The Wannabee Stamper

A Fresh New Look

2010-05-13T00:14:00.001-07:00

Hello Friends! I thought it was time my blog got a fresh, new face. I love sunflowers and a rustic-country style, so I couldn’t resist this new blog design from The Cutest Blog on the Block. They have some great extras and with a little code tweaking, I was able to get the sunflower post dividers at the bottom of each post. Pretty cute, eh?

Also, did you see it? Did you see the new little widget on the sidebar? Yes, I’m ~~certifiable~~, uh umm, I mean CERTIFIED! Last month, I attended a Copic certification class in Phoenix. I have fallen in love with these markers and can’t wait to play with them some more. I would highly recommend attending one of these certification classes. I learned so much. However, if you can’t attend one in your area, there are many great video tutorials on YouTube. My favorites are from Suzanne J. Dean and Cindy Lawrence. You can find their videos throughout their blogs as well as on YouTube.

I made this card for Olivia’s birthday using Copic markers. She’s loves monkeys and we call her our little “monkey”, so I wanted to make her something she would enjoy.

STAMPS: Monkey by Dandelion Designs, It’s Your Birthday (SU!) INKS: Memento Tuxedo Black, Basic Brown & Copic Markers PAPER: Apricot Appeal, Garden Green & “Monkey Business” by Creative Imaginations OTHER: Prima flowers, Pine Branch punch by Martha Stewart, corduroy & glitter brads from the Hobby Lobby

Well, thank you for stopping by. I have more samples to post, so be sure to stop by once in a while.

Until next time…

St. Patrick’s Day Cards

2010-03-21T23:21:00.001-07:00

March is a big birthday month for my family. I have 3 aunts whose birthday is at the beginning of the month, a cousin’s mid-month and St. Patrick’s Day is my mom’s birthday. Mine and Olivia’s was yesterday (3/20). My paternal grandfather’s, Edward Behr, birthday was on the 18th. My dear friend Dale’s birthday is in March too. It definitely helps to keep a birthday calendar! I use Birthday Alarm to help keep track of everyone’s birthdays. I’ve used their reminder service for years when the ecards were still free (back in the day). Now they charge for them, but the reminder service is still free. I never really used the ecards anyway. ;)

Here’s the card I made for my mom. I usually try to use a St. Patrick’s Day theme, but I don’t have any St. Patrick’s Day stamps anymore. So, when I saw this card made by Robin Merriman, I knew I had to CASE it! I changed it up a little with a few different details, but as you can see, the main concept is intact. Thank you so much Robin for the inspiration!!!

STAMPS: Pocket Silhouettes INK: Always Artichoke PAPER: Certainly Celery, Always Artichoke, Whisper White & Certainly Celery DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Scallop Border, Large Oval & Large Oval Scallop punches, Organza ribbon, Chit Chat Rub-Ons & Sizzix Texturz Plates Kit #17

I made each of my girls this card for St. Patrick’s Day. They loved the bling and the flowers too. I used my Stamp-A-Ma-Jig to stamp the greeting stamps straight.

Here’s a close-up of the card (click on card for actual size):

STAMPS: Occasions Collection (Ret.) INK: Handsome Hunter PAPER: Green Galore, “Perfect Circles” by Penny Lane scrapbook paper, & textured purple cardstock (Hobby Lobby) OTHER: rhinestone swirls by Recollections (Michael’s), silk flowers (from Frantic Stamper Grab Box) & rhinestone brad (unknown)

I hope you all had a great weekend! Thank you for visiting! Until next time…

Hope is the thing…

2010-03-08T18:42:00.001-07:00

I had the central image of this card already stamped and colored from when I made my previous Spring Song card. So, I made a card out of it and then sent it to someone today who is struggling with cancer. I don’t know this person, but I really liked the message stamped on the front and think it says more than I ever could.

STAMPS: Spring Song & Friend to Friend (Ret.) INK: StazOn Jet Black, Baja Breeze (Ret.), Garden Green, Chocolate Chip & Basic Brown PAPER: Baja Breeze (Ret.), Kraft, Confetti White & Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Large Classic Oval & Oval Scallop Nestabilities, Scallop Border Punch & A Rhonna Christmas” Bag of Buttons by Autumn Leaves

Thank you for stopping by! Until next time…

Dale-Ann’s Birthday Card

2010-03-07T13:43:00.001-07:00

I made this card for my dear friend, Dale-Ann. She loves purple. Although I love purple myself, it’s not a color I gravitate to when stamping, so this was a challenge for me.

The silk flowers on this card are from the Grab Box and coordinate very nicely with SU!’s Taken with Teal. The scrapbook paper is shimmery, so I coordinated that with SU!’s Shimmery White cardstock. This scrapbook paper is absolutely beautiful IRL!!!

STAMPS: Happiness (CTMH) & “Happy Birthday” from SU!’s Older & Wiser set INK: ColorBox Petal Point Fluid Chalks (Ocean Breeze & Blossom Pastels sets) PAPER: Taken with Teal, Shimmery White, “Snapdragon” by Bazzill (Michael’s) & “Spring Stained Glass” by The Paper Company Studio (Michael’s) OTHER: Large Oval & Oval Scallop punches, organdy/satin ribbon (Michael’s), rhinestone brad, masking & sponging

Do you recall me mentioning in my last post about having tons of paper flowers? Well, it’s the truth…I have TONS of paper flowers, even LOTS of silk ones too, probably more than I’ll ever use in my lifetime. Mostly because I recently purchased this AMAZING Grab Box of Flowers from the Frantic Stamper. I love her site! She has such a huge variety at great prices. Her business philosophy is simple and honest and her customer service is fantastic! Why promote another online store, you may ask? Why not? I don’t get a thing for the “plug”, but I love a deal and don’t mind passing them on others and when I find a great store with great service, I want to share that too. She has other Grab Box choices and I think the sale runs through the end of March. Be sure to check out her Bargain Bin and Monthly Sales tabs, as well as sign up for her Yahoo customer list.

Aren’t these flowers gorgeous?! This picture does not do justice to the vivid colors. Now other than the Prima Flower jars, the rest are obviously not in their original packaging. The mason jars and clear, plastic round containers contain multiple packages, I just tried to coordinate them by likeness, company and/or color family.

I realized this past week that I really do have more stamping/paper crafting stuff than I could ever possibly use and I shouldn’t be so worried about trying to use it all up. I just need to take my time and create whatever and whenever the mood (or timing) strikes.

It’s raining cats and dogs today, so in spite of all the housework there is to do, I’m thinking the mood is striking me now. :)

Until next time…

Spring Is Here!

2010-03-04T23:36:00.001-07:00

Spring has arrived here in San Tan Valley! The sun is shining, blades of grass are sprouting, trees are beginning to bud new leaves and the weeds have sprung up in every nook and cranny from all the Winter rains. Our community was built on a former pecan tree grove and the weeds are just unstoppable. With that in mind, here is a cheerful Easter card I made this weekend. I have TONS of paper flowers…you will be seeing LOTS of them, I’m sure. More on that at a later time.

STAMPS: A Flower for All Reasons & Just So Sayings (Ret.) INK: Memento Tuxedo Black & Sage Shadow, BG01, RV02, Y15, YG63, E53 PAPER: Whisper White, Regal Rose, Georgia Peach DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Perfect Polka Dots Sizzix Textured Impressions Folder, Doily Lace Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Dew Drops, Nestabilities Large Oval & Standard Scallop dies, White Satin Ribbon (Martha Stewart), Modern Label & Word Window Punches & Paper Flower (center dyed with Copics marker)

Thank you for stopping by! Until next time…

Pretty As A Pig

2010-03-03T23:18:00.001-07:00

As I sit here not sure how to begin this post, my first impulse is to apologize for my absence and explain what I’ve been up to. Have you ever felt that too? Why do we feel the need to apologize for having a full life? Of course, we are all very busy with work, kids, spouses, family, friends (if we’re lucky), housework, etc…and hopefully a little paper crafting in between. Basically, we all have more to do than we’ll ever get done in THREE lifetimes! My mom tells me all the time that I’ll never be caught up, so I should stop worrying about it so much and just enjoy the few things I do manage to finish. She’s a very wise woman, my mom! I started my blog simply to share the projects I created from the precious moments I find here and there. With all the awesome stamping blogs out there, I never really thought anyone would visit mine, so if you’ve been here more than once, I’m delighted that you’ve stopped by again.

I stole some time to stamp this weekend and made a few things I’m excited to share with you this week. I’ve loved this Walk This Way set since it first appeared in the Summer 2005 Mini Catalog. Yes, I actually remember that. Probably because we had just moved into this house and I still hadn’t unpacked my stamping supplies and was wondering why I was ordering more stamps (can a girl have too many?). In fact, I think I still have almost every country/farm stamp set that Stampin’ Up! has ever made. Guess I’m just a country girl at heart. I think most city girls are. And now we live in a rapidly-growing, rural community an hour southeast of Phoenix with master-planned neighborhoods in between corn & cotton fields, horse properties and dairy farms. Otherwise known as a “bedroom community” or “commuter town”. I really do love it here!

I was lucky enough to buy some Copics Marker sets from Hanna Stamps at the beginning of their going out of business sale. I got such a smokin’ deal on them, I couldn’t resist. I have wanted to try them for a long time. This is one of the very first things I colored with the Copics. I really love the fact that I can color and blend with a marker and there are no lines and the paper doesn’t tear!!! WAHOO!!! Now, I’m still VERY new at the whole blending thing, so please be kind. I did manage to blend two colors to match the Cameo Coral color in the Spring Flowers DSP.

STAMPS: Walk This Way (Ret.) & Really Retro (Ret.) INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, Basic Brown, RV23 & RV42 PAPER: Georgia-Pacific cardstock, Barely Banana, Mellow Moss & Spring Flowers DSP (Ret.), Inkssentials white gel pen, paper piercing tool & mat, Standard Circles Large & Scalloped Nestabilities, Twill Tape, Moss Gingham ribbon (Ret.), Word Window Punch, Neutral & Subtles buttons (Ret.), Pretty in Pink brad, Prima Ivory paper flower (dyed) & embroidery floss

Thank you for stopping by! Until next time…

Some Berry Blissful Projects

2010-02-01T20:10:00.001-07:00

HURRAY!!! I managed to finish another batch of projects from my unfinished projects basket. I’m sure you’re thinking that basket must be almost empty by now, but no…I’ve got tons more. I have no idea how I got so behind on so many projects over the years, but it does feel great to complete some. The projects below are from a Berry Bliss DSP class I held a few years ago when the paper was first introduced. These were part of an extra packet I made so that I can demonstrate certain aspects of the projects. Unfortunately, when I would do that, I would often not finish the sample demo items.

As you can see, there’s a mini metal mailbox (purchased from Target), eight Love Notes w/envelopes & a journal made from chipboard coasters, notebook paper and my Bind-It-All.

STAMPS: One of a Kind & Boho Backgrounds INK: Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate & Craft White PAPER: Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip & Berry Bliss DSP (Ret.) OTHER: On Board Accents (Ret.); Boho Blossoms, Scallop Circle, 1-3/8” Circle, 1-1/4” Circle, 1/2” Circle, 1-1/4” Square, Rectangle Hand-held (Ret.), Word Window & Large Oval Punches; Silver Duo Micro Beads; Square Metal Edge Tags (Ret.); Paper Crimper; Fire Circle Rhinestones; Silver Mini Brads; Chocolate Chip Taffeta, Pretty in Pink Grosgrain, Purely Pomegranate Double-Stitched (Ret.) & Light Pink Gingham (Ret.) ribbons; Paper Piercer & Tag Types Tile Stickers by Stickos

I hope you don’t mind me sharing retired stuff with you at times. When I created this blog, it was to help motivate and inspire me to get these projects finished. I also have so tons of current stuff too and love playing with it as well. I only have so much time and it’s so hard to decide what to get out and play with! :)

Until next time…

Unfinished Project Pile

2010-01-30T18:35:00.001-07:00

I was fortunate to find a moment to finish up a few projects from a team stamping event from a few years ago. I had to make a couple of small changes on each, but they are pretty close to the original design.

STAMPS: Petal Prints (Ret.), Expressive Flexible Phrases (Ret.) & Be Happy (Ret.) INK: Basic Black & Ruby Red (Craft) PAPER: Whisper White, More Mustard Textured & Autumn Vine DSP (Ret.) OTHER: On Board Journal, Daisies #2 Bigz Sizzix die, Aluminum Circle Tag & Mustard brad, 1¼” Circle & Tag punches, Mustard & Black Grosgrain, Black Gingham & Black Organdy ribbons, & elastic band

STAMPS: Doodle This (Ret.), Linen Background & Dot, Dot, Dot INK: Basic Black & So Saffron Marker PAPER: Basic Black, So Saffron, Garden Green & Confetti White OTHER: 1/16” Hole punch, Versamarker, Clear EP, Black Gingham Ribbon & Gingham brad (HOTP)

It’s hard to see, but the front of the box was dry embossed with the Bodacious Bouquet Class Brass Stencil. The flowers were stamped in Bashful Blue and the edges rolled in Close to Cocoa. Using a sponge, the ribbon was run along the Bashful Blue pad to dye it. And lastly, the photo corners were made by first punching small square with the ¼” Square punch, then center the 3/4” Square punch around it. Cut the square on the diagonal and you have your own photo corners!

STAMPS: Bodacious Bouquet (Ret.), All Through the Year (Ret.), Expressive Flexible Phrases (Ret.) INK: Bashful Blue , Close to Cocoa & Basic Brown Journaler PAPER: Confetti White & Close to Cocoa OTHER: Confetti Bloomin Boxes & Tags (Ret.); Bodacious Bouquet Brass Stencil; Silver Duo Beads; Crystal Effects; Caramel Gingham ribbon (dyed with Bashful Blue); 1/4” Square & 3/4” Square punches (to make photo corners); uni-ball Signo White Gel pen; Earth Elements & Neutrals buttons (Ret.); Paper Piercing tool & Mat Template; & Self-Adhesive Rhinestones (Icons by MAMBI)

I had so much fun finishing up these projects, especially the Mini Album Photo Box. Even hubby and the girls liked it. I think I’ll keep my Unfinished Projects basket out for a while and see if I’m inspired to finish something else.

Until next time…

Celebrating Winter

2010-01-27T18:06:00.001-07:00

I wanted to make some Winter cards before it warms up here, which should be any week now. ;) Winter cards separate from Christmas, that is. I guess I believe there’s a distinction between the two. But then again, Spring is often associated with Easter and Autumn with Thanksgiving, so who am I to argue! :)

Although it’s hard to see the glitter on this card, it’s quite sparkly in person.

STAMPS: Branch Out INK: Chocolate Chip & Bashful Blue PAPER: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango (Ret.), Bashful Blue, Whisper White & Frosty Day DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Earth Elements Brads, Ticket Corner & Small Oval punches, Versamark, Heat & Stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Chit Chat Rub-Ons & flocked mitten brads by The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby)

STAMPS: Animal Crackers INK: Basic Brown, Bashful Blue, Going Gray, Pumpkin Pie Marker & More Mustard Marker PAPER: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango (Ret.), Whisper White & Frosty Day DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Clear Buttons, Crystal Effects, Chocolate Chip Felt Stitched Ribbon (Ret.), Large Oval punch, Large Oval Scallop punch (Marvy Uchida), Layer Ease (Ret.), AquaPainter, craft embroidery floss

STAMPS: So Many Scallops INK: Chocolate Chip & Tangerine Tango (Ret.) PAPER: Chocolate Chip, Tangerine Tango (Ret.), Bashful Blue, Whisper White & Frosty Day DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Soft Subtles Brads, Ticket Corner, Scallop Circle, 1-3/8” Circle, 1-1/4” Circle & Large Oval punches, snowflake punches (EK Success), flocked mitten brads by The Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby), small brown brad (CTMH), large flocked brad by The Paper Studio

STAMPS: So Many Scallops & Season by Season (Ret.) INK: Chocolate Chip & Old Olive Marker & Bashful Blue Marker PAPER: Tangerine Tango (Ret.), Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White & Frosty Day DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Scallop Circle, Scallop Border 1-3/8” Circle & 1-1/4” Circle punches, Tangerine Tango Double-line Grosgrain ribbon (Ret.), snowflake ribbon (unk.), flat-back adhesive pearls (CTMH)

I hope you enjoyed my Winter cards. Have a great day! Until next time…

Spring Song

2010-01-25T08:52:00.001-07:00

I did get to make a birthday card for my step-mom last night. It took much longer than I intended. I have this love-hate relationship with StazOn and watercolor paper. Don’t get me wrong, I love to watercolor, however, I can never seem to stamp the image right the first, second or 5th time. It’s either too light or too dark and fuzzy on the watercolor paper…VERY frustrating! So, after many attempts and several pieces of expensive paper later, I finally got an even image I could live with.

STAMPS: Spring Song & Friend to Friend (Ret.) INK: StazOn Jet Black, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze (Ret.), Pretty in Pink, Garden Green & Going Gray PAPER: Baja Breeze (Ret.), Chocolate Chip, Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP (Ret.) & Watercolor Paper OTHER: Baja Breeze Striped Grosgrain ribbon (Ret.), Baja Breeze (Ret.) & Chocolate Chip Corduroy Buttons, Aqua Painter, Nestabilities Classic Scallop & Large Square dies & White Wildflowers Pillar Pack by Prima Flowers (actually off-white in color)

I may have mentioned before that I have the best step-mom anyone could ask for on the planet! She’s been a real blessing in all of our lives and is ALWAYS there for us. She likes hummingbirds, so hopefully she’ll like this card. I designed it to coordinate with the little bookmark set I made her for Christmas.

Well, it’s Monday and time to for me to get to work. Got lots to do today! It’s hard for me to squeeze in any stamping time during the week, but I’d like to make some winter cards before we get up to 70º. Yes, I know it’s only January, but it’s Arizona and 70º+ will be here sooner than anyone wants. I personally enjoy the winters…just wish they would last longer than a month! :)

Stay warm! Until next time…

It Was A Doozy!

2010-01-24T16:40:00.001-07:00

We survived the “Storm of the Decade” here without event. We’ve got the Queen Creek Wash that runs right behind our house and with all the rain that fell in this state this week and especially Thursday night, it still was only a third full by Friday mid-day and has already begun quickly receding (thank goodness). (The Wash starts in Superior, about a hundred miles east, in much higher elevation.) I guess there was even an extremely rare tornado that touched down in North Scottsdale that damaged several collector’s cars and blew the huge auction event tent onto the freeway. YIKES! That would be scary, for sure! However, I don’t think there were many people on the freeway, at that point. Rain is rare here, so it’s newsworthy when it falls and we got LOTS of it this week, no doubt. We also had record-breaking wind speeds. Both causing major damage and one fatality. I’m a native…and this was probably the worse storm I’ve ever seen here. I feel terrible for those negatively effected by the storm, especially for the family who lost their little boy. It’s an extremely sad situation and my prayers go out to them.

After that, there’s no tactful way to segue into a different subject, so please forgive me. Much less eventful is the cold I’m surviving. Although still a little stuffy, I’m feeling better, good enough to make a quick card today.

STAMPS: Whimsical Words (SAB) INK: Really Red PAPER: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla and Sending Love Specialty DSP OTHER: Frame Heart Die by Sizzix, Real Red Corduroy Buttons, Micro Hole Punch, Large Oval Punch, Real Red Brad & Paper Flowers

I think I’m heading back to the couch and my great-grandma’s afghan now. I do need to make a birthday card for my step-mom. I’ve already got the idea in my head, so I’m hoping to get to it later tonight. I’ll be sure to share that with you tomorrow. I also want to send a card to the family mentioned above, but for obvious reasons, won’t be sharing that one. If I can find an appropriate address to send it to, I’ll will share that, however.

Stay safe and warm! Peace to you!

Until next time…

All You Need is Love…

2010-01-21T18:36:00.001-07:00

We don’t get much rain here in Arizona, but this week has been amazing. It’s been raining all week and today we’ve been under “severe weather warnings” all over the state. It’s supposed to rain up to 6” in the next 24 hours and winds expected to reach up to 65 mph. The wind is blowing so hard right now, our windows are vibrating.

So, it’s cold and rainy and hubby has been home sick ALL WEEK with the flu and I think I’m now coming down with something too…a perfect day to stamp a little. Here’s what I made today:

STAMPS: I {Heart} Hearts, Very Vintage Jumbo Wheel & Cute Converse (Ret.) INK: Basic Black PAPER: Basic Black & Whisper White OTHER: Scallop Corner & Small Oval punches, Filigree Flower Brads, Black Brads (Doodlebug), Silver Hodgepodge Hardware & Paper Border Tape (OTC)

Well, I think I’m going to get dinner started, then get some rest. Until next time…

Flourish & Flowers

2010-01-21T01:27:00.001-07:00

I’ve got TONS of project ideas floating around in my head at any given time. If I don’t get them out and down on paper or create them right away...*POOF!*…they’re gone forever! Have you ever dreamt of project ideas? Well, I have and it’s no fun when you wake up and can’t remember it, but you do remember it as being the best idea you’ve ever had. ;)

This certainly isn’t my best idea, but it is similar to an idea for a project I’ve had since I got this die on sale at JoAnn’s a few months ago. And since my Sending Love Specialty DSP was still out from yesterday, there was no time like the present.

STAMPS: Upsy Daisy (greeting) INK: Real Red & Pretty in Pink PAPER: Real Red, Chocolate Chip Very Vanilla & Sending Love Specialty DSP OTHER: Modern Label & Word Window Punches; “Flourish” Bigz Die by Sizzix; White Wildflowers Pillar Pack by Prima Flowers (actually off-white in color); and, Pretty in Pink, Real Red & Chocolate Chip Sending Love Epoxy Brads

I’m not sure why, but I have a heck of a time taking pictures with items that are either red or blue. I can’t seem to find just the right settings on my camera or even in the photo editing software. So I apologize if this looks a little “pink”.

Thank you for looking! Until next time…

I {Heart} Hearts

2010-01-20T01:26:00.001-07:00

How ‘bout a current set for a change? I admit, I love hearts. I also love stars, flowers and roosters too, but let’s just stay focused on hearts for now. When there were rumors that Stampin’ Up! was coming out with clear mounted sets, I think I almost fell out of my chair. Then I learned they were still rubber stamps. Okay…that’s a little more believable. I missed having an all hearts sets, so when I saw this one in the mini catalog, I knew I’d have to give the unmounted set a try.

I borrowed the layout below from Gretchen Barron. I don’t have a link to the original card, but it was a snowflake card.

STAMPS: I {Heart} Hearts & Whimsical Words INK: Real Red & Pretty in Pink PAPER: Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla & Sending Love Specialty DSP OTHER: Perfect Polka Dots Sizzix Textured Impressions Folder; Scallop Trim Corner & Scallop Trim Border punches, Small Heart, Full Heart & Heart to Heart punches & Curly Label Punch; Layer Ease (Ret.); Wide Real Red Grosgrain ribbon; half pearl from Pretties kit; and, heart-shaped flat back pearls (unk.)

I can’t wait to make lots more cards with this paper and stamp set! Thank you for dropping in. Until next time…

It’s A Boy!

2010-01-17T21:03:00.001-07:00

Not mine…the next door neighbors! They had a beautiful baby boy on December 23rd. We got to watch their adorable two year old boy when Daddy went to pick up Mommy and Baby Brother from the hospital and we’ve taken them a few meals since. Today, we dropped off a couple of presents along with our double stroller (after hubby cleaned it up, of course). I had given it to a friend a few years ago and she had recently given it back to us since she didn’t need it anymore. I wasn’t expecting it back, so it was really nice to be able to pass it along to someone who really needed it.

I had fun picking out a couple of baby boy outfits at the store (sooo stinkin’ cute…I should have taken a picture of them), something I get to do VERY rarely and made this card for them too:

STAMPS: So Many Scallops (Ret.), Congrats (Ret.) & Halloween Backgrounds (Ret.) INK: Bashful Blue, Apricot Appeal, Certainly Celery & Soft Suede PAPER: Soft Suede, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, textured green (unk.) & “Shine” by Crate Paper, Inc. scrapbook paper OTHER: Soft Suede Polka-Dot Grosgrain Ribbon; Aluminum White Circle Metal Edge Tags; 1-3/4” Circle, Large & Small Star Punches; and, “Animal Crackers” Velvet Brads by Making Memories

I know it’s very popular to stamp inside the card these days:

This is the card I made for big brother, along with a gift of his own. He’s the cutest 2 year old boy and LOVES Thomas the Train. He was very excited about his card and even tried to take it apart! YIKES!!! Mom said it might be better to hang it on the ‘frig instead of disassembling it, but once I give a card away whatever happens…happens. I think that’s why stampers have such a hard time parting with their little works of art; we’re just not sure what’s going to happen to it. :)

STAMPS: Trains Mini (Ret.), Simple Serif Alphabet & Numbers (Ret.) & Everyday Flexible Phrases (Ret.) INK: StazOn Jet Black & Basic Black PAPER: Blue Bayou IC (Ret.), Real Red, Wild Wasabi IC (Ret.), Watercolor Paper & Tinkerin’ B&T Paper (CTMH) OTHER: Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Small & Large Oval Punches, Real Red Button (Ret.), “A Rhonna Christmas” Bag of Buttons by Autumn Leaves & embroidery floss

I was so happy to get this old retired train set out. I’ve had it for a couple of years now and hadn’t even used it yet.

For a mom with two very girly girls, it was fun (and odd) to make some boy cards for a change. I hope I did alright.

Thank you for visiting! Until next time…

Miranda’s Birthday Card

2010-01-10T20:27:00.001-07:00

Miranda’s 10th birthday was on Tuesday. Her actual party, girl friends and all, was last night. We hosted a “Movie Premier” themed birthday party, complete with an “open snack bar” of regular movie fare: hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, licorice, gummy bears and lemonade. We had a red carpet runner in the living room, streamers above and balloons everywhere. As each girl arrived, all of the other girls would stand by the red carpet and cheer and clap as they came in and I would snap a picture with the red-eye flash on so the flash would blink a few times. The girls loved the attention. Miranda chose the animated movie, “Bolt”, about a movie star dog who goes on journey. It was soooo much fun, but at the end of the night , Larry and I were exhausted. Hosting a party with 15 screaming tweens was a little crazy.

Below is Miranda’s birthday card. As you can see, I had a little fun with the rhinestones. I wanted her 10th birthday card to be very girly and “sparkly”, just like her. The pic at the bottom is the inside of the card. It doesn’t matter how much extra time I take or what tool I use, I can NEVER seem to get the inside quotes straight! GRR…no ruler, no grid sheet, no Stamp-A-Ma-Jig, no eyeballing it…nothing works! My cards are notoriously known for crooked inside greetings. :) So, this time, I stamped some balloons on the inside next to the quote to (hopefully) distract the eye.

STAMPS: Birthday Whimsy (Ret.), So Many Sayings (Ret.) & God’s Blessings INK: Regal Rose, Old Olive & So Saffron Pads & Markers PAPER: Regal Rose, So Saffron, Old Olive, Whisper White & Georgia Peach DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Scallop Circle, Scallop Edge, Modern Label & Word Window Punches; Classic Scalloped Rectangles Small (Spellbinders Nestabilities), Paper Piercing Tool, 5/8” So Saffron Grosgrain Ribbon (Ret.), Yellow Glitter (Doodlebug), Self-Adhesive Rhinestones (Icons by MAMBI)

Well, that’s all for today! Thank you for visiting! Until next time…

I was “brad” yesterday…

2010-01-03T13:42:00.001-07:00

I needed to get out yesterday and get some “retail therapy”. Hobby Lobby has all of their Christmas items/decorations on sale for 80% off. I picked up several gift wrapping things we ran short of and also bought a “skinny” Christmas tree. Our tree is beautiful, but too wide at the bottom and takes up quite a bit of space—something we’re short of in our living room.

They also had their Paper Studio brand embellishments on sale for 50% off. So, I thought I’d share with you what I bought. As you can see, I went a little brad crazy! It will take me a lifetime to use these all up, but now I have to stamp! At least that’s what I’ll tell hubby: “Honey, I have to stamp, I need to use up all this stuff I have.” Yah…that’ll go over real well.

Aren’t these beautiful?! I can’t wait to play! However, it will have to keep. The girls start back to school this week, which also means keeping up with their schedules and activities, as well catching up in the store. We’ve been closed since December 18th, so I have LOTS of orders to ship this week and new items to upload.

Hope to post some creations very soon. Until next time…

More Organizing Ideas

2009-12-31T13:06:00.001-07:00

I’m not sure how much I should share with you today. You see, I can get a little manic organizing, which often happens when I’m upset or worrying about something (which is often as I’m a “worrier”). Instead of the usual relaxation techniques or even stamping to relax me, I will start organizing. But usually just in my office, not the rest of my home. My office is a more “controlled space”, where it’s just me in here (I don’t even like hubby watching TV in here, drives me nuts). With my house, well there are 3 other people in it and they can potentially undo my “work”.

I try to use what I have on hand to organize. I love finding new uses for things (I believe there is a real word for that). As I’ve said before, I’m not a tree hugger or a recycling nut, I just like to use what’s around, must be the old Girl Scout in me, “using my resources wisely” or maybe I’m just cheap.

A couple of years ago, Stampin’ Up! was selling these CD tins, 3 in a pack for $9.99. I bought a few packs thinking I would use them for a class or for card holders. When I started buying Nestabilities, I wasn’t sure how to store them. My friend Diana showed me this idea. I thought it was GREAT! I had some business card magnets leftover and used those to hold the dies in. The pictures of the shapes are from the original packaging.

I know Sizzix sells some storage boxes specifically for their dies, but for my Sizzix stuff, again I pulled out some tins I bought from SU! They were originally designed for their punch/stamp sets. Guess SU! over-ordered because when we were touring their distribution center during Convention a few years ago, they had dozens of giant boxes (I mean HUMONGOUS!!!) filled with thousands of these tins. They were offering them for something like $3.95 ea., so naturally I had to have a few.

This specific tin is used for my Texturz plates/pads. As you can see, I have cut the pics out from the original packaging to identify what’s in there.

For my Bigz dies, again with pictures identifying what’s in the tin.

This tin used to be a Hodgepodge Hardware tin and is now used to store my Sizzlets dies. I used a large sticker sheet to cover the lid of the tin as it had logo stuff on top.

I’m sure you recognize the case below holding my 6”x6” DSP sheets (offered as Hostess benefits). It’s the marker case. I lay my markers out flat right above me (as seen in my previous post). My youngest daughter, Olivia, made me the pipe cleaner flowers and put them in my little paper/card holder. I thought it was so cute I had to display it. She has since added some blue flowers to compliment the orange. ADORABLE!!!

Certainly not an original idea, but I used some canning jars to store my ribbon scraps. Of course, I had to decorate them with some DSP and ribbon first.

Below is a cardstock swatch I made for myself after being inspired by the one given to me by Denise, my CTMH consultant. SU! does not make or provide these for their demonstrators (maybe at a Convention ONCE), so I had to make my own (including In Colors too). It was a lot of work to make, but I take it with me everywhere. I will be offering these in the Store starting in the New Year!

Okay, here’s the (with a snobby French accent) piece de resistance and my “Stamping Bible”. Now that I have retired sets and non-SU! sets among my current SU! sets, I needed to keep track of them all. I created this binder so that I could have a sort of inventory. The binder is a clear, inexpensive binder from Staples.

The front sheet has a list of DSP (Designer Series Paper) with their coordinating colors (the In Colors are what’s highlighted on the page).

The next few pages have pics of all the DSP I have. I use these pictures in my Store when selling the packs of paper, so I thought why not print pics of the one I have and put it in my binder! It really helps when designing a project.

This pic below shows the tabs I created in my binder for the types of stamps sets (Alphabets, Greetings, Punch Sets, Stamp Sets, Background, Acrylics/Non-SU! sets, Singles and In Color charts). I made the divider pages with used manila folders and loose self-adhesive index tabs.

And this is where the “crazy” comes in. In one night, I made copies of ALL the stamp sets I own. I wrote the set names next to their picture and wrote an “R” next to it if it was retired.

I also included all of the In Color Combination charts by SU! as I still have most of my In Colors (except the first year’s).

Yes, this book took about 3 days to put together (I must have been especially anxious about something), but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I update it when a new set is added to my collection and I take it with me almost everywhere along with my cardstock swatch.

Well, I hope you enjoyed some of my insanity and maybe got an idea or two. I wish you all a wonderful and safe Happy New Year!

Happiness, peace and prosperity in 2010!!! Until next time…

My Office/Stamp Room

2009-12-30T11:57:00.001-07:00

Why is it that stampers are always so fascinated by other stampers’ stamp rooms? When “The Rubber Stamper” was in publication, one of the first sections in the magazine I would always turn to first is “A Stamping Place”. Even on Splitcoast, I LOVE looking at others’ Stamping Spaces. The messy ones are the best…you should check ‘em out! :)

After 12 years of stamping, my stamping space has evolved from 2 Iris carts (seen below) in the dining room to a small, but adequate 10’ x 10’ room. When we moved in this house, I took the smallest room as my office. I knew it would be a tight spot, so I planned carefully. Cupboard space above was important. After all, not only do I stamp in here, I work in here too and needed space for my business as well. I found a software program on IKEA’s website where you could input your office dimensions and by using their office furniture lines, you could plot where your door/windows are and where your furniture would go. I spent several days working on it, but their software made it so easy. Once I was finished, all I did was submit the list of furniture used and they ordered and delivered it. It’s a bit pricey, however, I would definitely recommend it. Now, it’s all “assembly required” furniture, so that took a couple of days as well. But once I got that finished, the rest was cake (or unpacking, really). It does help to have a handy husband too. Oh…and I painted the room a calming “Bashful Blue”. 4½ years later, I still love the color.

Here are pics of my office:

I had my punches mounted on the wall for a few years, but after seeing this idea and needing the wall space, I now have them in this over-the-door shoe rack. This one I got at Wal-mart. I think it was $7.

This is just to the right of my door. I have my eyelets mounted on a magnet strip (with magnet squares adhered to the bottom). The little shelf I got at Michael’s to hold my flowers, Flower Soft, glitter, ribbon scraps and other embellishments. The cupboards to the right of that are kitchen cupboards without the doors. I have my 12x12 cardstock in Craft Keepers and some of my 12x12 DSPs in Paper Holders sans Dividers. I use the Stamp & Supply Boxes with Dividers from SU! to hold my wheels & jumbo ink cartridges and found some plastic dividers at Joann's to hold my regular size ink cartridges. The Stamp & Supply Boxes are no longer available as a catalog item, but I’m sure you could ask your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator to order them for you as a supply item. If they won’t, I have a demonstrator who will.

Directly below that, I store my embellishments in Stampin’ Stacks. Although they are no longer available from SU!, you can still get them from New Phase under Stow N Go’s. A great company with lots of great organizing/storage/crafting products.

See those two Iris carts under the table? That’s where it all started. I remember thinking that’s all the space I would ever need. HA! The basket under the desk contains many unfinished projects. Obviously, this is where I stamp. The desk behind me is where I work. My hubby thinks it’s funny that stampers give themselves such a small place to stamp…he’s right.

Just to the right of that, I have more DSP in Paper Holders. The Forget-Me-Not Keeper is FULL of unfinished projects as well as all of the cello bags to the right of the Paper Holders…UGH! I will get those finished someday…I promise!

Just below that is where I store my 8½x11 cardstock. I have tried several paper storage systems, but this one has worked the best. Within the same folder for each color, I keep the full sheets in the back of the Pendaflex folder and the scraps in the front. Works great for me!

To the right of that, I have some wheels and small ribbon spools on a thread spool holder I bought at Wal-mart for around $5.

My sweet hubby made this pegboard for me years ago. I found these ribbon holders from an online store that sells scrapbook store display racks. These are originally for sticker rolls, but I used wooden dowels instead of the metal bar to hold the ribbon spools.

I know…it’s a mess. But, it’s tidier than usual. This is where I work. Can you see this picture on my monitor?

Under the TV is where I store other 12x12 scrapbook paper for the Store. My hubby and I had to modify the drawer and folders to hold the paper. Boy…that was a fun day. There’s no way I was going to show you inside my closet. Let’s just say I still need to go through it, but it’s full of stuff waiting to be stamped and put to use. Also, there’s my little photo cube where I take most of my pics for the store and blog.

I store all of my stamp sets in this bookshelf I bought from Wal-mart for about $49. You can buy extra shelves at Home Depot. Be sure to measure them first as they carry different sizes. I used white file folder labels on the inside of the boxes to highlight the stamp name. Just makes it easier to see it and also put red dot stickers on all of my retired sets. That little blue basket on the second from the bottom shelf contains my clear stamps.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the pictures of my office. It’s not much, but it’s all mine and it’s my favorite place in my home. After taking these pics, I realize I need to vacuum…badly. But first, I have some invoices to send and packages to ship. Always something to do…

I have some other little storage solutions I will share with you next time. Then you can really get an idea of how nuts I can be.

Until then…

Gifts from A Friend

2009-12-28T19:26:00.001-07:00

Several weeks ago, my CTMH Consultant, Denise, came over and spoiled me rotten. She brought over TONS of fun stuff; a card kit with stamp set, cardstock sampler, Background & Texture Papers Samplers, and some self-adhesive flat-back pearls. I had so much fun stamping and visiting with her. She’s such a thoughtful person and I was so excited to play with the Everyday Celebrations stamp set/card kit.

I thought I’d share with you all of my goodies. These aren’t the best pictures, but I hope you get the idea. I made sure that I finished making all of the cards that night.

Here is a better picture of the actual promotion originally held in August 2009:

I was impressed to learn that CTMH provides their consultants with pre-cut paper samplers, not only for their cardstock (3” x 3” pieces), but also for their Background & Texture Papers (in 6” x 6” pieces). The pearls are a promotional item for customers who purchase a certain amount from the catalog. These are also provided by CTMH for their consultants to purchase in bulk to give out to those customers who meet the purchase requirement.

Below is everything taken out of the bags on their loose-leaf rings (also provided by CTMH for their consultants). Their B&T Papers are absolutely gorgeous! I sat down and compared CTMH’s colors with SU!’s colors. I’ll be sure to share my results soon.

Well, I hope you enjoyed the projects. I should mention that the card kit came with detailed instructions to make the cards, but also came with some scrapbook page samples too.

Until next time…

Handmade Christmas Gifts

2009-12-27T19:48:00.001-07:00

For the past several years, I’ve made handmade gifts for my extended family’s Christmas Eve gathering. We’ve been going to my grandma’s house since I can remember. It’s been a family tradition for decades and I look forward to going every year. There’s always a HUGE spread of family favorite appetizers, spirits and wonderful company. Miranda and Olivia had a great time and did a wonderful job handing out gifts. Here’s a pic of Santa’s Helpers.

I found some scented, unmarked alter/prayer candles at Wal-Mart and created a wrap to go around them, using dies and punches. The candles originally had a painted gold band and wording around the top and bottom that I had to scrape off with a razor blade.

Larry, the girls and I baked several of my favorite homemade cookies (frosted sugar cookies, chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, Cherry Winks & Sandies). We found the little tubs and coordinating treat bags at Dollar Tree. Here’s a close-up shot of the band…sorry it’s a little blurry. I’m still getting used to my new camera.

PAPER: Whisper White, Shimmer White, Baja Breeze (Ret.), Ski Slope DSP (Ret.), Glitter Cardstock (DCWV) OTHER: Snowflakes Set #2 (Sizzix), Snowflake Punches (EK Success), clear rhinestone brads, Gems In a Jar, pearl brad, adhesive-backed pearls (CTMH)

I also made the gift set below for my awesome step-mom. She has always been there for us. She is a great source of strength and sound advise. I’ve always said that if I were ever on “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire”, she would be my life line. She’s the kind of person who wants for very little. The only thing she asked for was a bookmark made with this specific quote. I couldn’t just make her one bookmark, so I decided to add a few other items to make a gift set. There’s an extra bookmark, a checkbook cover with coordinating RSVP pen and a notebook.

PAPER: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Scallop, 1-3/8” & 1¼” circle punches, small corner rounder punch, White Daisy Variety Pack Paper Flowers (CTMH), Basic Brad Assortment (CTMH), Shades of Chocolate Mini-Medley Accents Collection (CTMH) & Baja Breeze Corduroy Brads (Ret.)

These were so much fun to make and I don’t think it took longer than 30 minutes. I’ve had the clear checkbook and bookmark covers, jumbo paper clips and notepads for a really long time. It was nice to finally use some.

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas holiday! Until next time…

Dashing through the Holidays

2009-12-22T13:17:00.001-07:00

This year, I knew I didn’t want to make 40+ of the same cards for Christmas. I’m kind of done with swaps (the baskets of thousands of cardfronts of swaps long past still sit in my bedroom). So, I thought I would make 5 or 6 each of several different styles of cards, using up my Dashing DSP scraps. I had TONS of Dashing pieces and not one whole 12x12 sheet! I just started sorting the pieces by design and size and went from there.

So, here are my Christmas cards for this year. I hope you enjoy them!

STAMPS: A Flower for All Seasons & So Many Sayings (Ret.) INK: Old Olive, Really Rust, Really Red & Going Gray PAPER: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Old Olive, Watercolor Paper, Dashing DSP (Ret.) & Silver Glitter cardstock (DCWV) OTHER: Stampin’ Up! Backgrounds I* (Sizzix Texturz Plates), Nestabilities Standard Scallop & Large Square dies, Stampin’ Up! Little Leaves die (Sizzix), Poinsettia Die (Sizzix), Scallop Edge Border Punch, Modern Label punch, Word Window Punch, Silver Eyelets, push pin (for holes in border), Aqua Painter & Self Adhesive Rhinestones (Icons by MAMBI)

STAMPS: Heard from the Heart INK: Basic Black & Basic Black Stampin’ Write Journaler PAPER: Real Red, Summer Sun, Mellow Moss & Dashing DSP OTHER: Real Red Eyelets (Ret.); Real Red, Mellow Moss & Vanilla buttons (Ret.); Stampin’ Up! Little Leaves die (Sizzix) & Poinsettia Die (Sizzix); Nestabilities Labels 1 die, Sizzix Texturz Plates Kit #17, sponging & embroidery floss

My dear friend Diana shows how to create this beautiful quilting technique on her blog.

STAMPS: Holiday Sampler (Ret.) INK: Real Red, Old Olive & Basic Black PAPER: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Old Olive & Dashing DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Scallop Circle, 1-3/8” & 1¼” Circle & Small Oval, ¼” Circle (Ret.) & Photo Corner punches, Twill Tape, Real Red Grosgrain ribbon & Antique Copper Hodgepodge Hardware (Ret.), Sizzix Texturz Plates Kit #17

STAMPS: Peaceful Wishes (Ret.) & Circle of Friendship (Ret.) INK: Real Red Old Olive, Mellow Moss & Vanilla Craft PAPER: Real Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla & Dashing DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Winter White EP (Ret.); Scallop Edge, 1” Circle & ½” Circle, Ticket Corner punches; Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon; Gold Mini Brads; push pins (for holes); silver bottle caps; Nestabilities Large Oval & Standard Scallop dies

STAMPS: So Many Sayings INK: Old Olive PAPER: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Old Olive, Summer Sun & Dashing DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Stampin’ Up! Little Leaves die (Sizzix), Poinsettia Die (Sizzix), Nestabilities Large Circle & Standard Scallop dies, Real Red Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, Scallop Dot Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Modern Label punch, Word Window Punch & Gems In a Jar

I used a pair of wire cutters to snip off the pointed end of the hat pin.

STAMPS: Tags So Much INK: Old Olive & Real Red Markers PAPER: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Old Olive & Dashing DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Stampin’ Up! Little Leaves die (Sizzix); Poinsettia Die (Sizzix); Stampin’ Up! Backgrounds I* (Sizzix Texturz Plates); Nestabilities Large Circle die; Real Red Gingham Ribbon (sponged with a little Creamy Caramel to tone down the white); Round Tab, Large & Small Tag punches, Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware, Antique Brass eyelet (Ret.) & sewing machine

STAMPS: So Many Sayings INK: Old Olive PAPER: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Old Olive, Summer Sun & Dashing DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Stampin’ Up! Backgrounds I* (Sizzix Texturz Plates), Stampin’ Up! Little Leaves die (Sizzix), Poinsettia Die (Sizzix), Scallop Edge Border Punch, Modern Label punch, Word Window Punch, Silver Eyelets, push pin (for holes in border), Bauble Drops (sold by bandid210 - excellent seller, great product)

*A little trick I read about to get deeper creases in your cardstock when using the Texturz Plates is to spritz a little water on the cardstock just before running it through your Big Shot. It really makes a HUGE difference. I just use those Mini Mister bottles by Ranger (3 in a pack) and keep one filled with water at all times. Oh…don’t forget to label it “water”, you don’t want to spritz bleach or stamp cleaner on it! :) I’ve also heard that you can use rubbing alcohol to spritz as well and then your paper won’t curl.

BTW, I still have TONS of Dashing scraps left. But at least I made a good dent in them this year.

I wish you all a most blessed, happy and safe Christmas!…The Holy Night is Near!!!

Until next time…

New Blog Tool!

2009-12-19T23:23:00.001-07:00

Have you ever visited someone’s blog wanting to find something in particular and the categories (or labels) don’t help? Well Blogger recently came out with a search tool! HURRAY! I installed the tool on the right at the top. I hope it comes in handy for you someday.

Here’s a card I made a few weeks ago with a recently “recovered” stamp set. I missed this birdhouse set so much and I’m so happy I found it again.

STAMPS: For the Birds (SU! – Ret.) & In My Thoughts (SU! – Ret.) INK: Jet Black StazOn, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze (Ret.), Creamy Caramel, Going Gray PAPER: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Watercolor Paper & Parisian Breeze Specialty DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Chocolate Chip Polytwill (Ret.), Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware, Baja Breeze Corduroy Buttons & White Daisy Variety Pack (CTMH), Colonial White Bitty Brad (CTMH)

Until next time…

So Grateful

2009-12-19T12:01:00.001-07:00

Below is a card I made last month. Not sure where I found the time, but I’m pretty sure it was on a Sunday after church when I was feeling motivated (to stamp, not work or do laundry). I hadn’t even touched my Branch Out set yet, so I thought it was a perfect set to break in for the occasion and season.

STAMPS: Branch Out (SU!), Simple Stitches (CTMH) & Cute Converse (Ret., SU!) INK: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, More Mustard, Garden Green & Bashful Blue (sponging for sky) PAPER: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, River Rock (Ret.) & Apple Cider DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Chocolate Chip Poly-twill Ribbon (Ret.), Antique Brass Hodgepodge Hardware (Ret.), Cutter Kit Edge Distresser, sponging

When it comes to stamping, I’m so behind the times…by like 3, maybe 4 years! Up until this year, I had hardly stamped at all for such a long time. So, many of the sets, papers and accessories I’m using are now retired. But, it really doesn’t matter to me. Many of them are timeless, outside the Stampin’ Up! world that is. I’m “so grateful” that I don’t have to worry about that stuff anymore. It’s amazing how much I parted with just because it was retired. I stamped so little that I didn’t even had a chance to use most of it. But now, it’s a whole different mindset. Over the past year, I have recovered most of the sets that I LOVED, but sold over the many years as a demonstrator. They are back and my collection of crafting supplies is almost complete! HURRAY! I can actually say that for now, I am totally content with what I have and can’t imagine needing/wanting anything else. Well, that is until the Occasions Mini comes out January 5th. I’ve seen it…OY VAY! I think I need to make some more space in my office! :)

I’d better git! I have SO much to do today. As usual I’m flying by the seat of my pants trying to get caught up on Christmas decorating, wrapping, baking, etc. Oh…and don’t forget “Mt. St. Laundry” too! EEK!

Until next time…

Catching Up (Story of My Life)

2009-12-19T02:14:00.003-07:00

Yes...it's been a while. I hadn't realized how long until just tonight. I won't bore you with all of the details, but life has been pretty hectic since the girls started school this year. Keeping up with them, their school, their activities, the store, the house and everything else that's been tossed our way, well let's just say I've been flying by the seat of my pants and doing a bang-up job of it (and not in a good way)! :)

I have lots to share with you over the next few weeks, so I'll try to break them down into smaller bites. I made the card below for my hubby for our 15th wedding anniversary in October. At this point in our marriage and our lives, I was hoping we'd be celebrating it on a tropical island swaying in our hammocks from the warm sweet, dewy breeze in the air sipping on those frosty drinks with the umbrellas hanging out the top. Well, not this year!

This year we had to tone it down just a bit, so we went out to dinner at the Native New Yorker...they have the BEST chicken wings. I had a "buy one dinner, get one free" coupon. When we got there I put an umbrella in mine and hubby's lemon water and he was a little embarrassed, but a good sport. I told him to pretend we were at the beach. The manager came by and asked how our dinner was, asked about our umbrellas and told him it was our anniversary. He comped us dessert! We took it to go as we had a date at the movies. I had free passes for that too! We saw "Couples Retreat". Why not see a movie with other couples on a tropical island since we couldn't be there in person! LOL Actually, it was a perfect movie for the evening and we had a good laugh or two or ten. I think Vince Vaughn usually talks too much in his movies, but I don’t mind…he has perfect lips. Have you ever noticed?

Well, here's the card. I just LOVE those little mice!

STAMPS: Cup of Stuff (The Greeting Farm, formerly Pink Poison) & So Many Sayings (Stampin' Up! - RET.)

INK: StazOn Jet Black; Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel & Old Olive Watercolor Crayons; & Going Gray & Tangerine Tango (RET.) ink pads.

PAPER: Tangerine Tango RET., Chocolate Chip, Watercolor Paper & Hawaii Papaya DSP (Ret.)

OTHER: Nestabililities Large Circle & Scallop dies; Tangerine Tango Striped Grosgrain Ribbon; Large Oval and Word Window Punches; Paper Flowers (unk.); and cream brads (CTMH)

I wanted to share with you what I did with that So Many Saying Set. It was a hostess set a couple of years ago. I really loved that the sayings fit perfectly in the Word Window Punch and didn’t want to part with it. It was originally designed to mount on 3 blocks, but I knew I wouldn’t use it mounted like that, so, I remounted it!

I got a ½” x 1” wood stick from Home Depot and had hubby cut the wood in 2¼” pieces. I’ve used this set since then too! (you’ll see later)

Oh...I’ve started reading the Harry Potter books in tandem with my oldest daughter (9). I know I'm about 10 years late on the series, but we all LOVE watching the DVD's as a family all of the time (we even bought “The Half Blood Prince” the weekend it came out…oh so good!), so Miranda and I wanted to start reading the books...and yes, they’re even better than the movies! I only get to read a few pages a night before I doze off, so it does take me a while to get through a book. That’s okay, I’m really not ready for the series to end anyway.

Have a wonderful weekend! Until next time…

A Class from the Past

2009-09-04T21:53:00.001-07:00

These projects are from a stamp class that I was unable to attend many, many moons ago at Marlene’s. I had the packet of materials for the projects and I was able to get pictures of 3 of the 4 projects so that I could at least try to recreate them on my own. However, it has been so long since the class that by the time I sat down to make these this past weekend, I no longer owned any of the stamp sets originally used! So, I was really on my own! *Ü*

Regardless, I had a great time putting these projects together. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I did making them.

No Stamps or Ink on this 5” x 5” On Board Art Journal! PAPER: Shimmery White, Tempting Turquoise & Old Olive (Stems) cardstock, So Saffron & Petals & Paisley DSP (Ret.) OTHER: On Board Blossoms & Basics (Ret.); Soft Subtles (Ret.) (Pretty in Pink), Fresh Favorites I (Tempting Turquoise), Fresh Favorites II (So Saffron) buttons; Tempting Turquoise, Rose (Ret.), Apricot Appeal Grosgrain Ribbons & Black Gingham Ribbon; & Spiral Punch

STAMPS: Rustic Rooster (Ret.) & Party Punch (Ret.) INK: Old Olive, Basic Grey, Basic Black, Rose Red, So Saffron & StazOn Ink Pads PAPER: Basic Black, Old Olive, So Saffron, Shimmery White & Rose Red DSP (Ret.), OTHER: Bouquet Buttons (Ret.), Old Olive Polytwill (Ret.), Ticket Corner & Round Tab Punches, Vintage (Black) Brads, Sponging & AquaPainter

STAMPS: Decorative Dot Background (Ret.), Warmest Regards (Ret.), Lazy Daisies (Penny Black) INK: So Saffron, StazOn Ink Pads PAPER: So Saffron, Shimmery White, Old Olive & So Saffron DSP OTHER: Ivory Wide Organdy Ribbon (Ret.), Gold Cord (Ret.), Ticket Corner Punch, Watercolor Crayons, AquaPainter & Butterfly Charm (unknown)

STAMPS: Stitched Background INK: Basic Black PAPER: Basic Black, Shimmery White, Pretty in Pink OTHER: Chit Chat Rub-Ons, Seasonal Sayings Rub-Ons (Ret.), Black & Pink (Ret.) Gingham Ribbons, Doily Lace Edge Border Punch (Martha Stewart) & Gems in A Jar

Thank you for visiting! Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend, everyone! Until next time…

Razzleberry Mushrooms

2009-09-03T09:45:00.013-07:00

When I saw this stamp set, Whooo Loves You by CTMH, I fell in love with the owls and mushrooms. I was immediately reminded of the pictures my mom painted of the cute little mushrooms on wood plaques in the 1970's (now, I wish she would have kept one of them). My mom is VERY talented and creative. As far back as I can remember, she's always been very crafty (in the artistic sense). She was always sewing, painting, making dolls, creating floral arrangements, gardening or doing home decor projects. She got me crafting too when I was very young. In fact, before I was introduced to the stamping world, I did all kinds of other crafts (some still unfinished).

So, this card is a tribute to that time, with a twist of contemporary.

STAMPS: Whooo Loves You (CTMH) INK: Melon Mambo, Crushed Curry, Rich Razzleberry, Certainly Celery PAPER: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry, Razzleberry Lemonade DSP OTHER: Scallop Border Punch, Sizzix Scallop Circle #2 die, Coluzzle , Square Fire Rhinestone Brads, Rose Grosgrain (Ret.) Dazzling Diamonds Glitter & Doodlebug Glitters (yellow & pink colors)

I hope you enjoyed this card. Thank you for visiting! Until next time...

Modified Love Note

2009-09-02T14:30:00.014-07:00

Hello Friends! Here's another little project I finished this weekend. I had several of these pre-cut pieces left over from a long ago event. The original card is the one on the left. The main color is supposed be Apricot Appeal, but for some reason the picture turned out more yellowish. The main image from the love note on the left is from a now retired set, Figures of Speech, which I no longer own. So...I had to modify. I substituted with Boho Backgrounds and think it turned out pretty cute. Just by changing the stamp set and adding the flat-back pearl and white satin ribbon, it created a totally different look, even with using the same paper pieces! Then, I took it a step further and added the little white dots in the flower centers with the white gel pen to bring the whites together.

STAMPS: Boho Backgrounds INK: Ruby Red & Apricot Appeal PAPER: Apricot Appeal, Ruby Red & Whisper White OTHER: Scallop, 1-3/8", 1¼" & 1" Circle Punches, Flat-Back Pearl (from Pretties Kit), White Gel Pen & White Satin Ribbon (Martha Stewart-see below)

Oh...and the white satin ribbon? Well, that came from that Martha Stewart Daisy Garland pack that I showed you a few posts back. I used my new Pebbles Inc. ribbon iron to straighten the ribbon. I love, love, love it! It is one of my new favorite tools! If you don't have THIS ribbon iron yet, be sure to put it on your hubby/boyfriend/SO wish list. I bought mine at Hobby Lobby ($16.99) with their 40% off coupon. As you may know, I'm a self-professed "accessories junkie" and this accessory is a must-have. I highly recommend it!

Well, that's it for now. Until next time...

A Simply Sent Wish

2009-09-01T09:25:00.022-07:00

I got some stamping done this past weekend and made more progress in my basket of unfinished projects! HURRAY!!! You wouldn't believe how much "bits & pieces" I have accumulated over the years. As I finish projects here and there, I'm listing them for sale in the store. I may pull a few to send to friends and family, but I have so many cards (hundreds), I just don't know that many people and can't keep "hoarding" them! :) Speaking of hoarding, I watched that show "Hoarders" on A&E last night for the first time. Have you ever seen it? OMG!!! I thought I had a lot of stuff! I felt so bad for these ladies on the show. They couldn't even part with their trash and both were about to be evicted. It was so sad. Thank goodness my mom is just the opposite. She's a tosser! The less stuff in her house, the better. I can't agree more. My motto these days is: "SIMPLIFY". I'm not as good about it as my mom is, BUT, I do have a method to my madness: If I can't sell it on eBay or give it to a friend (depending on what it is, of course), then I will donate it. But it can't sit around for too long. However, I'm also working on getting ready for a garage sale in the Fall...ugh! I absolutely hate having them, but we could use the cash and Larry and my mom said they will manage it if I will get the stuff together. So, as I go through and clean out each room, a nice little pile of stuff is accumulating in the garage just begging for a new home. And, what doesn't sell, we'll donate. It will be wonderful when that stuff is gone.

Okay, sorry about that tangent...back to my cards. These two cards below were originally part of a now retired Simply Sent card kit. They were a little plain, so I tried to "dress them up" a bit.

On this card below, I added a couple more layers, one being some Rose Red DSP. It really needed something else, so I also added the flower in the bottom corner with a Build-A-Brad in the center. I LOVE Stampin' Up!'s Build-A-Brads! They can really add that "pop" to a card and if you don't have any accessories in a particular color scheme (like me with most of the In Colors), you can always punch some DSP in a coordinating color and create your own accessory. For the center of the brad, I used an "adhesive cardstock die-cut" (they won't call them stickers) from a Build-A-Flower Accents & Elements tin we received at a SU! convention a couple years ago.

STAMPS: A Wish for You (Ret.) & Warmest Regards (Ret.) INK: Rose Red, Tempting Turquoise & Certainly Celery PAPER: Rose Red, Confetti White, Certainly Celery, Tempting Turquoise & Rose Red DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Tempting Turquoise & Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbons, Horizontal Punch (Ret.), Daisy Punch (Ret.), Antique Brass Build-A-Brad & Build-A-Flower Accents & Elements

This card desparately needed a little something extra, so I removed the back of the card, cut it down a bit and slapped it on a back layer of Tempting Turquoise, added some faux stitching and a button. Not sure if you can tell in the picture (these pics didn't come out well), but I also added some glitter to the candle flames.

STAMPS: A Wish for You (Ret.)INK: Tempting Turquoise & Certainly Celery pads & Tempting Turquoise Marker PAPER: Confetti White, Certainly Celery & Tempting Turquoise OTHER: Tempting Turquoise & Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbons, button from Fresh Favorites I, & Paper Piercing Tool, Mat & Template

Well, that's all for today! Thank you for stopping by! Until next time...

All On Board!

2009-08-23T21:57:00.017-07:00

I pulled out some more card guts from my unfinished projects pile and modified this card from its original version (CASE'd from another artist) by adding the chipboard flower, the border punch and some texture stamping & sponging. I didn't have the original card anymore, so I had to recreate this from memory.

STAMPS: All Through the Year (Ret.) & Lovely Labels (Ret.) INK: Chocolate Chip, More Mustard (Classic & Craft) & Old Olive PAPER: More Mustard, Chocolate Chip & Whisper White OTHER: On Board Chipboard Blossoms & Basics (Ret.), 5/8" Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Clear Embossing Powder, Sponging, Martha Stewart Scallop Dot Border Punch

Here's a little closeup of the flower. Notice that I did the "rock 'n roll" technique on the edge of the "Thank You" stamp.

Thank you for visiting! Until next time...

Die-Cut Daisies

2009-08-20T16:18:00.010-07:00

I'm sure you have probably guessed by now that I love flower cards. Can't get enough of 'em! I probably have a dozen flower card ideas in my head at any given time. I wanted to play with my Big Shot a little. I haven't used it much and I'm still learning. I have all these different kinds of pads and no clue what they are all used for. At least the dies themselves are not too hard to figure out. It's just a good thing there are pictures on the multipurpose platform or I'd be lost.

Here's a little card I made using the Daisy Flower Sizzlit. It was one of the first dies I bought when SU! first offered the BS. This was a fun and quick 5¼" x 5¼" card.

STAMPS: Simply Said INK: Real Red PAPER: Whisper White Textured cardstock, Real Red & Prints Pack DSP (Ret.) OTHER: White Eyelets (Ret.), Real Red Buttons (Ret.), Red Gingham Ribbon (Ret.), Large Oval Punch & Scallop Oval Punch

Thank you for visiting! Until next time...

Masculine Birthday Card

2009-08-19T20:24:00.020-07:00

I’ve loved this set from the moment I saw it in the Stampin' Up! 2008 Occasions Mini Catalog. There’s that one stamp with the puppy laying on a work boot…SOOO STINKIN' CUTE!!! Anyway, I know I’ve said it before, but I'm gonna say it again; it is so much fun stamping without having to worry anymore about whether a stamp or accessory is retired. Almost everything I used to make this card is retired and just about everything I own is retired now. It's still beautiful stuff and why not use what you have, right? Anyway, I really enjoyed making this card. BUTT KISS ALERT: I have to give a shout out to my dear friend, Diana (watercolor guru), for showing me just how much fun watercoloring can be. Had it not been for her, I'd still be intimated by it. I'm certainly no expert (or even in the same solar system) but I'm not afraid to try either. Besides, the Watercolor Crayons and AquaPainter make it practically goof-proof!

STAMPS: For Father (Ret.) & Circle of Friendship (Ret.) INK: StazOn Jet Black PAPER: Ruby Red, Blue Bayou (Ret.), Soft Sky (Ret.), Old Olive, Watercolor Paper & Western Sky DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Watercolor Crayons, Aqua Painter, Bottle Cap, 1" Circle punch, ½" Circle Punch (Ret.), Crystal Effects & Old Olive Poly-Twill Ribbon (Ret.)

Here's a close-up of the bottle cap. I put a few drops of Crystal Effects on the inside of the cap, layered the circle punched pieces on top with a small drop, then filled the inside with Crystal Effects. Now, it's been a while since I've used Crystal Effects and I forgot to lightly "tap" the bottle tip on my blotter sheet to force the air bubbles away from the tip, so this would be a good example of what not to do. :) It still dried crystal clear, which was a surprise considering how much CE there was in the cap.

STORE PLUG: We carry both gold and silver-backed flattened bottle caps in my store as well as a gold & silver combination. They are already crushed/flattened and a lot of fun! I can't wait to play with these some more!

Well, I hope you enjoyed the card. Thank you for stopping by! Until next time...

Life in Black & White…

2009-08-18T09:13:00.001-07:00

If life could only be that simple! I don't know what it is about black & white, but it is probably my favorite color combination. It's clean, simple, elegant and can be used for just about any occasion.

You may recall (a few posts ago) that I bought some black & white satin ribbon from Jo-Ann's. Well, I finally sat down last Sunday and made this card. I've had it stuck in my head for a long time now. I am so happy that I was finally able to "extract" it and make room for some other stuff up there...it's getting crowded. :)

No Stamping on this card!

PAPER: Basic Black Textured Cardstock (SU!), Whisper White (SU!) & MAMBI Paper

OTHER: Mini Black Brads (SU!), Bazzill Wings Really Big Brads (25mm), Jazz Urban Era Ribbon from KI Memories, Oval Punch (SU!), Urban West Rub-Ons (SU!, Ret.), SU! Backgrounds I Texturz Plate

Also, I finally found a black & white scrapbook paper pack worth buying! I was at Michael’s last weekend enjoying some quiet time and after poking around for an about an hour, I came across this Me & My Big Ideas 12x12 Black & White Scrapbook Paper Pack. There are 24 sheets, 6 designs, 4 sheets each design. They are single-sided sheets and the price was just right (around $5, PLUS I had a store credit)!

This paper is perfect for cardmaking. What I mean is that the pattern is “tight” enough to be on a card and still be pleasing to the eye.

Here is a close-up of the card so that you can see the embossing from the Texturz plate on the white cardstock. Also, note the detail in the flower. You would not believe where I got this flower! It was in a daisy garland by Martha Stewart! It comes with 2 size flowers (this is the larger one) strung on 4 yards of white satin ribbon. They have a soft yellow textured center. I just peeled it off and put this brad on it! The hole was already there. You will definitely see these flowers again!

Sometimes you have to look at something with “different eyes”. When I saw this garland, I noticed right away these flowers would be great on cards! I don’t have any more of these in the store, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find them around. Here is a picture of the packaging.

Well, that’s it for today! I hope you had fun! Until next time…

Time Flies...

2009-08-14T21:29:00.017-07:00

I logged on to my blog yesterday and was shocked to see that I hadn't posted since April. I guess I've been busier than I thought. What have I been up to, you ask? I can sum it up in one word...WORKING! I spent the whole Summer working crazy hours, uploading thousands of items to the store. It was nuts! I'm really glad that school started a couple of weeks ago, so that I HAVE TO get back to a regular routine. I am such a night owl by nature and without a reason to get up in the morning, I would work 'till 3-4:00 a.m., sleep for 4-5 hours, then get up and start all over again. The girls and I managed to have some fun, though. We had a lot of play dates and met my friend Dale and her kids at the movies every week for Harkin's Summer Movie Program. Larry took them to the community pool a lot, we got to visit with out-of-town family a couple of times and celebrated my grandma's 89th birthday.

We only went camping once this Summer, but we had a such a wonderful time! We went at the very beginning of Summer and spent a WHOLE WEEK in the woods in our little pop-up trailer. We went to our all-time favorite spot, Knoll's Lake, which is at the top of the Mogollon Rim. We had the BEST fishing of our lives! The Game & Fish Dept. had stocked the lake just before we got there, so they were practically jumping out of the lake! We came home with so many fish, there was no way we could eat them all. We ended up giving fish to neighbors when we got home. We also read, played games, watched movies, went on nature walks and took naps. We had some friends come up for a few days which was really nice. And, of course, I stamped! I took a HUGE bucket of stamping supplies, just about everything I could think of. It was so heavy Larry could hardly carry it to the trailer. The girls and I had a great time stamping! Can you believe I took so many sets with me? What was I thinking?

Well, I could keep showing you pictures of our camping trip, but I’m sure you’d rather see some of what I made. I got to play with some clear stamps again, specifically from CTMH. I’m still not quite sure about these acrylics, but I keep trying.

STAMPS: Whooo Loves You (CTMH)

INK: Martha Stewart Glue Pad

PAPER: Chocolate Chip, Pretty In Pink, Old Olive, Whisper White & Holiday Happenings DSP

OTHER: Chocolate Chip 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon, Flower Designer Brads, Chit Chat Rub-Ons, 1/4” hole punch, Rhinestone Brads, Doodlebug Glitter

STAMPS: Whooo Loves You (CTMH) & Owl Together Now (SU!)

INK: Pacific Point

PAPER: Bashful Blue, Pacific Point, Old Olive, Close to Cocoa, Whisper White & Good Morning Sunshine DSP

OTHER: Chocolate Chip 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon, Large Grommets, Little Leaves Sizzlits Dies & White Gel Pen

STAMPS: Whooo Loves You (CTMH)

INK: Pacific Point & Old Olive

PAPER: Old Olive, Summer Sun, Chocolate Chip & Good Morning Sunshine DSP

OTHER: Old Olive 5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon, Chocolate Chip Poly-Twill, Chit Chat Rub-ons, Scallop Punch, 1-1/4” Circle Punch & Dew Drops

Well, I hope you enjoyed these samples and I will be back very soon! PROMISE! Until next time...

Love Notes Say it all!

2009-04-26T18:36:00.001-07:00

I finished these samples a while ago, but am now just getting around to sharing. Besides, I thought it was time I got back to that basket of unfinished projects and specifically that bag of unfinished cards from a World Card Making day event from a couple years ago. I just love these little Love Note-sized cards (3” x 3”). Many smaller images really lend themselves to the smaller size and can make a BIG impression.

These little Christmas cards are very similar to their original design. I only added the ribbon and these adorable mint candy buttons.

STAMPS: Fun & Fast Notes & Background Basics (RET.) INK: Basic Black, Wild Wasabi (RET.) & Yoyo Yellow PAPER: Wild Wasabi (RET.), Rose Red, Whisper White OTHER: Watercolor Pencils, AquaPainter, Red Gingham Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Mint Candy Button

I added the Metal Edge Tag, Old Olive Button and stamped the bats for the background on these Halloween Love Notes. I have TONS of stamping supplies and it’s so much fun to get them out and use them! When I was a demonstrator, I mostly stamped for swaps and since most of the embellishments didn’t come in the quantities large enough for swaps, I didn’t get them out much. Now…I try to use everything I have on ONE card alone! :)

STAMPS: Batty for You & Halloween Backgrounds (RET). INK: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie Marker & Old Olive Marker PAPER: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Whisper White, Creepy Crawly DSP (RET.) OTHER: Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Earth Elements Buttons (RET.) Scallop Circle Punch, Round Metal Edge Tags, Small Googley (sp?) Eyes

These two cards I made from two leftover pieces from the Christmas ones above, some scrap DSP and pieces from some retired Accents & Elements tins. No stamps or ink and they turned out great. I used petals from an A&E flower for the leaves.

PAPER: Wild Wasabi (RET.) & Apple Cider DSP (RET.) OTHER: Borders & Blossoms and Build-A-Flower Accents & Elements (RET.), Antique Brass Build-A-Brads, Love & Happiness Rub-Ons (RET.), Swirl Paper Clips

Lastly, the bag on the left was the original project. We stuck a Love Note on a mini bag and some ribbons on the handle…VOILA!…a gift bag. Since I no longer own the main stamp set for the flower image, I modified the card (right) using what I did have.

STAMPS: Pocket Silhouettes, Flight of the Butterfly & Thank You Kindly INK: Regal Rose & Certainly Celery Markers, Apricot Appeal & Basic Black PAPER: Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose & Whisper White OTHER: Scallop Punch, 1/16” Handheld Hole punch, Certainly Celery & Pretty in Pink Grosgrain Ribbons.

One thing I wanted to share is that the standard size SU! card (4¼” x 5½”) is PERFECT for covering these mini bags (in the same size). Just cut the card on the fold line and attach the front part of the card to the front of the bag and the back part of the card to the back and you instantly have a decorated gift bag! This is a great way to use those retired samples (if you’re a demonstrator)! You can find these bags at Michaels & JoAnns. JoAnn's offers them in 5-pack bundles for much less than Michaels.

Well, that’s all! Happy Sunday! Until next time…

Retail Therapy: Tan Ribbons

2009-04-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

On Sunday afternoon, I dropped Miranda off at a friend’s birthday party and had a choice of going home to clean for two hours or go browse around Michael’s for a while. Well, I don’t have to tell you which one I chose! As I was casually browsing the aisles, I saw these ribbons stuffed on the back of a shelf, obviously in the wrong spot. Not only were they clearanced, but I got to use my 40% off coupon too! I got these $10 ribbons for $3.60…WAHOO!!! It goes very well with Sahara Sand and the striped one in the middle goes great with Creamy Caramel. I can’t wait to use them!

Until next time…

Retail Therapy: The Best Kind of Therapy

2009-04-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Oh dear…how I LOVE to shop! As I slowly walk up and down every aisle (and I mean every), I can really relax as all my worries and troubles seem to disappear. My eyes are so busy taking everything in, it’s hard to think about anything else. I should clarify here: I love to shop in craft stores and it really is like therapy for me. I don’t even have to buy anything, I just love to look at everything, from jewelry making to cake decorating and everything in between, but especially the stamping and scrapbooking aisle. Occasionally, I will find something that really catches my eye and if I have a coupon or it’s on sale, it’s mine! I try not to buy much these days, so when I do, I’m so excited! I almost don’t want to open it or use it!

Because I’m so sooooooo slow, I like to go alone, but I also enjoy the company of a good friend too. I’m not a clothes or shoes junkie, but I am a self-admitted “Accessories Junkie”! Every time Stampin’ Up! introduces a new catalog, many start from the front and work their way back. Well, not me! I go straight to the Accessories Section to see what fun new things are in there. Then, after I’ve looked through the Accessories section a few times, I look at the new stamps sets.

For several years, I’ve been BEGGING Stampin’ Up to introduce a black & white line of papers, ribbons, brads, etc. and every year I’m so bummed. Why won’t they listen to me?!?!?! Now that I don’t have to worry about whether or not it’s in the catalog, I’ve been looking for some black & white goodies. Below, are my latest finds:

I found the jumbo brads on the left from www.addictedtoscrapbooking.com. They were having a super one-day sale last month and I couldn’t resist (I also purchased my Memento pad from there too). The smaller ones on the right I found at Michaels.

I found this ribbon stack at JoAnns last week. It is KI Memories Jazz Sashes from their Urban Era Collection. There were some other accessories to coordinate with them, but I just wanted the ribbons. I thought these were great and not traditional looking either…very eclectic and different.

Now, instead of looking at them, I need to use them on something…hopefully soon!

Well, that’s all for now. Until next time…

It’s A Jungle Out There!

2009-04-20T00:09:00.001-07:00

This is the final card from my camping trip and my first attempt at using clear stamps…EVER!!! It took me about 3 hours and 3 attempts to make this card. I’m just not very familiar with Non-SU! stuff, so there’s a learning curve. Before I even owned any clear stamps, I talked to Diana about what kind of ink to buy and paper to use because I had heard that Basic Black, StazOn and Whisper White wouldn’t work well with clear stamps and that the ink would “bleed”.

So, I used a Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad and used some Georgia-Pacific white cardstock (you can get a whole ream at Walmart for cheap). It took me a while to get the feel for the paper and I also complicated my project by masking part of the monkey stamp (I hadn’t done that in a while either).

I’m sure you can’t tell by this picture, but the clouds and bird are cut out and embellished with Crystal Effects as well as the coconuts in the tree and the monkey’s tan spots.

STAMPS: Mindy’s Zoo by Autumn Leaves INK: Tuxedo Black Memento Ink & Watercolor Crayons PAPER: Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, GP White cardstock & Petal Patch DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Aqua Painter, Crystal Effects, Wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain, Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Chit Chat Rub-Ons & Nestabilities Large Square & Scallop

All in all, I think it turned out quite cute and I can’t wait to make another card with this set!

It Really Was A Happy Easter!

2009-04-19T01:11:00.001-07:00

My Aunt Vicki & Uncle Gene hosted Easter at their home in Humboldt, AZ. It’s about 1½ hours north of Phoenix and about a 2½ hour drive for us. We had a delicious lunch, the girls got to ride Gene’s horse, Skipper, and even the Easter Bunny came to hide his candy-filled eggs. The weather was beautiful, the sky was clear and the company, very enjoyable. Here’s a picture of the girls in their Easter dresses and below that, with Skipper & Gene:

Aren’t those girls just the sweetest?! They are getting so big, too fast! Every time I look at them, it makes my heart swell. They really are the sweetest kids. They’ve got me tightly wrapped around their sweet, little fingers. They picked out their own dresses, shoes and even the hair accessories. Since both dresses were sleeveless, I had to get them some sweaters and these were perfect!

As you can see, the girls had so much fun riding that horse! Gene let them ride separately, then together.

Below, I’ve included some more pictures of cards I made on our camping trip. These were fun and the first time I made a long card, which seemed perfect with this particular stamp:

STAMP: Bunny Friends (Penny Black), Spring Gifts (SU!, Ret.) INK: StazOn & Watercolor Crayons PAPER: Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Shimmery Paper & Banbury DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Aqua Painter, Scallop Edge, Boho Blossoms & Designer Label punches, Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, Silver Brads & Chocolate Chip Taffeta Ribbon

STAMP: Bunny Friends (Penny Black) INK: StazOn & Watercolor Crayons PAPER: Chocolate Chip & Watercolor Paper, Spring Flower DSP (Ret.) OTHER: Aqua Painter, Large Square Nestabilities, Sizzix Tween Texture Plates, Seasonal Sayings Rub-Ons (Ret.) & Wild Saffron Adhesive Paper Ribbon by K&Company

Coming Up for Air!

2009-04-19T00:02:00.003-07:00

Hello friends! I’ve been waiting to share these samples with you since our camping trip I wrote about in my last post. I couldn’t decide what to bring and wasn’t sure what I wanted to make, so I ended up taking this HUGE storage bucket with us. I thought Larry was going to be totally annoyed with me for bringing so much stamping stuff on our family camping trip. But, he was really quite nice about it and thought it was a little funny, that is until he had to lift it into the trailer.

Well, I had sooooooooo much fun stamping! It was the FIRST time I used stamps that were Non-SU! ( I know…shame on me). Can you keep a secret? I can’t tell you how liberating it has been since I quit SU! Don’t get me wrong, I love Stampin’ Up, but now that I can use anything I want without feeling guilty, a whole new world of stamping has been revealed to me. I even bought some CTMH stamps recently (they really have some super cute stuff now) and NEVER thought that would happen.

Anyway, I have decided that after Stampin’ Up!, I really love a lot of Penny Black’s line, especially the animals. They are really cute! Here are a couple of the first Non-SU! cards I’ve made in 9 years. Enjoy!

STAMPS: Jump for Joy!, (Penny Black) INK: StazOn, Watercolor Crayons PAPER: Certainly Celery, Watercolor Paper & Banbury DSP OTHER: Aqua Painters, Nestabilities Small Rectangle, Pretties Kit flowers, Certainly Celery Grosgrain, Chit Chat Rub-Ons, yellow baby buttons

It took me nearly an hour to dye that darn flower! All I had was Watercolor Crayons. After several attempts, I finally achieved the color I wanted.

STAMPS: Jump for Joy!, (Penny Black) INK: StazOn, Watercolor Crayons PAPER: Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Watercolor Paper & Banbury DSP OTHER: Aqua Painters, Nestabilities Large Oval, Certainly Celery Grosgrain, Clear Buttons & Barely Banana Brads

Where has the time gone?

2009-03-29T20:31:00.011-07:00

Hello Friends! I never meant to be away this long. A lot has happened over the past month; in addition to our usual financial struggles (like everyone else in the country), we had to put our family cat, Lucky, of 18 ½ years down right after my last post; we had a family crisis that shook our foundation (it's a doozy); we took the girls on a camping trip over Spring break (we really needed the break); my daughter and I had a birthday (with party planning involved); and, we had to put our family dog, Amber, of 11 ½ years down last week. It has been an exhausting and sad month, especially for our pets! As far as the "family crisis" is concerned, I can't go into details, but I will just say that it will not be over for a while as we process all of what has happened and deal with it over time. However, God continues to bless our family in so many ways and I'm very thankful I have a fantastic husband who has been my rock through all this. It is very comforting to know he's doing everything he can to take care of us. I try my best to do the same for him, but I'm sure I fall short at times.

I'm just not into "drama"...at all. I don't go looking for it and I don't create it and I don't deal with it very well. I have even tried to separate myself from those who do or at least spend as little time as possible around them. After turning 40 last year, I realized how important it was to surround myself with positive, encouraging friends and family. I just want a normal, quiet life for myself and my family where we each can be happy and live our lives being a better person than we were the day before. Yet reality doesn't work that way! Drama is out there just waiting for you to accidentally leave the door open so that it can invite itself into your life. So, here we are just doing the best we can and yet I know God will get us through it.

Amazingly with all that, somehow I have managed to get some stamping done, mostly while we were camping. I love to stamp when we camp! It's so peaceful and I can really unwind. There's no computer, people, errands, business, housework or phones. All of my troubles seem to melt away. I will be sure to share my creations with you in the next day or two. I spent last week trying to get caught up on the store from when we were camping and now I need to spend a couple days trying to catch up with last week...ugh!

I just wanted to check in and let you know I'm still here! I hope you have had a much better month than us!

Until next time,
Cindy

WANTED: A Little Stamping Time

2009-02-28T01:45:00.001-07:00

It’s been almost a week since my last post. I’ve been sick with a sinus infection. A really bad one too. I was a little freaked out because that’s how my bronchitis got started when I got sick almost 4 years ago (my ears haven’t been the same since). It was the sickest I’d ever been and it was the week we were closing on this house. Imagine moving into your new house sick as a dog with two PODS to empty and a whole house to unpack. Man, it sucked! So, I went to the doctor Wednesday and got those really good take-only-one-pill-a-day antibiotics and I’m finally just starting to feel better. I also had some internet and Outlook problems (really complicated ones too). I have no idea how I fixed them. Sometimes my “computer non-skills” amaze me. Just close my eyes, pray and start pressing buttons! And somehow with all that, I still managed to get 49 orders shipped this week and got started working on my next WCMD Zip lock Bag O’ Card Guts (read below for further explanation). YEAH FOR ME! It’s those small miracles you have to celebrate…right?

After getting my orders to the post office today, and picking up yet another prescription (for cough medicine, this time), I came home ready to keep working on my next set of cards. It was so nice to sit and stamp for a while. Having to contemplate what accessory or embellishment to use is a nice problem to have compared to the usual real-life stuff. I didn’t plan on making 5 different cards, but I had some Outlaw DSP pieces I wanted to use up and I just couldn’t make up my mind on which card I liked best.

So, here’s the first one I came up with and I’m not that crazy about it. I’m glad I kept trying.

Thank goodness for Splitcoast, otherwise, I’d have no clue what to do next. I really liked coloring the medallion (for lack of a better word) in different colors on the card below. It’s very striking IRL.

I like this one. The birthday greeting is from Older & Wiser (Spring-Summer 2008). I really wanted to use some twill on these as well as the Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware (what I have left of it anyway).

The medallion on this card is 7 layers high, but it’s really pretty. I CASE’d this idea. I wish I could give credit to the appropriate person, but it’s been saved on my computer for a while now.

I landed on this card to finish the last 3 packets. I really like the aged look of it.

Well, that’s it for today. I hope to finish our taxes this weekend and keep working on “Mt. St. Laundry” and get started on that next zip lock bag. FUN! FUN! FUN! I hope you have a great weekend!

(FOR ALL CARDS) STAMPS: Wanted, It’s Your Birthday (RET.), On Your Birthday, Older & Wiser (RET.) & Sanded Background INK: Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Really Rust, Sage Shadow, & More Mustard PAPER: Creamy Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla, Sage Shadow & Outlaw DSP OTHER: Aged Copper Hodgepodge Hardware, Twill, Cutter Kit, Photo Corners, Ticket Corner, Scallop Circle, Small & Large Ovals, Star, 1-3/8” Circle, 1-1/4” Circle, 1” Circle punches.

Polka-Dot Posies

2009-02-22T02:26:00.016-07:00

I've been sick the past few days and today I felt especially yucky...sore throat, headache, major sinus pressure...just blah. :( I decided to take a day off from the Store and do a little housework and some laundry today in spite of how I felt. I need to get started on my taxes too, but thought I'd hold off until tomorrow (or next week). I decided to see what was on top of my Unfinished Projects pile and sitting there was a stuffed gallon zip lock bag. In it, are several other quart-size bags filled with pre-cut card guts from a World Cardmaking Day event held 2007, I think. So, I took a bag out and got to work. I decided to use a different set from the original design and added some extra layers and embellishments. I love this Polka-Dot Posies set and I've been waiting a very long time to use it. I’m not a big fan of Rose Red, but I think it came out quite cute. I still have 7 more of these to make!

I have so many awesome retired sets & accessories that have been waiting around for years to be dusted off and used. I’m so excited to finally get to use them!

STAMPS: Polka-Dot Posies (RET.) & Warmest Regards (RET.) INK: Rose Red & Chocolate Chip PAPER: Rose Red, Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla & Rose Red DSP (RET.) OTHER: Clear Buttons, Chocolate Chip Twill (RET.), Regals Brads, Boho Blossoms Punch & Dimensionals.

Here We Go!

2009-02-20T17:00:00.007-07:00

As if I don't already have enough on my plate, I thought I'd start a blog. Not because I have anything interesting to say, mind you, but mostly because I desperately need an outlet and a reason to stamp. You see...I've been so busy over the past year starting my own business that I've hardly had any stamping time. In fact, I could probably count on ONE hand how many times I've actually stamped in that time (I know...the HORROR!). However, I love stamping and think about it all of the time. I own a small online scrapbooking and stamping store, NC's Scrap N Stamp Boutique, so at least I get to "handle" the stuff, but it's just not the same as actually getting to "play" with it.

Recently, I was talking with a friend of mine, Diana, who started her blog a year ago. She said that one of the reasons she started her blog (which is awesome, btw) was to have fun stamping again and sharing it with others. That comment has stuck with me since then. I love working on the Store, but for my sanity, I NEED TO STAMP!

So, if you're anything like me, you too love to stamp, you dabble in scrapbooking, and are an avid "collector" of all things papercrafting. You totally understand what it is to wish you could carve out the time, dust off your supplies and just get started! For me, there's just one problem: my "unfinished projects pile" is so huge, I don't even know where to begin, so I thought I'd start at the top of the pile and work my way down and share with you what I've made along the way.

I have no idea if anyone will even visit this blog! But if you're here...WELCOME!!! Who knows...maybe in the process I can inspire someone else to forego sleep, a clean house or tackling Mt. St. Laundry if that means they will spend just a little time doing something they love too.

Here we go! Happy stamping,
Cindy