don't let this comment mislead you, because believe me, I spend plenty on new stamps! How can we not with all these new companies popping up everywhere? lol! I just try to choose things I don't have anything similiar too. This silver foil leaf was a total surprise in a Christmas jar of Primas that I bought at one of my favorite stores, SimonSaysStamp. The snowflake punch is Martha Stewart. Thanks so much for stopping by! (hugs)

Congratulations Bunny B!

2008-11-03T06:09:00.005-06:00

Here is your random number:

18

Congratulations Bunny B! You won my blog candy. Plese e-mail me your address and I will have it out in the mail to you tomorrow. Thanks so much to everyone who played!

Inspiration Scallop

2008-10-31T22:42:00.008-05:00

This is a little something I put together for a customer who wanted something inspirational to send to her daughter in college. She orders from me often and frankly, I'm starting to run out of ideas! She has been doing this for the last three years! It gets harder and harder to "wow" her... In trying to think of something a little unusual, I thought that this would be something that could be hung from a bulletin board, etc... I thought a collage style might be fun. The woman holding the umbrella is a stamp that I bought in someones Etsy Shop a while back. I cut it out to add it to the collage. This poem says it all perfectly and acutally inspires me each time I read it. My customer really liked it which is what really mattered. (sigh)

She Who Has a Great Attitude

The way she sees it,
If you want rainbows,
You gotta have rain.
So she goes out into the storm
Looking for puddles to play in.
She brightens up every dark place.
She finds joy in the journey.
And just about everything
makes her laugh!
For her, laughter in the face of adversity
is the finest sound there is!
She has a great attitude!

BLOG CANDY BELOW!

2008-10-31T06:01:00.001-05:00

My blog made 10,000 hits!!! To celebrate I'm giving away some blog candy! SCROLL DOWN TO TRY TO WIN!

WOW! Here's what you'll get:

1 SimonSaysStamp Owl Stamp Set
1 Hero Arts Sparkle Clear Christmas Tag Set
1 Studio G Punction Set

"Here Kitty Kitty..."

2008-10-30T17:18:00.003-05:00

I love this cat image from Cornish Heritage Farms! Although I have two dogs, I also love cats and have had a few in my life. I had a tabby named *Bonkers* that was this color and I had her in mind when when I colored this. Bonkers had green eyes too! I used Crystal Effects on the eyes so IRL they look really cool. I tried to take a close up of them but I just couldn't get it to look right... I tried to achieve a watercolor look using the Copics in a different way this time. Hope your day is going okay... Thanks so much for visiting. (hugs)

P.S Don't forget to post a comment to win some cool blog candy! Just scroll down.

Make my day by signing my guestbook!

Season's Greetings

2008-10-29T17:15:00.003-05:00

Remember I said that I was stamping this past Friday night with my Stamp Group (The Stamping Divas)? Well, Simone was in charge of the project this month and we made this card. Sorry, but I can't recall who's stamps these are, ... Simone teaches stamping and scrapbooking classes at a local store here and I learned something new that I thought I'd share with you. You know those rhinestones and things that we all buy now on the strips? Well, you can color them! We used Copic Markers to color Rudolph's nose for example! Isn't that a great idea?! If you don't have Copics, then Sharpies work also. This simple idea has opened up a whole new world of ideas to me. I hope it sparks something for you too! Hey, I have blog candy below if you wanny try to win it! Hope you're having a nice day...

BLOG CANDY ALERT!

2008-10-28T17:16:00.005-05:00

My blog made 10,000 hits!!! To celebrate I'm giving away some blog candy!

WOW! Here's what you'll get:

1 SimonSaysStamp Owl Stamp Set
1 Hero Arts Sparkle Clear Christmas Tag Set
1 Studio G Punction Set

Just leave me a comment about anything you want! Anyone can play and you can add your name once per day just for visiting!!! I'll ship anywhere. If you don't have a blog then you'll have to come back to visit for the announcement. If you win then just e-mail your mailing info! I'll use the Random.Org site to select the lucky number. It starts right now and ends on Saturday at Midnight CST. Good Luck! Thanks for visiting me!

House Mouse Challenge #11 Naturally...

2008-10-27T22:10:00.007-05:00

This week's House Mouse Challenge is "That Natural Feeling". What could be more natural then some mice roasting marshmallows on a stick from another's hot breath from eating jalapeno peppers? LOL! Seriously, I used Natural Raffia to meet this requirement. I raided my friend Lynda's HM stash when I was at her house last week and couldn't wait to use this particular one! I think it's just sooooo cute. But isn't that what these stamps are all about? lol! Check out what the other stampers created too. They are all amazingly talented!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit me. (hugs)

P.S. Would you consider signing my guestbook at the very bottom of the page? It would really mean a lot to me...

SC198 A Doodle Christmas?

2008-10-27T15:15:00.005-05:00

Hey! Guess what?!!! I didn't go to work today! On a Monday no less! I feel really guilty about it but when I woke up I couldn't stand on my right knee. It's one of the (arthritis) problems I have. First the doctor wanted to see me, then she changed her mind and the nurse said the doctor will be calling me. It's better now but I have a feeling that I'll be getting an injection in my knee... So, being at home anyway, I took advantage of the time off to make a few cards. This was the Sketch Challenge at SCS a few weeks back and I've been wanting to try it. I used SU's Doodle This for a Christmas theme. Do ya think it worked or not? I stamped and cut the flower out three times to acheive the dimension. Hope your day is going okay... (hugs)

Stamps: SU Doodle This
Paper: River Rock, Bravo Burgundy, Artichoke
Accessories: MS Lace Punch, Cuttlebug EF, Nesties, Photo Corner Punch, Gold Brads and cord, Stardust Stickles

Gavin's Baby Card

2008-10-26T21:24:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone enjoyed the weekend! Mine was okay, but went by really fast... I did go to my monthly stamp club Friday night and that was fun. I've been having a hard time managing my arthritis pain the last few weeks so I didn't get to stay as long as a I would have liked. Simone was in charge of our project this month and we made the cutest card Christmas card! I'll post it tomorrow. Anyway, Gavin is home from the hospital and we drove out to see the kids today. It was really nice. The baby is so sweet... I'm going back tomorrow night with dinner. I'm just trying to help out in little ways...
This is one of the easiest cards I've ever made! I used one of those scrapbook embellishment packages that I picked up who knows where... There is no stamping in this card whatsoever! This is the front of the card. It opens and has the sentiment on the inside. I bought a few little things for the baby and included this card. Take care and I'll "talk to ya" soon....

House Mouse Monday Challenge #10

2008-10-23T20:00:00.006-05:00

It's official! I really have few photography skills! When I created this for the House Mouse Challenge this week I applied Cystal Effects to the images and I cannot get them to not reflect in the photo! Dang! Sorry about that... The theme this week is Anything But a Card. First I decided to use a cello bag with a topper. Then when I saw this stamp, I thought it would be fun to put goldfish crackers in the bag! You can check out all the fabulous creations that everyone else made if you'd like by visiting here Hope your day's going okay. ;-)

He's Here!

2008-10-22T21:48:00.009-05:00

Gavin 10-22-08

Michelle, Zach & Gavin
Gavin and Me!

Having a New Little Brother Can Be Exhausting...

Well, we are now proud grandparents to a new baby boy! His name is Gavin. He was born at 6:30 a.m and weighed in at exactly 9 lbs. He's 21 inches long and is pure joy! My husband and I just got back from the hospital. Everyone is doing well but they are obviously tired. Zach is the only one that got any rest and I have proof of that in a photo above. lol! I just thought I'd share a few pictures. Yikes! I just realized that I didn't get any of my son and the baby! Everything was so crazy and all the grandparents were there and I just didn't have the right opportunity. I'll get one tomorrow. Today was a good day... (hugs)

Outside The Box Or Just Plain Stupid?

2008-10-21T21:06:00.005-05:00

I can't decide! The other night, it was late but I had just received some awesome Christmas Primas from SimonSaysStamp and I really wanted to try one. You know what it's like when we get a new "toy"! Anyway, I thought to be a little different I would stamp the sentiment on the outside of the card and the greeting on the inside! Yep, I'm a crazy blonde! lol! I was really tired and my eyes were burning so maybe you'll think it's kind of a dumb idea but here it is non the less... Enjoy your day!

Stamp: Stampin' Up
Paper: Sage Shadow, Hunter Green
Accessories: Cuttlebug EF, Christmas Primas, Star sticky dots from JoAnn's

Personal Update: Our son and daughter-in-law are going to have the baby tomorrow!(Wednesday)! Her doctor has decided to enduce her so they will be at the hospital at 8:00 a.m. sharp tomorrow! I'll keep you posted...

Blog Award!

2008-10-21T20:23:00.014-05:00

I am so excited to have received this blog award from Karen from 6WackyWomen! Thanks for thinking of me.! It's fun to receive these silly things! It's like I always say, "It's all about the small stuff"...

Now I have to pass this on to six other bloggers. Hmmm... This time I'll pick these great bloggers:

Lisa
Cindy M.
Michelle
Kim
Pat
Shirley

Hanna Celebrates!

2008-10-20T18:26:00.003-05:00

Happy {stupid} Monday! lol! It's almost over now... Today was ridiculously busy for me and it's so nice to think about something other then numbers! This is another Hanna Christmas card I made. I'm so impressed with myself for starting early this year. I've never done this before, as I'm a procrastinator by nature so it feels like someone else has taken over my body! (Gosh, I hope they bring it back in better shape then they took it) lol! Enjoy your evening... Thanks so much for stopping by! (hugs)

House Mouse Challenge #9

2008-10-18T12:24:00.007-05:00

I really think that House Mouse Stamps are just adorable and I love following the HM Monday Challenges to see all the beautiful creations. This week I decided to try one myself! I fell in love with the design theme for this week's challenge... So, here's what I made. Hope you're enjoying the weekend and thanks a million for visiting...

Blog Candy Alert!

2008-10-18T00:11:00.005-05:00

Wanna try and win some free stuff? Check out the cool blog candy that Poppet is giving away!

Delight In Life...

2008-10-16T17:11:00.004-05:00

I have the hardest time coming up with new titles for my cards!!! I don't have the natural wit that my bloggin' buddy Deb has, so it gets a little boring here in this blah mind! lol! Anyway, Happy Day before Friday! Repeat after me. "One more day, one more day..." Ahh... Anyway, this card was made using Stampin' Up's Embrace Life. If you enjoy coloring your images it's a great set to have. I really enjoyed making this. Hope you like it! It's a really basic layout and e z p z to create. The recipe is below if you're interested. Thanks for stopping by! I'd really love it if you'd sign my Guestbook at the very bottom. (hugs)

Stamps: SU Embrace Life
Paper: Ruby Red, Pumpkin Pie
Accessories: Copic Markers, SU Photo Corner Punch, Martha Stewart Border Punch, MiGill Leaf Punch

I Have a Guestbook Too!

2008-10-15T18:55:00.004-05:00

Okay, way at the bottom of my page I have added a guestbook. I've seen them on some other blogs and think they are such a treasure... So, could you {pretty please} sign my Guestbook? It would make my day!

Apple Delight

2008-10-15T17:16:00.003-05:00

Happy Hump Day! It's really a rainy, dreary day here but my spirits are up anyway. Having two types of arthritis, it's before the weather change that puts me in all that pain. Once it starts raining, I usually feel better! Weird, huh? My hands are still hurting alot though, so I had to create this card with the brace on my hand! Boy, was that weird but I did it! Nothing's gonna keep me down long enough to quite stamping!!! Now after all that, here's what I did. I'm on a bird kick now! Hope you guys don't mind... Thanks so much for dropping by!(hugs)

Stamps: SU Garden Pleasures
Paper: Cameo Coral, Gable Green, Going Grey
Accessories: Punches from Martha Stewart and McGill, paper crimper, Primas

A Hanna Christmas

2008-10-14T20:17:00.003-05:00

I am a big fan of Hanna Stamps and this Christmas set is one of my very favorites. This is the first Christmas card I've made so far this year. Last Christmas was the first without my mom (and best friend) and it was a really rough one for me. This year I'm feeling a little better... so I'm gonna give it a whirl. I'm starting with the ones for my girlfriends. They're always the most fun for me because I know how much they appreciate them. Thanks for visiting. (hugs)

SC193 Cardinal Wishes

2008-10-13T16:10:00.005-05:00

I love this new cardinal from Stampin'Up! It's from a set called Cardinal Christmas. This was a Sketch Challenge from a few weeks ago on SCS. I've been wanting to use this design and thought it worked well with this image. The card recipe is below. Hope your day is going okay...
Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Cardinal Christmas
Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Artichoke, Going Grey dp
Accessories: punch by McGill, Primas, brads

Fabulous Friday, Fabulous Friend

2008-10-10T18:19:00.005-05:00

Happy Friday! I created this 6 x 6 card using stamps from My Favorite Things. Umm, I think you've heard of them! lol! My friend Lyn gave me some Primas for my birthday last month and I've been looking forward to using them. Thus, the loaded up card... lol Yeah, it's the small things that please this stamper...
I used a border punch by Martha Stewart. Finally, someone has come out with punches that can handle cardstock! It took Martha to understand what the craft market needs?!!! Seriously, haven't we all gone to punch something and it won't even budge through the punch? Then you fight with the paper to get it out, ruin it, say a few bad words and then go to plan B. I (eventually) plan to buy every punch that the woman makes for that exact reason! Plus, I can use a Michael's coupon toward it which makes them so affordable... Hope you are having a nice day!

SC196 Yep! More Pumpkins...

2008-10-09T19:54:00.005-05:00

Okay, this is the last card I'll make using this stamp. It's just that coloring these pumpkins is so much fun! The pumpkin is from the SU set called Autumn Harvest. The card sketch is last week's Sketch Challenge on SCS. Although I love them all, I have have two favorite Cuttlebug Embossing Folders; Swirls and Swiss Dots. Obviously, I used the Swirls EF on this one. Like I've said before, raffia is one of my favorite embellishments for Autumn cards and projects and the best part is that it's so cheap in comparison to some of the other options. On a personal note, my daughter-in-law called me today and said that if she doesn't go into labor by the 22nd they'll induce her! I'm sooo excited. I can't wait to have another grandchild to love and spoil... Thanks so much for dropping by! (((hugs)))

A Whipper Snapper Rainy Day

2008-10-08T16:56:00.006-05:00

The last few days have been gloomy around here. Damp, chilly and raining a lot. I made this card last night after a really dreary day. Today the sun shines, however, and things are bit better. I'm one of those people that need lots of light and sunshine or I start getting depressed. During the winter I often go to a tanning bed, not for the winter tan, but for the feel of bright, warm sunlight. Anyway, back to the card... This fabulous stamp is from Whipper Snapper. I used a white gel pen to add the tiny dots. I had fun doing that and couldn't seem to stop! lol! I stamped the backround using a stamp called Rice Paper by Cornish Heritage Farms. I added Crystal Effects to the rain puddle and the little teardrops I found at JoAnn's. Thanks for stopping by! Hope you're having a wonderful day.

Full Recipe
Stamps: Whipper Snapper, Verses, Cornish Heritage Farms
Paper: Stampin'Up's Elegant Eggplant, Lavender Lace
Accessories: SU Ribbon Punch, White Ribbon, Cuttlebug EF, Sticky dots from JoAnn's, Copic Markers

My Self Portrait!

2008-10-07T21:33:00.005-05:00

This is exactly what I look like before my morning coffee!!!I thought I'd try and make you smile today. (Hopefully it worked...) Actually, the inside sentiment reads "Sending you a smile". This fun stamp is another one of my favorites from
Art Impressions. This is Maude. Being a big coffee drinker I couldn't resist buying it. My friends and I always joke about how we're getting old and crabby. lol! I put a little sparkle on her slippers with some Stickles but I couldn't get my camera to capture to well. My photography skills are very limited. I hope you're having a good day...

TPT #14 No Paper Roses Here!

2008-10-06T16:12:00.005-05:00

I finally finished my card for Cindy's Teapot Tuesday Challenge from last week! As simple as this teapot really was, I struggled and struggled, gave up and then tried again, to make a paper flower that didn't look totally stupid for this card. I just couldn't do it, so I "cheated" and used the Stipple Rose from Stampin' Up. I also added some leaves because the flower looked so lost by itself. Is this now a "double cheat"? lol! This is a huge rose so cut out only the center of the flower. I think that I still capured the feele of the teapot but I'd like to know what you think... Either way, here it is... Hope your having a good day!

WSC60 Beate's Sketch Challenge

2008-10-05T13:01:00.005-05:00

Happy Day after World Cardmaking Day! lol! Too bad you couldn't be here when I was trying to convince my husband that yes, I am NOT joking, there is such a day... lol! I made this for Beate's Sketch Challenge this weekend. It's from a retired SU set called Simple Pleasures. I also used SU's (retired) Musical Score backround for the musical notes strip. Enjoy your day! More later...

WT186 Quote Challenge

2008-10-03T19:41:00.002-05:00

I created this for yesterday's Ways To Use It Challenge on Splitcoaststampers. The challenge was to make a card incorporating a quote or saying as part of your main image. I chose this great quote stamp by Penny Black. I used a retired (of course!) stamp set from Stampin' Up called Delight In Life. I colored them with my Copics and then cut them out. Hope you're having a good evening... Thanks so much for visiting.

A PurrFect Friday!

2008-10-03T09:19:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday everyone! Remember this sweet little Stampin'Up set? It is called PurrFect and it's one of my favorite cat stamps ever! The (computer generated) sentiment on inside says "You're a purrfect friend". I think my cyber friend Cindy has me more addicted to Prima flowers then ever! She uses tons of them and they do fill in an empty spot "purrfectly". tee hee
In honor of National Cardmaking Day I'll be posting more cards then ususal this weekend. Yeah, like I needed an excuse to make more cards! lol!

Recipe
Stamps: SU PurrFect
Paper: SU Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey DP, Really Rust, Black
Accessories: SU Copper Hodgepodge Hardware, Copper Brads, Prima Flowers, Copic Markers

A Whipper Snapper Hello

2008-10-02T16:14:00.005-05:00

I am so happy to be back on my blog today! Yesterday we lost power and it was out for what feels like forever! I was in such withdrawal last night! No TV, no stamping, no blogging, nothing! The only good part is that it meant no cooking either! We "had to" eat out. lol! This morning it was still out and my DH and I held flashlights for each while we got ready for work. Let's just say that things got a little "testy". I held the light too high, then too low etc... He had no right to be crabby because I claimed dibs on the morning crabbiness in this marriage many, many years ago! Oh well, we've made up now and things are back to normal. Well, I'm back and guess what? I'm off tomorrow so I have a three day weekend! I'm gonna clean my house and catch up on some challenges. Anyway, I made this card last weekend as I was practicing with my Copic markers. (Yeah, I know, I have no idea what I'm doing yet). This stamp is from Whipper Snapper and it was a "must have" for me when I saw it. I make lots of "Get Well", and "Thinking of You" cards with it. I think it's so cheerful! Not much else going on over here, I'm gonna go check out all your blogs and see what you've been up to while I've been sitting in the darkness... (hugs)

FS86 It's the Little Things

2008-09-30T16:04:00.006-05:00

Terry's card
I love this stamp that I picked up at Michael's a while back. It says "Life is a great bundle of little things". I created this card for the Featured Stamper's Challenge on SCS. This week Terry (Terrore3) was chosen. Just in case any of you are not familiar with the challenge, here's how it works. A stamper is chosen from all the galleries (sort of like a lottery). YOu view that person's gallery and choose a card to make that is inspired from the card you picked. You must change at least two things about the card to make it your own. The stamp I used is from Hero Arts. Thanks for visiting my blog. I truly appreciate it... (hugs)

What If...

2008-09-29T16:25:00.005-05:00

I thought I'd try to make you smile today. I just love these stamps from
Art Impressions. Check 'em out some time. They have some really unusual stamps. I hope you're having a good day. Over here it is damp, cool and very gloomy. That's okay though, 'cause I'm home now and looking forward to a quiet evening. Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Art Impressions, (sentiment is from computer)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Craft, Brocade Blue
Accessories: Copic Markers, Prima Flowers, Cuttlebug EF, ribbon, brads

Beate's Weekend Challenge #59

2008-09-28T19:10:00.006-05:00

INSIDE
BEATE'S SKETCH

I spent some time this weekend filling an order and doing some Challenges from other bloggers and from Splitcoast. I feel like I'm coming down with a cold or something today so I've been doing a lot of just "laying around". Gosh, I hope I'm wrong... Anyway I had received some of these cute Fluffles Halloween images from a swap and decided to use them for this challenge. This is Beate's Sketch Challenge. My circle is a little bigger then the sketch but I was too far into the card to change it. I used Martha Stewart's Bat Punch and then used the strip that I punched for the inside of the card. Pretty clever, huh? tee hee Hope you're having a nice day. I'm thrilled to have you stop by...

MFTSC49 I Love My Dog

2008-09-27T08:21:00.005-05:00

"The more people I meet, the more I love my dog"! I just love that quote! LOL! I have two dogs and they are by my side all the time, literally! Sometimes I have to gate them off from my stamp room because they both lay at my feet and I can't even roll back my chair! They're collies and are pretty big dogs and my stamproom is small so you do the math... I wouldn't trade 'em for anything though. The unconditional love is way too comforting. Now to the card. I created this for Cindy's My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge this week. I love this simple yet eye catching sketch! You rock Cindy! ;-) The cardstock is SU Brocade Blue and the patterned paper is from one of those stack pads from Michael's. I had bought these pet charms by Karen Foster on E-bay a long time ago and I am excited to be using them now. Hope you're enjoying your day...

Autumn Mail

2008-09-26T17:09:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday everyone! I cannot be more thrilled that the weekend is upon us... I made this card using a stamp from Whipper Snapper. I think it makes a perfect Autumn themed card. I received several images of this in a swap and pulled them out for the season. The leaf punch is an old one from Stampin' Up. The backround paper is by Going Grey. Hope your day is going okay for ya. (hugs)

A Big Flower Birthday!

2008-09-25T18:19:00.013-05:00

Hi! Today I wanted to share with you something I made for a customer. Okay, here's a little "backround gossip" on my customer. But remember, "What goes on in this blog, Stays on this blog"! lol! Anyway, there is this guy (a salesman) that works in the same office that I do. He is very successful I might add. (Nice six figure income, I'm sure). Anyway he just got remarried a few years ago and is totally in love with this woman. So much so that he still buys her thoughtful gifts, and does romantic things with her!!! Anyway... he found out that I sell handmade greeting cards and has been an awesome customer since. He says he gets "lots of points" with my cards. (Umm... I don't think I want to know what that means) LOL! He ordered a birthday card for her and this is what I made for him. (It looks like a pocket card from the front view but it really opens). I'm happy with the way it turned out and I had a blast making it, which is the best part. He likes when I insert a picture of them somewhere on the card. I covered the faces for their privacy. He gave me twenty bucks for it! Now I can buy a couple gallons of gas! I'm gonna show it to you in different parts so that you can get a better idea of what I did. The flower was stamped and colored four times and then cut out. I layered them with pop up glue dots. The flower stamp is from Outlines Rubber Stamps. (A simply fabulous store). Check 'em out! They display some gorgeous work done with their stamps on there. The sentiment is Stampin' Up . The butterfly punch is Martha Stewart.
I really appreciate you stopping by.

Songbird

2008-09-24T05:57:00.003-05:00

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you have forgotten the words." This is what is stamped on the inside of this card...

I truly value my friendships. I have a handful of girlfriends that mean the world to me. They have been there for me during the happy and sad times of my life. I try to do the same for them...

Happy Hump Day!

I've Been Tagged!

2008-09-23T16:04:00.012-05:00

I've been tagged by a fellow blogger Sandra! I've been asked to list seven random things about myself. Well, here it goes...

1. I am happily married to a very generous and attentive man who I believe to be my soul mate. (Not that he can't be a pain in the butt sometimes)!

2. Our (fourth) grandson will be born in the next four weeks!

3. I have been stamping and scrapbooking for nine years.

4. My favorite colors are pink, blue and purple.

5. I am a Chemo Angel. I belong to a non-profit organization that provides emotional support to Cancer patients undergoing Chemotherapy by sending cards, letters and gifts. We support them through to the end of their treatment.

6. I love animals, especially dogs. I have two collies (that look just like Lassie).

7. I have never been on an airplane!

Okay, now I have to pass this on to seven lucky people! lol

1.Cindy
2. Kim
3. Diane
4. Deb
5. Michele
6. Shirley
7. Amy

{Simple} Autumn Leaves

2008-09-23T06:04:00.003-05:00

Here's another "oldie but goodie"! Remember SU's Fall Whimsy? I haven't used this one for a few years and thought I'd give it a whirl. I don't know what is up with me and glazing lately but I glazed the bigger leaves to give them a little shine and strenth both. Raffia and I have a love/hate relationship. I swear that stuff intentionally works against me! What's a Fall card without some raffia? I insisted that this card have some! It's an easy card to make. My favorite kind. Hope you enjoy your day. I really appreciate you stopping by!

SDC6 Keychains

2008-09-22T06:09:00.007-05:00

I stamp with a group of friends and every two weeks we sponsor challenges for our group. This week it was Lynda's challenge. She gave us all these keychains and just told us to "do something with them"!. This is what I came up with. I used a stamp from Hero Arts. I'm not all that thrilled with the way mine turned out but here it is none the less... Happy (stupid) Monday!

Hedgie's Happy Dance

2008-09-20T17:38:00.003-05:00

This is one happy hedgehog! Why? Because it is Saturday and she can pick pretty flowers instead of sitting in front of a computer under florescent lights for nine hours every day trapped in an office with no windows. (tee hee) This stamp is from Penny Black. I don't think she's ever made a stamp I don't like, especially her hedgehogs. I used all my favorite stuff on here: A Cuttlebug EF, SU Corner Rounder Punch, Prima Flowers, Piercing Tool. Hope you're enjoying your weekend. I am!

Who Wants Pumpkin?

2008-09-19T16:08:00.005-05:00

Ahhh... Happy Friday! This card was made using Voila by Stampin' Up. I have seen stampers put some crazy things put on this tray! lol! I did this last year for Fall too. I love putting a feastive pumpkin on his tray. It's from an old retired set called is from Fall Whimsy . It's 3-D and I glazed it too. I used Almost Artichoke, Pumpkin Pie and Basic Grey dp paper. Still practicing with my Copics... I tried (but failed) to make it look like a light was shining on him. Hope you do something you enjoy tonight!

TLC186 When In Doubt ...Dance

2008-09-18T06:06:00.008-05:00

I created this for Monday's Challenge on SCS which was to do a backround of glitter. This baby really sparkles!!!
To do my mine I used a White Craftpad to stamp the image. Then I heat embossed it with Heat & Stick Powder. the third step was applying the glitter and then I heated it again which made the glitter stick. I used a little piece of ribbon as her "scarf" and even glittered that! The stamp is from a retired set from Stampin'Up called Dance Sketches.

So Inspired...

2008-09-17T16:34:00.006-05:00

I was paging through some galleries on SCS when I found a card I thought was just beautiful. The creator's Splitcoast name is Angelladcrockett. I wanted to recreate it, but yet wanted to change it just a little so that it wasn't exactly like hers. I thought it would make a nice Sympathy card. Although I still think her card is more attractive, I am quite satisfied with how mine turned out. I brayered in SU Night of Navy but just couldn't get the backround color to look as "rich" as hers... I covered the "moon" with a circle so that it stayed white. Happy Hump Day!

Wishin' I Was a Bubble Queen...

2008-09-16T06:00:00.005-05:00

Well, it's back to work for me today... I did have a really productive (stamping) day yesterday. I filled a card order and got to do a few things for myself too. I even did another SCS Challenge (which I'll post later in the week)! I have received a lot of Bubble Queen images from the Wish Forum on Splitcoast and they've just been laying around. I pulled them out yesterday as I was practicing with my new Copics. I wanted a big flower and decided to use this awesome flower from Lizzie Anne Designs.I stamped the image three times to get all the layers. I applied some Crystal Effects to the bubbles for a fun effect (which of course looks more impressive in person). Thanks so much for stopping by!

I Rocked the Vote!!!

2008-09-15T12:13:00.007-05:00

Can you believe it?!!! Thanks to all of you, I squeaked by a win for the August You Know You Rock Heavy Metal Contest !!! I am proud to wear this badge on my blog. And... I am honored and privileged to have so many family and friends that went to bat for me when I needed you... (((Hugs))) This challenge was so much fun and the blog owners Deb and Julie are so sweet! Why don't YOU try it this month? The September Challenge is posted on their blog. Check it out!

FS84 Need a Pickup?

2008-09-15T09:40:00.006-05:00

Yesterday's Feautured Stamper on SCS was the very sweet Lazy Lizard! For anyone who may not know, when a Featured Stamper is chosen for that particluar Sunday, to participate in the challenge, you browse their gallery and choose a card to recreate. The rules are that you must change at least two things about the card to call it your own. What attracted me to this card was the way that Lazy Lizard attached her ribbon. I had never tried something like that and thought I'd give it a whirl. I changed these two things: 1. I put the ribbons on the opposite side. 2. I used three ribbons instead of two. Congratulations Liz for being chosen this week's Featured Stamper! ((hugs))

Stamps: SU Loads of Love
Paper: Craft, Lavender Lace, Going Grey Designer Paper
Accessories: River Rock Stitched Ribbon, Copper brads and Eyelets, Prima Flowers

Umm, don't be jealous but I took a vacation day today and plan on spending the whole day stamping (yes, in daylight)! It can happen!

Teapot Challenge #11

2008-09-14T00:10:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was my birthday! I had such a nice day... It was very rainy but we went out for dinner and have just been relaxing... Guess what?!!! I received a mind blowing, awesome gift from DH! He bought me the {beloved} Copic Markers!!! OMG! OMG! OMG! This is how it went down... Two days ago he told me that he wanted to surprise me for my birthday and buy me the Copics thatI talk about constantly (I can't even believe that he didn't tune it out as me just babbling about my craft), but he said he got confused as to which ones to buy . He asked me if I would mind ordering them myself! Well, I was on the computer in like ten seconds! I am so thrilled to have these...They arrived yesterday and I have been coloring since they arrived! I need lots of practice I know, but this is the first card I did with them. It's what I made for Cindy's Teapot Tuesday Challenge. You can get the details by clicking here. Hope everyone is having a nice, relaxing weekend.

Stamps: SU Fall Whimsy (I drew the tall grass)
CS: Cream, Craft, Pumpkin Pie, Garden Green
Accessories: Copic Markers, Cuttlebug EF, Paper Crimper, Copper brads

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

On my Mind...

2008-09-12T17:50:00.007-05:00

It doesn't get much easier than this! Here's a quick and simple card I made using the Upsy Daisy set from Stampin' Up. I used Rose Red paper, Regal Rose and Garden Green Markers for the image. The DP is from Basic Grey and the Scalloped Border Punch is from Martha Stewart.
I added some Stickles for sparkle and here ya go. EZ PZ!!! Happy Friday!!!

ONLY TWO MORE DAYS TO VOTE FOR ME! I'd sure appreciate it. It's so close I need every single vote I can get. Thanks to all of you that have already voted. I'm so lucky to know all you wonderful people...(((hugs)))

Does This Hat Make My Nose Look Big?

2008-09-11T18:05:00.007-05:00

Well, I know I said that I wasn't into traditional Halloween cards this year but I'm making a few exceptions. I was thumbing through an old card magazine and saw something similiar where the card artist cut the image in two like this and I thought it was a pretty cool idea! So... I tried it! This witch is from an old, retired set called "A Howling Good Time". The sticker says it's from 2004. I have enough of these type of stamps that I think are versatile enough to use year after year without spending even more money to by a witch that is "current". I may become know as the blogger that featured only retired stamps! lol

Stamps: SU A Howling Good Time
Paper: Black (duh!), White (duh!), Lavender Lace, and Gable Green
Accessories: SU Green Galore, Lovely Lilac,f Summer Sun, More Mustard Markers, punches by Martha Stewart

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME:

Fall {ish} Upsy Daisy

2008-09-10T17:07:00.004-05:00

I am so glad that I bought this Upsy Daisy set from Stampin' Up! I have seen some really gorgeous cards done with it... The backround paper is from Going Grey. I matched the paper with Really Rust, Craft, and Soft Sky. I added some Stickles for a little sparkle too. I don't know if you'd be able to tell in my photo. Happy Hump Day! I'm babysitting Zach today so I'm off to make some Playdough pancakes. Well, actually I make them into balls and he smashes them into pancakes. ;-)

Please vote for me!

Crafty Secrets #3

2008-09-09T16:29:00.012-05:00

This is the third card I've made using some {Vintage Cutouts} from Crafty Secrets. They are so fun and easy... I used a (retired) musical backrouund stamp from Stampin' Up. The card base is SU Sage Shadow and there's also a little Soft Sky and More Mustard too. The bats are a punch from a Martha Stewart . Thanks for dropping by. I hope you're having a nice day! (((hugs)))

{PRETTY} PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

I've Gone Batty!

2008-09-08T15:53:00.003-05:00

Well, not really! At least not yet... lol! I created this using the new Inspired by Nature set from Stampin' Up. It was actually my dear friend Lynda that saved this card. I called her the other night frantic because while I was putting the card together I smudged some of the grass and was freaking out! {Come on, we've all been there so you know how frustrating this can be.} Well, Lyn just calmly said, "Why don't you cover it up with a bat"! DUH! I hadn't thought of that so I quickly got out my trusty Martha Stewart bat and here ya go! Only the stamper knows what mess lies underneath her finished product. ;-) I used Glossy paper, a rubber brayer, Ruby Red and Pumpkin Pie ink pads. I punched a circle and then attached it to the cs before brayering to keep the moon white. I placed it on Basic Black and then Craft cs. Thanks for visiting. I really appreciate it!

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

The Eyes Have It?

2008-09-07T21:44:00.006-05:00

I'm trying to come up with more clever names for my card titles. I'll never be as clever as Deb but I have my moments! This owl is from a clear stamp set from Simon Says Stamp. They have tons of stuff from stamps to accessories. Check it out at your own risk! ;-) I had to draw the tree limb because for some strange reason that piece is missing! I've had these copper leaves forever and finally pulled them out to use them! It's time to stop hoarding my stuff! I am out of room... lol! The paper is from Basic Grey and Stampin' Up. I bought this big bag of eyes at a Dollar Store and thought they'd be fun to use on this image since his eyes are already so big. Just enjoying a quite Sunday evening... (((hugs)))

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!

Please Vote For Me!!!

2008-09-06T08:33:00.004-05:00

Well, today starts the voting over at Y.ou K.now Y.ou R.ock for the Heavy Metal Contest! Wow! There are some awesome cards on there! Go check out the really cool cards that were submitted but then vote for ME! lol I posted my card last Saturday but here's a little reminder of it if you don't feel like scrolling down... (((hugs)))

Fabulous Flower Meets Pumpkin Patch

2008-09-05T15:28:00.005-05:00

Happy, Happy, Happy Friday!!! Yippee! Can you tell that's it's been a rough work week for me? lol Well, I made this card last night using the Fabulous Flower set from Stampin' Up. I used a Spectrum Pad called Pumpkin Patch and gave the flower a little "Autumn twist". I stamped the image four times and cut out the flower in a series and layered them to give the card it's 3-D look. I applied some Stardust Stickles on some of the flower petals and now it has a little sparkle! The border punch is from Martha Stewart, the paper is both Stampin' Up and Basic Grey. Can't wait to see what you have all been up to! I'm meeting a few friends for dinner and then it's home to blog hop! (hugs)

A Crafty Secrets Halloween

2008-09-04T18:06:00.004-05:00

Happy "Friday Eve" as we call it at work! lol This week feels even longer than normal and it was a short week! Figure that one out. This is another card I made using Crafty Secrets (Halloween Time) Cutouts. Hey, remember SU's Vintage Violet! I found a few sheets and I am excited! Violet is one of the In Colors that I regret not stocking up on before it retired a while back. I used a Martha Stewart punch, some Basic Grey paper and a little Raffia and here ya go. Another quick card. Thanks for visiting!

EZ Birthday Card

2008-09-03T16:36:00.004-05:00

You know how sometimes you just need to whip up a quick *no brainer* kinda card? Well, here ya go! It doesn't get much easier then this. I know this is terrible of me but this was someone's Sketch Challenge, and for the life of me I cannot recall who's it is. My memory is going fast! Anyway... the hardest thing about this was cutting the circle (which really wasn't bad at all with the Nestibilities)! The flower are Prima, the paper is Bazill and the sentiment is from Stampin' Up. Happy Hump Day! I love the fact that this is a short (work) week...

FS82 Featured Stamper {NikiE}

2008-09-02T16:41:00.009-05:00

Here's My Card:

Here's NikiE's Card:

This weeks Featured Stamper on SCS was NikiE! Her gallery is chuck full of adorable cards! I chose to case this one. The rules are to change at least two things about the card to make it your own. Sounding like Mothermark for a moment, Here's my story about Halloween this year:
1. I can't seem to get into making any of the traditional cards this year (stamped pumpkins, haunted houses, etc.)! So...
2. I bought these awesome cutouts from Crafty Secrets called Halloween Time. Now, I have never before used something like this. I have always stamped my images. I always felt like it would be "cheating" or something to not use a stamp but I gotta tell ya, this has gotten me all excited about the whole Halloween thing again!
3. I am having soooooo much fun with these! So...
4. I will be featuring different cards this month made with these Craft Secret Cutouts.
5. This first card is a little "multitasking" as I (cleverly) combined it with the Featured Stamper Challenge!

Ahhh... I'm Having Fun

2008-08-31T14:23:00.013-05:00

This is one of the best holiday weekends I've had all year. The weather is gorgeous, I'm nice and relaxed, I'm getting things accomplished, and still have been finding a little time to stamp! Wat else can a person ask for?!!! I took some pictues as I was walking around my garden yesterday that I thought I'd share with you. I hope that you don't find this boring... It's no secret that I have passion for flowers; growing them, stamping them, drying them, etc... If it involves a flower, I'm there. Walking my garden inspired me to make this card using a stamp for TAC. The butterfly punch is Martha Stewart and the Scallop Punch is by Fiskars. Zinnias are one of my favorite summer flowers. They're drought resistant and simply gorgeous in the garden or in a vase.

Heavy Metal Challenge

2008-08-30T16:09:00.006-05:00

Deb Neerman and Julie Koerber have a blog called You Know You Rock where they host challenges every month. This months challenge was Heavy Metal. The more metal the better. Well, they sure got it. This is what I came up with. I bought the little guitar at the dollar store thinking it would come in handy for something and I was right! I literally did a Heavy Metal card. Our son's birthday is next week and he loves Heavy Metal music (yuk!) so I made him a card almost identical but without the "girl bling". I used a sheet of silver metal paper from Making Memories and a Cuttlebug EF. I punched the metal where the guitar is with a circle punch. The alphabet is an old retired set from Stampin' Up called Retro Alphabet. It was such a fun challenge! Check out the other cool entries!

SC191 {Hero Arts}

2008-08-29T15:12:00.004-05:00

This sketch was this weeks featured Sketch Challenge at Splitcoaststampers. I've had these birds from Hero Arts for a while now and have only used them a few times. I thought they were the sweetest little birds... These birds make really cute, quick cards and are fun to color. I used some {Stardust} Stickles on the one wing of each of the birds but I had a hard time capturing it on the photo. As I was embossing the cs with my Cuttlebug EF's I started to wonder what I did for backrounds before these awesome folders came out! I just love the texture that it adds to all our creations. Happy Friday! Happy THREE day weekend! Yippee!

How Fun!

2008-08-28T19:47:00.013-05:00

I was just given this award from a fellower blogger Maria! Thank you Maria! I am honored. I've been instructed that once you receive this award you must choose seven fellow bloggers that inspire you. Wow! This is gonna be tough. You all inspire me on a daily basis and I am grateful for all of you! A few of these are "no brainers" because you are my fellow Stamping Divas friends that I stamp with every month. I now pass this award on to:

Michelle
Kim
Cindy Haffner
Cindy M.
Sharon
Deb
Bev

Here are the reward rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog
2. Link the person you received your award from
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated.

It's Been a While

2008-08-28T18:09:00.005-05:00

One more day 'til the long weekend, huh? I can't wait! I have no plans in particular for the delicious three whole days off but I'm sure I'll enjoy it, whatever I do... This stamp is (distinctively) My Favorite Things. I think I actually have made a card that I can mail with regular postage! Hope you have a nice, relaxing evening.

Teapot Tuesday #9

2008-08-27T16:40:00.006-05:00

I'm so happy to be able to participate in another one of Cindy's {Mothermark on SCS} Teapot Tuesday Challenges. I was really frustrated last night when I wanted to use my Stipple Rose stamp from SU and could not find it anywhere! Now where in the world to this stamp have gone? It just my husband, my two dogs some tropical fish and myself in this house and umm, I'm the only stamper! I have my stamps in bins and looked through them over and over again. Well, now that's gonna be a project for me this weekend. Solve the case of the missing stamp. After all that, I chose this rose from another (retired) SU set called Flower Garden. I wanted a soft "vintage" feel to the card and chose SU's Blush Blossom since I have nothing in a very soft, pale pink. I added some tiny little Dew Drops on some of the flower petals and leaves but my photography skills are not that great and I just couldn't capture it. Unlike some *other* stamper who I won't identify by name but her initials are *CM*, I don't have a personal photographer!!! ;-)
Hope your having a great day and thanks SO MUCH for stopping by!

Sweet n Sassy

2008-08-26T15:57:00.004-05:00

Wow, it's a gorgeous day here today! Clear blue sunny sky and about 78 degrees. Boy, I could get used to this all year round... This is another card I made with the Sarah Kay Line from Sweet n Sassy. I just love this {vintage feeling} paper from SU. I'm so sorry now that I didn't order more before it retired. I used all of last years in colors; Groovy Guava, Soft Sky, and Blue Bayou. Thanks for dropping by.

Remember Botanicals?

2008-08-25T16:15:00.005-05:00

This card is one of those that definitely took on a life of it's own! It started when I decided to do the Featured Stamper Challenge yesterday on SCS. As I was digging through my stamps I found this Botanicals set from SU and remembered how much I had enjoyed it in years past so I chose it to do the challenge. Well, one thing led to another and before you know it it looked nothing like the card I was trying to CASE! So, I still haven't done yesterdays challenge but I am kinda happy with how this turned out. I used Blue Bayou inks and papers and used a Blender Pen and the Blue Bayou refill to color the flower. I get so attached to some of these "In Colors" and don't want let go of them! Hope your Monday is going okay. Mine's better now that I'm home from work and can do my fun stuff now. Thanks so much for stopping by! :-)

MFT Get Well

2008-08-24T11:05:00.005-05:00

I love this image from My Favorite Things! I stamped with friends this past Friday night and Michele let me play with her Copic Markers (and even taught me some good basic techniques). Hope your enjoying a relaxing Sunday. The weather here is gorgeous and I'm looking forwarding to going for a nice walk. Thanks for stopping by!

WT180 All Torn Up

2008-08-23T11:49:00.003-05:00

That was this weeks SCS Challenge on Thursday; To make a project with torn paper. Remember when we all tore our paper on everything? lol! Hey, I look back on those projectly with fondness because when I first started stamping I had real issues trying to get things straight. If it wasn't, no problem. Just tear the edges! It got me through until discovering that I just needed a paper cutter that cut straight! I had no idea that I was wearing out the grooves in mine and that's why it wasn't working for me. Now I replace my cutter every year. This flower is from Hero Arts. I cut it out and added it to my Nestibilities Die, determined that I would make it work. (You guys know what I'm talking about)! I used Going Grey DP on SU Garden Green cs. Thanks SO much for stopping by.

Teapot Tuesday #8 (On Friday)!

2008-08-22T11:29:00.006-05:00

I'm so excited to be able to participate in Mothermark's Teapot Challenge this week! I finally had some stamps and materials that could work for me. Plus, it helps that I have been off from work for the last few days (vacation time). Happy Friday everyone!!! (((hugs)))

Stamps: SU Paisley Backround, Lizzie Anne Designs (flower)
Punch: Martha Stewart Lace Punch

SC190 Relaxin' Riley

2008-08-21T18:18:00.004-05:00

This is what I made for this weeks Sketch Challenge at SCS. I love this sketch. I think I'll be using this one quite often... This great image Riley from Hanna Stamps. I just recently bought the Spellbinder Machine and have started using the Nestibilities Dies. (Yeah, I know I'm like a year behind) but I really resisted this investment because I already have so much "stuff" but this is one decision I truly don't regret. I am enjoying using them in my projects so much... (((hugs)))

Black & White Sympathy

2008-08-20T22:47:00.002-05:00

I guess I'm on a butterfly kick, huh? It's just that I recently bought this Stampendous butterfly set and have so many ideas... I'm starting to make more and more black and white cards and really have been enjoying that. I used SU's Distressing Tool for the first time and really like it. I'm off for the next few days so hopefully I'll be making more cards and maybe even a scrapbook page or two! Gosh, I really treasure my time off... (((Hugs)))

Butterfly Delight

2008-08-19T16:04:00.003-05:00

Like millions of others, I really like butterflies a LOT. When I was planting some new perennials a few years back I did some researching to see what I could plant to attract different birds and butterflies. Butterfly Bush seemed like the most appropriate plant to choose for my climate and area in the garden I wanted to place it in. Boy, was this a good choice! I get so many butterflies (and even a hummingbird once in a while) from these bushes. Their flowers resemble Lilacs but they are not as fragrant. By the end of August my bushes will be covered in Monarchs and it's amazing to watch. When they come for a visit this year I will take some more pictures of them to share with you. Yesterday this beautiful yellow butterfly came to visit and I just had to capture a few pictures of it. This in turn inspired me to make this card in an attempt to "re-create" what I saw. I don't have any actual stamps of a Butterfly Bush so I used the next closest thing; lilacs from my SU Blossoms Abound set! The butterfly is from another retired SU set called Wonderful Wings. I added a little sparkle to the card by applying just a little Stickles onto the butterfly wings and lilacs so that I can participate in SCS's Dirty Dozen Challenge this month which is named "All That Glitters". They will have a drawing for all the participants and you could win some Just Rite Stamps and umm, I could really use some {free} stamps! Especially those. I don't have any yet! ;-(